This reporter from Hoopsworld.com got the Celtics to pick awards for their own teammates (MVP, Most Improved, etc. etc.) Cool that the guys answered these questions. Pretty funny. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> TEAM MVP The Celtics learned just how valuable Paul Pierce was when they suffered an 18-game losing streak during his 24-game foot injury. Pierce wasn’t the only player, though, to prove his worth. Ryan Gomes: “Paul has come back and shown great leadership and great effort after his injury, missing 20 some odd games … He’s always going to be the most valuable player on this team. He demands so much attention and that helps our games in such a big way.” Gerald Green: “Paul, for sure. PP, P2, he should be named team MVP. We need him the most out of everybody.” Allan Ray: “Paul comes out and gives it the same thing every night on a consistent basis. [He] always puts us in the position to win games.” Kendrick Perkins: “Al Jefferson. He was averaging 15 [points] and 11 [rebounds]. What else can I say?” MOST IMPROVED In a season of fallen veterans, a group of young leaders emerged. Tony Allen elevated his game in Paul Pierce’s absence, and Al Jefferson took control of the paint when the team was shorthanded. Delonte West: “Al Jefferson’s play speaks for itself. Last year, he dealt with the ankle injury and getting into NBA shape. He had a breakthrough year this year and answered a lot of questions for speculators. He’s going to be a great player in this league.” Kendrick Perkins: “TA (Tony Allen) [was most improved] before he got hurt. He was off the chain, as far as balling. He was coming out and getting 20 [points] every game when he was starting. On a five game winning streak, he was a defensive stopper. He was doing his thing.” Rajon Rondo: "Al (Jefferson), because he's a known double-double guy now. Not that he wasn't skilled last year, but his numbers have improved a lot." Ryan Gomes: “Al Jefferson's made a name for himself not just in the Eastern Conference, but around the entire NBA. He put a lot of work in over the summer ... and it showed out there on the court.” Al Jefferson: “I'd have to say Tony Allen before he got hurt. He had got back into his groove and started playing like he did his rookie year before he hurt his knee the first time.”</div> http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_21835.shtml
