Giving thanks to the Celtics and our readers

Semih Erden's home country.

Do you know what I’m thankful for?

I’m thankful for the opportunity to watch the Celtics compete for a championship. I’m thankful for the Big Three’s continued run of great play, and for Rondo joining them (surpassing them, really) among the NBA’s elite players.

I’m thankful for Shaq’s tendency to amaze even as a 38-year old. I’m thankful for Nate Robinson’s joyous spirit and surprising ability to fill in for Rondo, and I’m thankful for Glen Davis and his never-ending string of charges taken. I’m thankful that I don’t have to watch Marty Conlon play basketball ever again.

I’m thankful for Delonte West’s second chance, and my second chance to cheer for him as a Celtic. I’m thankful for Von Wafer’s development and maturation. I’m thankful for Marquis Daniels’s ability to cut, and for the days he provides a lot even on occasions when he does very little. I’m thankful for being able to look forward to Jermaine O’Neal’s return (I had to be thankful for something with Jermaine, right?).

I’m thankful for Luke Harangody’s hideous, yet somehow effective and ridiculously quick, release. I’m thankful for Avery Bradley’s promise, and his pitbull defensive mentality. I’m thankful for Paul Pierce’s stepback jumper, Rondo’s fake around-the-back, Ray Allen’s picture-perfect shooting stroke, and Kevin Garnett’s fire. I’m thankful for Perk’s scowl, candidness, and dedication to return from injury in shape, and I’m thankful that Semih Erden has proven himself to be something other than the average soft European stiff.

I’m thankful that Danny Ainge had a vision and stuck to it. I’m thankful that the owners are willing to spend ungodly amounts of money to let it happen.

I’m thankful for Doc Rivers’s decision to return and see this whole thing through.

I’m thankful that I can share my Celtics thoughts with all of you, and that some of you even care.

So thanks for reading, everybody. Enjoy your turkey, and, if you’re lucky, the presence of family and friends.

Celtics Blog | Jay King | November 25, 2010