06-26-08 Jack McCallum, SI

Back on the dale and -- I'll tell you this pick up your latest copy of Sports Illustrated. It gets your attention. If you lived in Iowa if you lived in North Dakota it would get your attention because bill Russell and Kevin Garnett on the cover but. You don't live there you have somewhere in New England. And you're reading about your team winning a championship is the covers story. The writer of that story. As a man now we've spoken with before great writer and sports Illustrated's Jack McCallum joins the Jack Michael Larry and Boston what's going on men. Outdoor great Jack I like the way you started to story here you said it's come full circle back to Danny Ainge. The first story for Sports Illustrated 27 years ago. He is trying to be at third baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays sub 200 he winds up with the Celtics. You think them as a baseball player I'm asking efforts.

Well I didn't really know what they got it started this story actually be BYU was playing in the regional and if you recall we don't call that I know. Michael still young but he made the call at any -- you know I mean any was probably. And the most celebrated play may not have been the best player in the country but he was the most celebrated a couple of weeks removed from that great. Brought against Notre Dame beat them so I guess I was thinking more about basketball and I'd really didn't. Belief that baseball record I didn't you know we don't keep up with minor league baseball much -- can actually play. You know three years in the system or that I'd get the -- I I didn't really know and I thought from the beginning maybe. There's -- over selling him at a baseball player. Hope that and that opinion was probably held by a number of people not by any when it.

Jackie got some great anecdotes in this in this -- here one of my favorite ones I laughed out loud when I read it Danny Ainge a little leaguer. The kid steals second he's upset he's playing shortstop we tell the kid you know what it was a foul ball. Gotta go back the first the kid steps up the second Danny Tak him out. But it -- start of crime the coach called -- a dirty player Danny to this -- defense that -- we got the out by any means necessary necessary I think that gives you. A little window into Danny -- act as a as a dealer as a competitor. Is it probably out of all all of his teammate and at age sixteen he's probably the most likely general manager is funny because he refuses to take no for an answer.

Yeah -- about the Atlantic those citizens and people look at it like. You could instantly fear like you can see in your mind I ain't like I said an -- he really doesn't look. That much different you can see that little pain in the yeah. Well -- ball that well what do you could just see I'm like don't like it so easy to picture in your mind -- I didn't know Danny was actually pretty successful you don't really think -- much when a when a guy like him. I I think it's hard to -- him. At anything but a coach is bigger than what he's -- go into coaching and I can't remember thinking that and the fact that Macphail. And -- Larry and Andy never -- you know go to mark we don't want to go. All -- yeah -- I'd never really thought of that honestly as being general managers. And when you get any about it and most of those guys they don't either they think of themselves as any future coaches. They're going to get away from the game what they're going to be broadcasters and the fact that they come back as general manager is very interest they get in most cases. Coincidence I mean they may be good or bad that. But it's not something I really think about their wife and my.

We'll Jackie remember the phrase you know he who laughs last laughs -- us then. We also the the pictures on on the telecast of Danny -- at the end of the game refusing the smile ask them. Live on the air after the game is well you know here's your chance you don't talk and you know basically. But take a shot back at the critics and release -- and be happy about which you've accomplished. Why do you think key you know wasn't real happy about it and I didn't really -- and anybody's face in what was his take on it about finally coming back full sort of circle being the champion and and not rubbing and and everyone space who wanted to run him out of town.

You know let's not -- try to banding I mean -- in -- way. Like a strange lightning rod like he was he's sort of was prominent what he was lying like. Because he had despite the attitude. Everybody's spacing with a little bit of -- lightning Italy with the White kid out there either but although that didn't make an exception of the Celtic but. -- would you know Larry Bird was such a great player Mikhail with such a great player and it looked a little bit of a target you know little bit like that Duke. Type of guys are these days but I mean I really do they got.

I'm not a person. Who can speak you know really if someone's face but. I really do believe that does plot in Britain who -- is. And I think it would I think he probably -- no doubt indicated. I read story in the Salt Lake paper that there's father was saying well everybody Sports Illustrated said he was real stupid like. I don't remember I know a lot. I know I didn't say that I'm sure we all got on any over the last three or forty years first some of his mistakes but. I say he probably felt the best course was pick China okay. Are right I did it but he didn't say now I think it was 50% back and 50% at I don't believe he has that's what. But all engine yourself unless maybe you don't want your.

You're right of a brutal trip the Atlanta Hawks took twenty years ago July 19 and 1988 of the Soviet Union. One thing that made the trip bearable you say is Doc Rivers and his wife -- they were upbeat. And Mike for tell you quote him saying at the time. I don't know what we would've done without Doc Rivers how likely is this pairing of of Rivers and -- from what you know both guys. Does this make sense as a management team GM coach combination.

