Banks still looking for work
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Marcus Banks has finally found a place for himself with the Celtics.
That it happens to be a seat at the end of the bench does not exactly make him happy. But an older, wiser Banks will not come out and say it. He talks instead about helping the team, though he logged just 8 minutes in Wednesday night's win over Minnesota and did not play because of a coach's decision in the win over New Jersey Friday night. It was his second DNP-CD this season. The first came last Monday at Detroit.
He added just 8 minutes in last night's 103-83 blowout loss, getting 1 point and 1 assist.
Banks also has heard his name once again tossed about in trade talk. The Celtics actually moved Banks to the Lakers in the Gary Payton trade after the 2003-04 season, but when the deal was reworked, Banks came back to Boston.
''Right now, I believe that everybody in the organization knows what I can do," said Banks. ''Basically, it's just about getting back out there and having fun. [The trade talk] doesn't bother me at all. Not at all.
''I really wasn't bothered with [the Lakers deal]. If it happens, fine. If it doesn't, fine. I'm a professional about my job and I'm ready to take on whatever obstacles are in front of me."
Banks has always been an intriguing case. He certainly brings energy to the floor with his ability to pressure the ball on defense and speed up the court on offense.
In fact, when Banks returned from a stress fracture in his left leg in December, he dazzled with a 12-point, 4-assist outing in 21 minutes against Milwaukee Dec. 16.
Starting for an injured Delonte West, Banks scored 16 points in 28 minutes against Golden State Dec. 19.
But in light of recent events, Banks is focused on the here and now.
''We've still got more than half the season left," said Banks. ''I'm not really thinking too much about [free agency] now."
Return to Exit 16W
Brian Scalabrine returned last night to
Another difference has been the Celtics' lack of success. In New Jersey, Scalabrine could practically be guaranteed a postseason berth.
Scalabrine played in the Eastern Conference finals twice and the NBA Finals once after being drafted by the Nets in 2001. Playing a limited, though currently expanding, role on a losing team can be a tough transition.
''That's a hard thing," said Scalabrine, who had 4 points and 5 rebounds in 18 minutes last night. ''You remember last year, when we were struggling without Jason [Kidd]? There were a lot of things going on. The whole Kenyon [Martin] thing was a big issue at the time. We didn't get Vince [Carter] yet. That was a big deal.
''It felt like, 'What were we doing?' We're just trying to stay above water before Jason comes back. The difference is we have our team here. We're full strength."
All quiet on trade front
Although the Celtics are still looking to deal Mark Blount, the trade talk surrounding the veteran big man has died down since this time last week. Paul Pierce said Blount (1 point, no rebounds in 13 minutes last night) is handling it as well as can be expected. ''Mark is going to continue to go out there and give 110 percent regardless of anything that's said about him," said Pierce . . . When the Celtics host the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets tomorrow, the squads will team up with the NBA and Habitat for Humanity to raise money to help build homes for displaced New Orleans residents. Fans can participate through the ''Beads for the Big Easy" program, getting a strand of beads for a $5 donation.
