Powe on Schedule for February Return

Lisa DeJong, PD


By Rick Noland
The Chronicle-Telegram

CLEVELAND — Slowly but surely, Leon Powe is making his way back from serious knee surgery.

The Cavaliers power forward has begun full-speed running and cutting and is playing one-on-one with assistant coach Melvin Hunt, putting him on pace to meet his goal of returning to action soon after the Feb. 14 NBA All-Star Game.

“I can do all my moves,” Powe said Sunday at Quicken Loans Arena prior to a game against the Houston Rockets. “I just want my finishing moves to be a little more powerful. It’s getting there. Each week, it’s a little better.”

Powe underwent an MRI in Boston in mid-December and his left knee was found to be structurally sound, but there is no target date for him to return to practice.

“We’re trying to get everything right before I go out there,” the 6-foot-8, 240-pounder said. “Once you go out and practice, there’s pretty much no turning back.”

If Powe can make it back by mid-February and round into top form for the playoffs, he could give the Cavaliers a bruising presence under the basket.

That would allow coach Mike Brown the luxury of choosing between the 25-year-old, J.J. Hickson and Anderson Varejao at power forward, but those types of decisions are still a ways away.

“I’m moving and running and doing all types of stuff,” Powe said. “I’m trying to get my in-game situations down.

“It’s frustrating, because I’m a competitor. I want to be out there helping my team.”

http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2009/12/28/cavs-notes-powe-comeback-on-track/

Leon Powe Moving Onto Cleveland

Leon Powe is about to sign a two year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers which will officially end his days with the Boston Celtics.

As a Boston Celtics fan I am very disappointed. I feel management made the wrong decision that's for sure. I've already vented on that issue plenty of times so I won't do it again. B the Boston Celtics will be cursed forever because of this move and it's thanks to Danny Ainge not signing Leon.

While this is bad news for the Celtics, it is great news for Powe. Leon will be getting paid while he is rehabbing his knee and gets a chance to play for what might be the best team in the NBA. Or at least they are the best team now that Leon has signed with them.

Powe and Lebron James do have history together. They played on the same AAU team a few years back so that can't hurt as far as team chemistry goes. On the subject of team chemistry, I remember Shaq saying a couple of years ago that Leon is a tough dude and was real impressed after Powe shut O'neal down in a game against the heat. So I have to imagine that Shaq will be happy with Leon signing.

With the addition of Leon this Cavs team has now become the most physically dominating team in the NBA. Lebron, Shaq, Varejao, Powe, and Ilgauskas will be wearing teams down with their size and strength. The Lakers better bulk up if they want to handle this basketball team.

Leon Powe-tition

Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE/Getty Images


I'm sure most of you that go to this website have heard of the Leon Powe-Tition by now. If you haven't seen or heard of it check it out by clicking here. The good people at CelticsBlog.com have made a petition that both Celtic and Leon Powe fans can sign in order to convince Danny Ainge that he should resign Powe. I think this is a very nice gesture by both Celtics fans and the people at Celtics Blog.

It shows how much of an impact Leon has had on Boston as a player on and off the court. I mean how often does a bench player have a petition formed to try and bring him back to the team? I don't think I've ever seen that. This is a credit to both the great sports fans in Boston and what a great human and player Leon Powe has been.

Farewell, Leon

I was reading this post by CelticsHub writer Zach Lowe and thought it summed up the feelings Celtics fans had for Leon. It's hard to sum up all the feelings in great moments Powe had as a Celtic but Lowe does a great job.

By Zach Lowe, CelticsHub

Farewell Leon

I really hope Leon Powe knows how much Celtics fans like him and will miss him. We all know why that is–the well-documented childhood difficulties, the never-ending series of knee injuries that seemed to happen right when he was turning a corner, and the way Leon responded to all of it by working even harder. He’s a bit of a cliche fan favorite, actually–the scrappy role player who overcomes personal and professional obstacles to contribute to a championship team.

But let’s talk about basketball. There was something that drew me to Leon Powe from the moment I saw him play: He’s a bit awkward. There are guys who just look beautiful in the post, whether they are fading along the baseline (Olajuwon), stroking the mid-range jumper (KG), juking guys with shoulder fakes before tossing up a soft jump hook (Duncan) or nailing a high-arcing turnaround J (Dirk).