I yeah Danny what I what that interview on the pay after the I hope I like well like crap by the way and it looked like he had you know been on vacation for two weeks the only Olympic park like. Six or seven hours before and precede -- campaign. But I asked him if he saw Eddie bane in in dot. You know when he when he made I would be seen anything it it. And he said he said yeah and I didn't get it can't put -- story that interest in seeing each set was Danny is.

Very much more -- change we will change that we got a lot of eight to get it we get it is something we got a boost. And stopped. It's very much more patient let's just let it worked out a little bit. Adding that that has -- you know some other that they that he's -- him -- quite been at a kind of fire what a competitor on the dock with. Very much like that you could be sent -- oriented guy probably maximized its ability in the same way that any that they were great actually. But you know they they needed to get everything out of that. And the one thing the ball with -- balance each other on the patient than impatient but I didn't get it yet but that's right but that was. Very interesting I don't know what whether he met Andy would come and be all adults we had a trade. You know somebody is well. It straight Kendrick but -- said that -- patients really work on him. And he saw from that perspective they were pretty you know they weren't good team and obviously got I turned up in case.

One of the things you've been in the story that I really enjoyed was this notion of Doc Rivers -- coaching. Phil Jackson Phil Jackson going for attempt the rain. Trying to beat red and it's poetic that the Celtics stopped him from topping -- and you're right. Out coached is one of the most overused words are sporting lexicon good coaching and bad. Man if that's itself over time. I I agree with you. But what do you think of of Doc Rivers of the coach in do you think that Phil Jackson. Even though he's still a great coach you think he has lost anything is there is there is that fire. Started Wendell -- your opinion.

Well I mean if you went back you know where bill I bought in the wiry build Jackson did an amazing. The job this year because if you went back to October it if you took the Tutsis. You know all and obviously was coming in -- with these new guys could. Dot proved it many epic -- meanwhile Phil -- like in wrote all. Well Doby didn't want to beat -- he didn't believe in the young guy they made Exel trait yet. So don't wait and tried it and light patient okay and others. Medicaid don't let let everything worked out I mean it really really worked. -- the Lakers meanwhile I was like a man we got pierce Garnett and alum but we're not going to let you guys up for a minute. -- I know -- couple guys albeit practice -- and the 88 EG once while but it couldn't in that the bill was at that and and the front of the -- ever saw it sought for a bit differently. That they've brought thirteen -- law and when they -- let me what I read the story let it just seem like not what it was. Can do it this time I mean acted very there's -- statement that well opt out coached bill that's why they won but they. I'm not going to buy in the but I will say the -- it it just see the Celtics wrapped that series by the -- They never let you know all the bullet the Lakers -- the brat but it -- to pick a couple -- a and that had a lot to do with --

itself with Danny about looking ahead and of course -- rewards talk about the 89 season and repeating and and there is that window of opportunity there with the Celtics of course of the Big Three the going to be together at least two more years well what are what are Danny's thoughts on you know the window of opportunity and trying to repeat and also a dynasty right hero with the Celtics.

Well that you know that is the the beauty and there's the horror of being what the Celtics is that everybody you know somebody else in the stop the legacy. This team unfortunately. You know with the Celtics history they never had a team that just looked like a one year wonder you know they'd -- like the Miami Heat they're not. I mean at all about suggesting they aren't Miami Heat because they're obviously going to be better than they eat what -- the -- and then a law that you know on the map -- But you know you gotta win like a couple here and that may have -- thinking back. That at. The deal with what. Any response they afterward and I I sensed that the next day you know Dave Walden -- guys are common in the worked out hard and we want to walk. Well where that put people out there. Where does that put. You know that doesn't put it anywhere. We gotta win two we gotta win ready I think that is a lot of pressure but I do think that the other that that the crux of this team. What we pointed to weaknesses supposedly. What are Rondo who would have gotten player of the game absolutely in the let -- and Kendrick Perkins who I have to admit is far better. And I ever thought.

They do I totally missed this guy I didn't think I.

I didn't know what I don't know what it was picked are tired couldn't figure this title -- and get -- rebound and you're the guy would've -- I mean back Kevin McHale but he got -- you know an -- you know he's got it -- so -- are you talking about it people who are. You know why it is no problem either going to happen this -- because I think. Not really about some magic there what those you know Eddie House and dispel in and the -- didn't know what. He tapped one out on the shoulder and they delivered I don't think there's a little bit concerned about that. Danny was mentioning the create you know that I thought it was but probably. -- So we got to get those guys game -- the probably the most consistent player he was the best player but he was the most consistent player from -- that it. They gotta get back on they get him back they coax another year out of the veterans I bet he looks. A lot like the team that won a championship I could that's an obvious statement but. They're certainly going to reflect. They're certainly good enough -- into the -- and invite bubble and.

You've written hundreds of articles for Sports Illustrated so I don't expect you to remember every one I'm gonna I'm gonna tell when it's last year third.

Well I liked failed us.

