The Celtics Are Back in Action

"That's nice, that's what we want... a real nice job by everyone," those are the words of Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers as the Celtics took to the Thomas & Mack Center floor for their first practice in the 2005 Reebok Vegas Summer League.

"Watch your spacing and make good and smart passes, "emphasized Assistant Coach Tony Brown.

"When you make your cut to the pass or to the basket, make it quick and make it correct every time," added Assistant Coach Armond Hill.

"Establish a low base and center of gravity, bend your knees and keep your hands up and ready for the rebound," explained former NBA center and Assistant Coach Jim Brewer directing his observations to the Celtics 'bigs' on the RVSL roster, consisting of: Al Jefferson, Kendrick Perkins, former University of Vermont phenom Taylor Coppenrath, former Providence College star Ryan Gomes, former Kansas State swingman Jeremiah Massey and former 6-11 University of South Florida pivotman Will McDonald.

"If Del (Delonte West) or Will (Bynum, former Georgia Tech standout) are bringing the ball up, remember to stay wide and create more opportunities for yourself and for them," reminded Assistant Coach Paul Pressey, directing his comments to the team's 2 and 3 wing players.

Assistant Coach Dave Wohl would take aside second-year Celtics Tony Allen, Justin Reed or West or 2005 top pick Gerald Green and pinpoint and instruct them on some of the finer points that the coaching staff wanted each player to work on and execute.

The two-hour practice featured shooting drills, running basic plays, ball movement, emphasis on taking care of the ball and limiting the opposition to no easy baskets. But this was also the first opportunity to come together as a team for this six-games-in-eleven-days schedule. During the two-hour practice, the team broke up into two squads for a quick scrimmage, which concluded with losing team having to run a series of sprints. However, in a show to team unity, the winning team jumped in and ran the sprints along with their teammates.

The 2005 RVSL Celtics will be paced by the 'sophomore' class of: Jefferson, Allen, West, Reed and third-year center Kendrick Perkins. As West noted, "Having been through this now once, you are more prepared and know what to expect, now it's just time to go out and do it."

The young Celtics will have their opportunity beginning Thursday evening (July 7) when the Green and White face the Los Angeles Clippers team at 7:00 PM local time. The Celtics have two practices slated for Wednesday.

Notes: Third-year Celtics point guard and former UNLV Runnin' Rebels standout Marcus Banks attended the Celtics first practice and chatted with the coaching staff on the sidelines throughout the practice.