How the Celtics are moving forward after Udoka's suspension, NBA unveils Bill Russell jersey patch, and Kyrie Irving gave up $100M+ to be unvaccinated. 

Happy Humpday!

CELTICS

How the Celtics are Moving Forward After Udoka's Suspension

The Ime Udoka news appears to have been as shocking to the Celtics players as it was to NBA fans and media. Many Celtics' echoed the sentiment that they were following along with the news as the rest of the world was, and as of Celtics media day, neither Jaylen Brown nor Jayson Tatum has spoken with Udoka. As Brown waits for more information to come out, he rightly believes that “the best thing [the Celtics] can do is put our best foot forward."

While this is understandably a big blow to their championship aspirations, this Celtics team is resilient and hasn’t lost faith in their ability to compete for a title. When asked directly if the Celtics have what it takes to win a title, Tatum said: "Absolutely I believe that [we do], and I think everybody else does in that locker room [does] as well."

BILL RUSSELL

NBA Unveils Bill Russell Jersey Patch

In addition to retiring NBA legend Bill Russell’s No. 6 league-wide, for this upcoming season, every player will wear a black No. 6 patch on his jersey. Teams will also display a No. 6 on their courts near the scorer’s tables.

The Boston Celtics will have additional tributes to honor the late, great Russell. These include having the No. 6 painted in the free throw lanes at TD Garden and two nights set aside during the season to honor Russell’s legacy.

Bill Russell occupies a unique space in NBA history books. Not only did he win an otherworldly eleven championships in thirteen seasons in the league, but he was one of its fiercest champions for civil rights.

KYRIE IRVING

Kyrie Irving Gave Up $100M to Be Unvaccinated

Anytime Kyrie Irving speaks with the media, it's never a dull moment, and this past Nets' media day was no exception. Among the most interesting quotes was his admission that he turned down a four-year $100M+ extension before the season because he didn’t want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

This sentiment was muddled somewhat by Nets GM Sean Marks, who acknowledged that his contract talks with Irving stalled amidst the city’s vaccine mandates but pushed back on the idea that Irving was ever given an ultimatum regarding getting the vaccine and getting his extension. 

Marks said: “Once the vaccine mandates came in, and we knew how that would affect [Irving] playing home games and so forth, that's when contract talks stalled. So it didn't get to [a point], 'Here's the deal, now take it back.' That never happened."

Marks also reiterated that they are happy Irving is back with the Nets and believes Irving is committed to the team for this upcoming season.

THE RUMOR MILL

Chicago Bulls' Lonzo Ball can't run, jump without pain as 2nd knee surgery of 2022 looms

Boston's Derrick White has new dad jokes for the 2022-23 NBA season

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