--After calling coaches to make a pitch for his players as All-Star reserves, coach Doc Rivers thinks it may be tough for his team to get four representatives on the Eastern Conference squad. Kevin Garnett was voted in by the fans as a starter, with reserves to be announced Thursday night.
"I feel good that three will be on for sure," Rivers said. "But you can't assume that. Our Big Three will be on. I can't imagine anybody not putting Paul (Pierce) and Ray (Allen) on. Then it's up to what they want to do with (Rajon) Rondo." --It hasn't gone unnoticed that G Rajon Rondo has played some of his best games against the top point guards in the NBA.
"I think that's just the competitive side of him," said Paul Pierce. "I remember when I was trying to make a name for myself and I would match up with guys at my position that were All-Stars and had a name in the league. He's still trying to prove himself, so when he's able to go against these guys, I know it comes to mind that he wants to outplay them. But at the same time he has to do it within the framework of the team, and I think he's doing a great job of it."
As for Rondo's All-Star candidacy, Pierce said, "There's a lot of great point guards. I'm biased because he's my teammate. I think he deserves it. I think he's done a great job. He's shooting just about as good as any point guard, and he's passing about as good as any point guard. And he's rebounding better than any point guard. If you throw that combination in, then I think he deserves to be in."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "No, we contacted Cheryl. I wanted Cheryl to come back, not Reggie." -- Doc Rivers joking, that he wants Reggie Miller's sister, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, to play for the Celtics.