Leon is not pretty to watch. You see–almost feel–every bit of effort it takes him to put the ball on the floor, lower his shoulder into a taller defender and flick a one-handed shot toward the rim. He can’t leap much without a head of steam, and he’s not quick or explosive enough to beat his defenders with spin moves or dribble-drives. He was usually shooting right over a defender’s body, and so he never really seemed to have the time or space to aim his shots, unless he was dunking (and, man, were those dunks ferocious). He often pushed off with his left hand to create the minimal space he had. Every time he attacked the rim, I cringed, expecting an offensive foul.

The shots, once released, look a bit like blind tosses toward something approximating the correct area of the rim or the backboard. And they always seem to bounce around the rim and off the backboard before going down.

And they went down 52 percent of the time, and 57 percent of the time in the ‘08 championship season. And when the shots weren’t going down, Leon was drawing fouls. He led the Celtics–by far–in free throw attempts per 36 minutes in each of the last two seasons, not an easy feat on a team with Paul Pierce.

He is a graceless, below-the-rim player for the most part, and I love him for it. Debilitating knee injuries robbed him of his peak athleticism, and so he adjusted, and he became a relentless wrecking ball who did the best with the body he has now. He made himself into and NBA player even after he lost the athleticism that made him an intriguing NBA prospect to begin with.

(Reminisce about Leon’s greatest Celtic moment, and view some YouTube-age, after the jump).

It all came together in Game 2 of the 2008 NBA Finals, which I think will be the Leon memory most of us will hold closest. You all remember the highlights (included in a YouTube compilation below): the two dunks to end the 3rd quarter, the first a fast break posterization of Luke Walton off a feed from the Truth; the coast-to-coast dunk in the early 4th quarter that drove Phil Jackson crazy and served as the ultimate indictment of that Laker team’s toughness.

But what I like about that game is the fact that Powe’s most important work came in the 2nd quarter, when he scored eight points in a six-minute span that included a game-changing 13-2 Boston run. You know how many field goals Leon made in that stretch? One. His other six points came on free throws, as he used his body and his unconventional game to draw four shooting fouls on LA. Blue-collar Leon at his best at the most important moment.

Powe scored 21 points in the game, and there was no reason to expect such a contribution, because his minutes had been dwindling as the playoffs wore on. Starting with Game 4 of the Cleveland series, Leon barely played. Doc benched him altogether for Game 6 at Cleveland and games 3 and 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Detroit. In between, he played just 1:15 of garbage time in a blowout Game 4 loss.

But Leon stayed ready, and he exploded when his moment game in Game 2. It was great to see.

That sort of thing has actually happened a lot in Leon’s brief career. He didn’t play at all over a seven-game span between Jan. 2 and Jan. 16 of the ‘07-08 season, all of them DNP-CDs save for the game he missed for the birth of his son. But then KG suffered an abdominal strain on Jan. 25th, forcing Doc to play Leon extended minutes.

Powe responded with a career-high (then) 25 points in a January 29th win against Miami (a game Ray Allen also missed), kicking off a stretch of nine games in which Leon averaged 13 points per and hit double-figures seven times.

This year? His minutes fell in January, when Doc played him fewer than 10 minutes in three straight games for the first time all season. When the minutes jumped up again, his production wasn’t there–until KG hurt his knee on Feb. 19 at Utah. Over the next 11 games, Leon averaged nearly 14 points per game.

Then what happened? He collided knee-to-knee with Ben Gordon on March 17, and missed all but the last two games of the regular season. Another good streak, interrupted.

He came back for the playoffs and did exactly what he was supposed to do in Game 1 against Chicago: Eight points and eight rebounds in 16 super-efficient minutes. He could score against Chicago’s front court.

Then Game 2, and another knee injury, this time a torn ACL. A playoff run in a free agent year, interrupted.

Leon will fight back from this, like he has from every other injury he has suffered. He just won’t be doing it with the Celtics. But I hope he knows that Celtics fans will be watching him, and rooting for him, wherever he goes. A piece of the 2008 title will always belong to Leon.

Celtics Say No On Powe

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)


Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics decided to not offer Leon Powe a qualifying offer on Wednesday morning. That means Powe is officially a free agent. Unfortunately Leon had that bad knee injury during the playoffs so it will cost him money this offseason. This was obviously a bad break for Powe but he's proven to be a guy who doesn't quit. So I expect him to come back as good as ever but apparently the Celtics don't agree with me on this subject matter.

