Collins realistic about role

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4697470/collins-realistic-about-role-with-cs




Collins realistic about role with C's



September, 25, 2012
Sep 25
11:59
AM ET



By Greg Payne | ESPNBoston.com






BOLTON, Mass. -- When it comes to accepting his role with the Celtics this season, Jason Collins will be nothing but realistic.


The 7-foot veteran of 11 NBA seasons certainly has value when Boston
opposes the Dwight Howards and Andrew Bynums of the league, but on a
nightly basis, consistent minutes might not be in the cards for Collins,
and that's just fine by him.



"My role is to be ready," Collins said Tuesday prior to the Celtics'
Shamrock Classic golf tournament. "I never know what night my name and
number is going to be called, but my job is to go out there, be
physical, play solid defense, and contribute on the offensive end
whenever possible. We have a lot of scorers. I don't think they'll be
counting on me for that."



Collins' size, veteran status and professionalism were all alluring
from the Celtics' perspective, and Boston stood equally enticing in his
eyes, with a talented roster, an appealing coach and a chance to compete
for a title.



"It's a great organization, starting from ownership and all the way
down," Collins said. "It's an opportunity to play for Doc Rivers and
playing with hall-of-famers, and this is my best opportunity to win an
NBA championship. We have a lot of depth on this team, so a lot of guys
who could be playing a lot of big minutes someplace else are all buying
in and sacrificing and trying to win a title."



Rivers' reputation as a coach players want to play for was only
enforced by Collins, who sought out the perspective of several others
who've played under Rivers in the past.



"I've heard nothing but good things," Collins maintained. "
Brian Scalabrine
was a teammate of mine in New Jersey for a long time and he talked
about him, and just hearing nothing but good things about the kind of
person he is and the kind of coach he is, and I'm looking forward to
having a great year."


Collins, who slimmed down considerably this summer, might have
helped his free agent stock after emerging as a reliable backup center
for the
Atlanta Hawks
the last three years, particularly during last season's playoffs, when
he entered the starting lineup for a short period due to injuries to Al Horford and Zaza Pachulia.
In four games against the Celtics in the Eastern Conference
quarterfinals last season, Collins averaged 2.4 points and 2.4 rebounds
over 17 minutes of action per game. It was yet another example of the
way Collins conducts himself as a reliable veteran.


"I showed them that going into [last] season, I was the third
center, and then with injuries and everything, I'm the starting center
against
Kevin Garnett,
and just showed that I'm always ready," Collins explained. "For me,
it's always about being a professional and always being ready."


Collins said he's already impressed with his new teammates. He spent
part of last week with the team out in Los Angeles at UCLA for a series
of workouts and practices organized by point guard
Rajon Rondo. He said the coveted team chemistry was already beginning to take shape.


"It was impressive watching the pickup games and the depth that we
have. We have a lot of good players, a lot of talent on this team," he
said.



Collins' role could fluctuate all season, depending on how much of
the Celtics' other talent avoids injury. But it's his own talent for
always being ready to contribute -- even at a moment's notice -- that
could help Boston the most this season.




bob



.

..."He said the coveted team chemistry was already taking shape."

I'm gnawing through steel bars in anticipation for this preseason to hatch.

Sam