Yup, that's me up there literally crying into my Eddie House jersey. My hallowed, lucky jersey that I've had since the 07-08 season. From the time I saw the revitalized Celtics take the floor, Eddie House, along with James Posey, was always a spark off the bench. Whether it'd be hitting a couple of quick three's to get the crowd going or making a ridiculous hustle play, House always had a knack for getting the crowd on their feet as chants of "Eddie! Eddie! Eddie!" resonated through the Garden.
I have to admit that I only liked Eddie at first because we shared the same first name. But after seeing him in action, I couldn't help but root for him after he would nail three after three. The game seemed to get more exciting every time he stepped on the floor, a Celtics scoring run just waiting to happen. Also, he was a great teammate who seemed to genuinely get along with everyone on the team.
Now, I know he had his flaws. He wasn't the best defender and his shots weren't falling as easily as in years past, only shooting 40% from beyond the arc. But he was a fan favorite, and now he's off to New York for Nate Robinson. Yes, the same Nate Robinson whose resume includes three time Slam Dunk contest winner and...that's about it.
Nate Robinson. Where do I begin. This is the player who blocked a shot and then showed off to the crowd, even though it was still a live ball. A player who constantly butted heads with his coach, to the point where he's been benched for extended periods of time. A shoot first, me first ball hog. Then again, there is no doubt that Robinson can drive through traffic and score at will. That time Robinson was benched for a month? He came out and scored 41 points against the Hawks.
If the Celtics get the moody and selfish Nate Robinson, this trade could really ruin the team chemistry and the motto of "Ubuntu" that they have rallied around. However, if Nate Robinson is ready to put behind him the glorified pick up game style of basketball the Knicks play, he can be a real shot in the arm that the stagnant Celtics really need.
We'll all be watching Nate.
I also shed some tears and some anger when I found out that the trade went through. I was even irate when it was still a rumor.
Eddie House is an offensive weapon that can not be replaced by a back up point guard. I’m really disappointed at the fact that we’ve destroyed out ’07-’08 championship bench over the past two season.