No you aren't you won't I'll I'll bet I bet to get this one. Exactly thirteen years ago thirteen years ago today June 26 1995 you know what article appeared Sports Illustrated and your byline. June 26 1995. About Kevin Garnett hoop dream Kevin Garnett a short shot lottery pick is jumping from high school in the NBA. Much of your first impressions of Garnett and what you thought then because you're you're on the bandwagon I got the words right here you said he would be. He got I'm perfectly. You said call him face up four. A power forward who can hurt you from anywhere cross between Reggie Miller and a kinder gentler version of Alonzo Mourning. So -- your first impressions of of Garnett and how he has developed since you first on the 1995.

Well first bombs start but I was correct but like or appreciate you bringing up one of the -- the it was I remembered it I went out of South Carolina. Where he had been entered and Robert -- on first and bike and he transferred he had graduated from. Chicago but he went South Carolina is what is incredible it. Like going that I'm I'm going to the mall you know like consumer watching him like I was sort of sailing around. And watching him -- Z looked like it -- meanwhile it probably reached the height. It is probably kind of the IP that I at least a little bit it was pretty -- There's so man child I mean I know that the easiest thing I remember it went around the playground. With them and I you know look for part those they have been shot like -- out there. The -- around play and somewhat all of one rabbit hole. This guy hit it. You know and long arms. So I guess the question about it was would he -- when he beat well not but for me I mean this guy -- Yet it. And the side he was that seemed absolutely a witty personality does not going to be a troubled guy. Despite the fact he was you know back and we were still wondering -- in the -- come out of high school you know it. Kobe here I can't remember.

Not only is it next year your -- here -- you know Jack Ellis and Larry -- in the story misses -- it's hilarious to go back and look at it. At the time. You said Jack Garnett is 14 he'll be -- four American born players to go from high school for the -- people at that time so.

Yet not in the best city -- what that wasn't clear I mean the concern here hat right away the burial site. You know the stereotypical spot kick and was he would bet it was the escrow around the didn't have to Aaron -- I school he's going to get trouble. What they argue about Burnett balloting that -- Got -- he was like a good. Your record good hit whatever what happened to him so he's seen that maybe these that he can say they make art and a net and thank you thankfully for everybody is -- a -- right now at a Minnesota general most years. That was a correct itself.

Jackie written a few books more than a few books one -- seven seconds issued on the Phoenix Suns excellent book. Wrote a book and the Celtics in the early 1990s that was that it went -- and had a book yeah. You're going to be surprised I remember this. Shaquille O'Neal his rookie year collaborated what they would application.

It was. It would jacket back both of them spell attack belt with a.

Yeah -- and that's his thing he he like he he's black Superman in the black not CK but -- black -- let. What did you think. Them for a guy who know Shaq very well and you've written some good articles on and as a said the book. What did you think of his freestyle session in New York where he just he has Kobe on the brain in my opinion what do you think.

Yeah no Shaq is like. He will. Don't disappoint you I mean he hit Egypt -- I don't football but about once every two years act that he -- first choice to -- He's been delightful guy could be around this you know on trees and -- that is a great guy he's a cool I eat very spotty. Very smart. All that I dispel the time. And we've never had develop big man tunnel like that nobody that sort of what that -- but I -- if you look back you know extracted. Done some things. That you really wish he hadn't thought. And you know lord being at war get over -- been in this thing particularly when Shaq. Hasn't exactly -- they distinguish Barry capital in the it is peculiar about Miami pretty well now but. You know things happen on really well for him either basketball -- you know let you -- so I -- I was --

My spot on the democracy disappointed but I a little bit -- in -- that he but he hit it.

Jackman who looked at the NBA draft the courts being hill tonight. So that's what the thirtieth pick in the sixtieth pick in the second round today other than picking up very till end of each round there. What do you see the Celtics doing and tell us they're going to affect.

Well at all that -- who's around -- thirty. Who knows I don't respect the thirtieth pick the first thing come near -- it is like Tony Parker Ginobili. That -- got I could be wrong about that they got only right at the end of the first -- and that's got to know -- what favorite again.

Good morning and it's -- elements when he hit.

28 and they got to know only a cup. -- into the second round -- so I mean it's. You don't eat you don't know they'd probably I don't think the Celtics old you know unless they wanna. They'll meet actually not going to make any article you're probably going to.

Make that probably going to make a pick there to make it a while yet the guys they were working out that they I mean there shouldn't work that everybody that. You know there that guard. At eight in Bart that backup who's who's been there went wrong so I don't know -- going to be -- I'll stand next here you know Eddie out. Great -- that -- been a guy. There's visited most of the team people what it. Totality I was up in -- look -- an injury felt either just a quick gases that they would probably be looking. Maybe or somebody that the -- oh yeah who knows that there you know.

Jack thanks for taking the time and great article and I'll I'm going to tell you this this man can really -- to put some words together appreciated Jack daycare yourself. All right Jack -- from Sports Illustrated