I've been a die hard Celtics fan since I can remember. Quite frankly it's pathetic how much I love the Celtics. But after this move I find it hard to give them the support I've always given them. Powe has been a guy that's given everything he's had to this team every time he's stepped on the court. Whether it was during scrub time in the early days or during the NBA Championship, Leon worked his butt off trying to find a way to make a difference for the Celtics. There wasn't much more you could ask out of the guy as a human or a basketball player.

Despite Doc Rivers riding him 24/7 Powe shut his mouth and played basketball as hard as anyone in this league. He played so hard that he even finished out his time in Boston trying to tough out a torn ACL in his last playoff game against Chicago. So how do you reward an employee that has given you his heart and soul? You don't make him an offer and release him? That's just sad an pathetic especially since the Celtics probably could have gotten Leon for a cheap deal. Brian Scalabrine makes $3.5 million this year. Are you telling me Scalabrine is a better ball player and worth more money? I mean you've got to be kidding me! You cut Brian and offer Leon a decent contract less than Scal is making. Problem solved! I'd expect much more out of a great organization like the Boston Celtics.

I keep hearing from analyst that their is a chance the Celtics still might sign Powe at the end of the free agency period. I find that very unlikely with the lack of respect Leon has gotten from the organization. Despite how well he played, Powe never got the playing time he deserved. Now he's going to sign on with some team that will give him what he's earned.

If I'm Danny Ainge I'm begging for forgiveness and trying to get Leon back on this team. Because if he doesn't then the Celtics could be cursed forever. When Len Bias died it set the team back 10-20 years, same with Reggie Lewis. But releasing Leon Powe will set the Celtics back for an eternity.

It's All Over! Leon Powe Tears ACL

Getty Images


Leon Powe tore his ACL in Tuesday's game against the Chicago Bulls. This is the worst news I have ever heard in my entire life. I am devastated as are many other Celtics fans right now.

Not only will this end Powe's season, it ends Boston's as well. The Celtics have no chance without Leon. This season is hopeless now despite a great game yesterday.

As for Leon I'm concerned for his career. He's already had multiple knee surgery's and multiple torn ligaments in both knees. People already questioned his ability to return and play basketball after his last ACL tear. Now it seems as if his whole career is in jeopardy. Not only does this happen in the playoffs it comes during a contract year for Leon. What could have been a good pay day for this great guy, might at best be a league minimum contract because of the fear for his health.

By the way Leon tore his knee on a spin move but continued to play for another 3 minutes after that. That just shows how tough Powe is. He tears his ACL and continues to try and play basketball. That sums Leon Powe up for me right there.

Powe is an amazing person and a great basketball player. It's tough to watch a good guy like Leon fight through so much adversity only to brought back down again.

May your prayers be with him!

Have No Fear, Leon Powe is Here!

With all the drama going on people are forgetting one thing... The Boston Celtics have Leon Powe.

If Doc Rivers and the Celtics use Leon the way he should be used, which is by playing him a lot, They will be successful. My biggest fear is we see 40 minutes of Glen Davis and 20 of Leon Powe. If that happens then this will be a short playoff run for Boston.

My prediction for the first round is the Celtics win. But if Davis gets more minutes than Powe things could end up being a lot tougher than it should be. Powe has shown over and over again that he is more productive on the court than Big Baby but Davis continues to get less playing time.

But lets see how things go in the playoffs.

Leon Out 2-3 Weeks

Leon Powe hurt his knee during the Chicago Bulls game the other day and the news is tragic. Leon will be out 2-3 weeks.

This is truly devastating and is going to hurt an already depleted Celtics roster. Hopefully Leon will be back and healthy for the playoffs where he will be needed. Where is Mr. Miyagi when you need him.

Career High 30 Points for the Great Leon Powe!

(AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)


March 13th 2009 will go down as one of the most memorable days in Boston Celtics history. It should be known in Boston as "Leon Powe Day" for his amazing performance in the 102-92 victory of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Powe had 30 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks, 3 assist, and one steal. The 30 points were a career high as were the 5 blocks and 3 assist. But it wasn't just the great stats that made Leon amazing tonight. His hustle and toughness to fight through a calf injury were huge for this struggling Celtics team.

