Boston Celtics Rumors: Breaking Down All the Latest Pre-Training Camp Gossip

Between training camp and media day, rumors have been circulating at rapid speed around the Boston Celtics organization.

When a team is as polarizing as the Celtics, people will constantly talk about their next moves. When is Paul Pierce retiring? Did they overpay for Jeff Green? How does Rajon Rondo feel about Ray Allen?

Fans just want to know what is going on with one of the NBA's most elite teams. We are going to break down some of the juiciest Boston Celtics rumors and get the real scoop. 

Avery Bradley's Status

Breakout Celtics shooting guard Avery Bradley has not touched a basketball, and there is no timetable for his return, according to CelticsBlog. The 21-year-old was shut down midway through the playoffs to undergo surgery on his dislocated left shoulder. He also had his right shoulder surgically repaired in July.

Unsurprisingly, Bradley is nowhere near ready to participate in training camp. Coach Doc Rivers told ESPNBoston.com that he does not expect Bradley to return to the floor until January. It is safe to say that Boston will have to begin their season without the budding star.

Courtney Lee is Boston's starting shooting guard for now, but expect Bradley to rightfully earn his spot back upon return. While Lee is a great role player and the best three-point shooter on the team, Bradley's perimeter defense played a significant role in the Celtics' success last season.

Ray Allen Who?

It’s safe to say that the Celtics’ current lineup is over the Ray Allen saga.

At media day, Kevin Garnett had some choice words when asked about his former teammate. According to WEEI.com, Garnett told reporters that he does not have Allen’s phone number anymore and does not wish to communicate with him either.

In addition, according to the Boston Herald, Rajon Rondo chose not to refer to his former teammate by name and only addressed him as No. 20. When asked about Allen, Jason Terry said, "Who?"

The Celtics clearly still have a bad taste in their mouths from Allen’s decision to join Miami. If anything, this has escalated the rivalry to a higher level. It will make Boston-Miami games more intense, more chippy, and more fun to watch.

In addition, veteran Jason Terry is an upgrade from Ray Allen. Despite Allen's knack for draining threes, Terry can make a bigger overall contribution. Not only can Terry play both guard positions, but he can also set up his own shot. Rondo can run a bigger variety of plays through Terry, who thrives at the sixth man position.

Did Boston Overpay for Jeff Green?

Some people are still scrutinizing Jeff Green’s four-year, $36 million contract with the Celtics. Is he worth the money? Did the Celtics overpay for a player who hasn’t yet proven himself?

Green landed the contract after missing the 2011-12 season to have heart surgery to fix an aortic aneurysm. He averaged 15.6 points per game with the Oklahoma City Thunder but hasn’t lived up to those numbers as a member of the Boston Celtics. It’s important to note that Green was a starter for OKC and now comes off the bench for Boston.

Green’s agent, David Falk, took to the media to address the questions and criticism. According to an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Sam Amick, 14 NBA teams were interested in Green, and the Celtics had to agree to his terms. Falk even said that he could have gotten Green more money.

Only time will tell if Green is worth $36 million, but his role on the Celtics will be huge next season. Coming off the bench, Green will be Paul Pierce’s primary relief. The Celtics are going to rely heavily on their secondary unit, so Green’s scoring ability will be put to good use. He should see more minutes than in the past, so hopefully that will revive the small forward we saw in Oklahoma City.

Darko Milicic

The Celtics raised eyebrows when they decided to sign center Darko Milicic to a one-year deal. Although the C’s need depth at the center position, many question if Milicic can be productive on the Celtics, let alone any NBA team.

The former No. 2 pick—selected ahead of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade—has failed to live up to expectations. Milicic told A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com that he’s done living in the past and trying to prove he’s the No. 2 pick. He’s willing to be a team player and do whatever it takes to help the Celtics.

The 2011-12 season was not good for Milicic, who only appeared in 11 games all season after starting the first 18 games. However, the 27-year-old veteran could be a difference-maker on the right team. Coach Doc Rivers is excellent at getting players to maximize their talent.

If Milicic is a bust, the good news is that he only signed a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum. On the other hand, if Milicic is the contributor Boston needs him to be, they got a great steal.

Three More Years

Immediately following the 2011-12 season, the Celtics organization didn’t know how to approach the offseason. Their decisions lied in the hands of Kevin Garnett, who was flirting with the idea of retirement. He ultimately decided to stay with the Celtics for another three years.

According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, Paul Pierce said he would like to retire with Garnett. Pierce has a team option on his contract for 2013-14, but Garnett will likely retire in three more years.

With both Pierce and Garnett remaining on the Celtics, the team will not have to rebuild just yet. Although the Big Three era is over and Rondo’s era is beginning, the two veterans still have a huge impact on the team. As long as Pierce and Garnett are vital members of the team, the Celtics will always be in championship talks.