Celtics Morning Joe: Wilcox a key factor
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Chris Wilcox, who had surgery to correct an enlarged aorta last February, agreed to a one-year contract for what is believed to be a veteran’s minimum contract.Wilcox, who was cleared for full contact and basketball activity just over a week ago, is expected to be ready for training camp in late September.
It was a big shock last year losing Wilcox out of nowhere, and it was weird because Jeff Green had a heart issue that cost him the season as well. Wilcox was a must for the Celtics for a few reasons. His working relationship is strong with Rondo. Wilcox surprised me on how good he was running the floor with Rondo. Wilcox can score, and their is no question about that. The question I have is will he start, or is their another move that Danny will work on.
It's great to see Wilcox back, because it was such a scary time in his life, and I'm sure he had doubts if he could return or not.
“The doctors say I’m cleared for everything,” Wilcox said. “I’m working out, running, playing 5-on-5. I’m doing everything. I just can’t do any heavy lifting just yet.”
Wilcox lost approximately 20 pounds following surgery, but said he has gained most of that back.
“I’m just trying to get healthy right now,” he said. “Right now I’m just trying to get my wind back.”
Wilcox ended the season with (5.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg). Chris had developed a nice flow with the Celtics. Of all the Celtics big men, he had become the most adept at running the floor with Rajon Rondo , and was also one of their best rebounders and interior defenders.
Without Wilcox, the Celtics were forced to turn to a diet of Greg Stiemsma and Ryan Hollins when it was time to give Kevin Garnett a break during the playoffs. Kevin in turn became the starting center, because JO was gone, and Wilcox was done soon after.
I think because we get a full camp, the Celtics will be able to gel more this season, and especially with Wilcox,Terry, and Green coming back. I hope that Bradley can go through camp as well. I think Rondo, and Wilcox will put together some nice games this season.
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6 Comments
Will Danny make another move at center? I believe he would like to, but the options are not real good. Of the dwindling free agent centers, most won't fit under the cap or are not anything special. I heard Darko Milicic was cut loose by the Timberwolves and might agree to a vet minimum, but he is mostly just a placeholder.
Your figures for Wilcox last season are accurate, but I don't think paint a clear picture of his ability. He started his career (3 yrs) with a not very good Clippers team and before coming to the Celts had a split season with the Knicks/ Thunder and 2 seasons with Detroit. None of these teams at the time he was there were anything special and he still averaged 4-8 points and 4-5 rebounds. BUT, he also played in Seattle from 05-07 and there he averaged 13-14 points and 7-8 rebounds. The first 2 years there was with Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, the final with rookie Jeff Green.
His heart condition was actually diagnosed early in his career, but did not become bad enough for surgery until last year, so we don't really know how much that might have held him back.
The point is, I don't think we realize how good Wilcox can possibly be with his health and once again being surrounded by some really good teammates. Rondo was perfect for helping to find the true quality that's been overlooked elsewhere. This time next year, I would not be surprised if we are all blogging about needing to re-sign Wilcox to a long term contract. He will only have just turned 30 when the season starts.
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