Hopefully Powe will start to see more minutes now that he's showed what he can do when you actually give him some playing time. He is clearly the best option off the bench for the Celtics. If Doc decides to keep sitting him behind Big Baby then Leon is going to be playing for another team next year.

I'm glad Leon got his opporunity to show what he can do. He was given a chance and he performaned like the clutch player he is. Great job Leon!!

Powe's Great Game Not Enough In Miami

For the first time in his NBA career Leon Powe played over 40 minutes in a game. Powe made the most of his opportunity scoring 23 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in the 107-99 loss to the Miami Heat. Leon was able to do all that with a calf injury, and while being in foul trouble thanks to some weak calls by the refs.

Powe has gone 20/10 two out of his last three games which is not bad for a guy that usually gets stuck being the 9th or 10th guy off the bench for some reason. Leon is the best guy coming off the bench for the Celtics but Doc Rivers still doesn't know that. Unfortunately for the Celtics it might end up costing them Leon for next year. Powe is probably going to get some money and playing time offered to him on another team and I'd imagine he'd take it since he doesn't get opportunities like he got tonight very often. I'm still praying he somehow stays in Boston though.

I'm very impressed with Leon's game and how he's improving despite being stuck behind some guys. Powe always keeps his head up and is a very positive person and it's really going to continue to pay off for him. Rivers needs to start giving him more minutes down the stretch so Powe can be confident and ready for the playoffs.

I'll keep an eye out on Leon's calf injury. Hopefully it's something mild and not too serious. He will have a day to rest it so that should help out.

Despite the team being undermanned tonight they fought hard giving themselves a chance to win a game against a very hot team. The Celtics didn't even play their best game and still had a chance so I think that's something positive to look at especially with the players they had on the court. Lets see if they can get the win on Friday against Memphis.

Powe Gets Season High In Celtics Win

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)


Leon Powe had his best game of the season tonight in a 105-94 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Leon scored a season high 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in his 26 minutes of play. Powe finally got a chance to play when Glen "Big Baby" Davis was ejected. I don't think Davis should have been rejected but it benefited Leon and the Celtics.

This game was bigger than your average regular season game. If the Celtics loss they'd be 3 losses behind the Cavs and that would put them in a position to most likely get the #2 seed in the playoffs instead of the #1. A win tonight without their leader Kevin Garnett was huge for the Celtics record and their psyche. Boston played great defense on Lebron holding him to 21 points and that really was the difference. Paul Pierce who had 29 points out played James in this game clearly. Nice job Paul!

This game was another reason to why Leon needs more minutes. He has been producing when he plays he just doesn't get the opportunities Big Baby gets. Powe averages more points and rebounds a game than Davis but continues to get less playing time. I hope this is what Boston wants because the writing is on the wall. Powe is a free agent and will get offers from other teams to get some real playing time. Davis is going to stay and be the guy off the bench for the Celtics. I'm not happy about it but it's going to happen unfortunately.

Great game Leon Powe and great game Celtics. Even with all the injuries and missing players the Celtics are still showing they're still the team to beat in the NBA.

More Leon = More Wins

Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images


The Boston Celtics have gone from looking like the 86 Celtics to looking like the 2006 Celtics in just two weeks. I think there is a couple factors involved with this. One is the starters are just too inconsistent. Rondo is really slumping and Perk isn't playing his best ball. KG is not the statistical force he once one and Ray Allen doesn't always show up. Paul Pierce has been playing pretty well but that won't cut it.

I think Doc Rivers needs to start the bench the next game. I'm not saying play them all 40 minutes I just think it would be a good wake up call for a lot of the starters. Right now the energy is low and playing the bench can sometimes spark a team. Especially when you have a great energy guy like Leon Powe. I keep hearing Doc talk about the lack of energy and lack of strength on the team. Then he brings in Brian Scalabrine like that will do something. The answer of course is more Leon! Let KG get his head together and put Leon in. Don't just put Leon in and say give us some good defense either. He is going to play his defense. Powe needs more shots to bring a spark to the bench and himself. Less Tony Allen shots and more Leon Powe.

The Celtics are 12-0 when Leon shoots over 5 shots in a game this year. They're 17-8 when he doesn't. The Celtics have also won 23 of their last 24 games when Leon scores double digits.

The Celtics are facing adversity right now. Why don't you let the guy who's lived his life facing adversity help get this team out of it. Give him 20+ minutes and lets see what he can do.

More Leon Powe = More Wins!