<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">WALTHAM -- Somewhere on couches across America, the Celtics players sit comfortably watching the playoffs. They should enjoy the lazy days of the offseason before summer workouts start and executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge hands down the new team code of conduct. More than any talent or strategic shortcomings, Ainge and coach Doc Rivers thought the Celtics' immaturity and inability to deal with adversity resulted in a first-round loss to the Pacers. With the pain of a third-quarter, Game 7 collapse still lingering and memories of the Antoine Walker suspension and the shirt-twirling Paul Pierce exit from Conseco Fieldhouse still fresh, Ainge vowed to "have higher expectations for day-in and day-out behavior." Ainge tried to soften the sound of his new disciplinary edict by commenting it would not be like a "military camp." But that may fall upon the deaf ears of Boston veterans accustomed to going about their business with a sense of entitlement and their own set of rules.</div> Source
If there was one thing that bugged me about this team all year is that they talked way too much at the officials. The smack talk didn't bother me as much, because I think thats just part of the game and I also believe that a guy like Ricky Davis uses it to make himself motivated. However, the talking to officials has to come down a couple notches. Yes, Paul, Toine and GP, you do commit fouls. Yes, sometimes officials get it wrong. But, talk about it in the timeout and get back on defense...
^^Good point. I agree 100%. Sadly, IMO our complaining to the refs wasn't as bad as it was last season, so what does that say?
Maybe if this was already addressed, we'd still be playing right now. I'm still remembering a game against NY that made me embarrased to like this team. I think it was clear then that there was a problem, and it's nice to see it finally get addressed.
Thank goodness. At various points this season I noticed the lack of proper sportsmanship from the Celts. I saw it once against the Knicks too (as alluded to by 44Thrilla). Glad to hear this. There is far too much of this unacceptable behavior scattered throughout the league, and while a team may not have a serious problem with it as a whole, indivual players can't restrain themselves. Thankfully Ainge finally recognized it and will be instituting this code.
