C’s Training Camp Notes: Rondo Talks, Chris Wilcox & Jeff Green Sign Deals

Posted by Brian Robb on Dec 9, 2011 2301124 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2011%2F12%2F09%2Fcs-training-camp-notes-rondo-talks-chris-wilcox-signs%2FC%27s+Training+Camp+Notes%3A+Rondo+Talks%2C+Chris+Wilcox+%26+Jeff+Green+Sign+Deals2011-12-10+02%3A34%3A28Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D23011

Media availability just wrapped up here in Waltham and despite a late start to the day, it was an active session with Doc Rivers, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Marquis Daniels, Avery Bradley and Rajon Rondo addressing the media. A quick snapshot of the major events of the evening, before we follow up with further quotes and analysis later tonight and tomorrow.

- Nine players were in camp today and in uniform. They included the six players currently under contract (Big Four, Jermaine O’Neal and Avery Bradley) as well as new signees Marquis Daniels, Chris Wilcox and training camp invitee Greg Stiemsma. Doc hoped to have 12 bodies in uniform for tomorrow.

-The other rookies had not signed their contracts yet, but were expected to do so in the next day or so. Seems a procedural issue for JaJuan Johnson, E’Twaun Moore, and Gilbert Brown.

-Chris Wilcox was signed for a one year veteran’s minimum contract.

-Doc acknowledged Jeff Green had signed a one-year deal, in all probability for the 5.8 million dollar qualifying offer the C’s had made.

-Rajon Rondo had a very candid and cordial seven minute session with the local media, cracking jokes, speaking openly and honestly about the trade rumors swirling around him. He admitted they had hurt him “since he’s human,” but he has been in close touch with Danny and feels reassured and happy to be in Boston. Definitely one of the more upbeat sessions Rondo has ever held with the media (he is usually very reserved), so a very good sign to say the least. We will have a full breakdown with quotes and more later tonight from Rondo.

-Doc spoke glowingly about Brandon Bass and Keyon Dooling, although he did not speak about them officially, since the deals had not gone through yet. He also stated he had an emotional goodbye with Big Baby earlier today.

An updated look at the projected roster as it stands now (14 bodies):

Paul Pierce
Rajon Rondo
Ray Allen
Jermaine O’Neal
Kevin Garnett
Marquis Daniels
Avery Bradley
E’Twaun Moore
JaJuan Johnson
Keyon Dooling
Brandon Bass
Chris Wilcox
Jeff Green
Gilbert Brown (non-guaranteed)

The Celtics still have the mid-level exception to play with, so look for Delonte West or one more big body to fill that void. The C’s added size with Wilcox but clearly could still use another center to hold court as well. But believe it or not, the roster is coming into full form and it’s looking better than most C’s fans could have hoped for.

Full quotes on the way later tonight.