Update from Turkey

As the team is closing in on its first preseason matchup on Friday, the Celtics have been hard at work implementing their offensive and defensive sets. They've ramped up the pace, as they went from a one-hour shoot-around on Tuesday, a three hour practice on Wednesday, and a scrimmage on Thursday.

Things got a little heated at the end of Thursday's scrimmage as Kevin Garnett and Dionte Christmas got into a brief shoving match after Garnett sank the winning basket. Things like this are normal, and they're actually quite encouraging. It goes to show a couple things...
1. Garnett's fire is still burning strong. Even at 36 and in the team's first scrimmage, KG is bringing his trademark passion and intensity that this team thrives off of. This is a great sign.
2. Dionte Christmas will do whatever it takes to get a spot on this team. After an impressive stint in the summer league, Christmas has proved that he can play in this league. He is not backing down from anyone, even someone as intimidating Garnett.

Another thing worth noting is the bonding already taking place within the team. Various social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter have been blowing up with Celtics taking pictures of Turkey and of them spending time together, which is exactly what this trip is all about. Before leaving for Turkey, captain Paul Pierce put it best by saying, "It's like in a relationship. You don't know the girl after one week. You gotta get to know each other...We're gonna hug, we're gonna go on some dates, and get to know one another."

That's the way I would look at it too, Paul.