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Anderson Assists Hometown of New York

By Reagan Berube

Kenny Anderson extended help to his hometown of New York by donating money to a Sept. 11 relief fund. (Celtics Photo)

It is certainly not a routine way to start the season. Despite the Celtics holding their annual Media Day on Monday afternoon, Kenny Anderson held his own session with one facet of the media earlier in the day.

Just hours before he and his teammates met with members of the press for the first time since the end of the 2000-01 campaign, Anderson dialed into Howard Stern's morning radio show on Monday morning and announced that he was donating $5,000 to a relief fund for those affected by the tragedies in New York City on September 11.

The incident hit close to home for Anderson, a New York City native, as the father of his long-time best friend was killed in the World Trade Center tragedy.

"I was thinking about it because I just wanted to do something," said Anderson. "The New York City Fire Department, those guys are heroes. With the tragedy of the victims, I just wanted to help and I am in the position to do it. So why not?"

But the giving doesn't end there, as Anderson also announced that with every assist that he logs in 2001-02, he plans to pledge $50 to the same fund.

If Anderson's physical condition dictates how well his season will go, as it has in the past, then all early indications point to a large donation at the end of the upcoming season.

"Kenny Anderson's body looks different," said Celtics Coach Jim O'Brien after the first workout session at the Sports Authority Training Center on Tuesday. "He is stronger player. I think he is really solid shape."

The last time Anderson said he was this fit going into camp was in 1999-00, when he played all 82 games, averaged just under 15 points and six assists per game. He credits that season to the fact that he entered training camp fully healthy, which allowed him to get into a flow with himself and his teammates. Last year, however, Anderson suffered a fractured jaw early in the preseason and it appeared he was never able to get on track.

The fact that he is entering the season stronger will hopefully prevent any physical breakdown that might otherwise occur.

"After the shortened season (in 1999), I was pretty fit," said Anderson. "But you can do all you want during the summer month's and you still won't be ready for pro training camp. As long as I don't break down and I can keep a routine, I will be fine. That is what I plan on doing, not straying from that routine."

But with Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce now having established themselves as not only consistent scorers, but also as the leaders of the squad, if Anderson has a repeat performance of 1999-00 in 2000-01, not only will the dollar total he donates go sky high, but he could also be a key part of an offensive juggernaut that many teams find hard to contain.

"Kenny Anderson is able to average any where from 15 to 20 (points) and seven or eight assists (per game)," said Anderson. "That has been my career. If I am healthy and playing well, I think I can help this team go places where they want to go."

"I think with Antoine, Paul and myself, if I am healthy, and I feel like Kenny Anderson, then I feel like we have a chance."