Conroy wrote:Sports Guy Bill Simmons here, I still can't get over that my Celtics shipped off Alonzo. Has he voiced any negative comments about his former city or team? You faced him twice in the finals back in Dallas how much off that scouting played a role in eventually pulling the trigger on the S&T?
I could tell he still had hurt feelings when I picked him up from the airport. He opened up a bit and told me he honestly completely 100% thought he'd be a Celt for life. He was shocked and very hurt. But as the week progressed and after he had a heart felt conversation with former GM Conroy, I think he understood and knew it was time to part ways. He has no hard feelings, but he has circled March 12th on his calendar. It will indeed be a bitter sweet return to Boston.
As far as scouting goes, we knew exactly what we were getting. I think if you would ask the Celtics GM, he would tell you that I never flinched in my pursuit of Zo. I was determined to make him a Supersonic, and we made that happen.