March Q&A with Mike Gorman

Note: This segment originally appeared on the FSN website.

We caught up again this week with FSN play-by-play guy Mike Gorman and asked him for a few thoughts on the Celtics as we head down the stretch run.

1) It would seem to me that this Celtics team has had more ill-timed injuries than any club I can remember. Everytime they seemed poised to get on a bit of a run, someone goes down, even if it is just for a game or two. Delonte West, Wally Szczerbiak, Kendrick Perkins and of course Al Jefferson have all missed time in recent weeks, is this team better than their current record would indicate?

MG: Yeah I do think this team is better than their record would indicate. Certainly Tony Allen and Al Jefferson both have had lost years because of injury, and Perk has not had the chance to develop as much as he might have, though he has made significent progress. Delonte has been slowed and Wally hobbled but those injuries are more the nature of the beast. Not knowing what they have in Allen and Jefferson because of injuries is the biggest setback of the season.

2) If you could add one type of player to this team, what would it be? I’m not talking a Shaq or LeBron here, but what kind of role player do you think could have a real impact on this squad? Is there an example of a guy out
there that you and Tommy would love to see as a Celtic?

MG: Can’t speak for Tommy but I would be looking to add a quick point guard, a scorer off the bench, a defensive stopper, and a veteran. Obviously one person can fill a couple of those roles. Mike James might be a scorer, back up point, and veteran all in one package. Will be very interesting to see which way the C’s go in the draft. Also the strong play of Tony Allen over the past week brightens the picture considerably.

3) After not playing much the first half of the year, and now all of a sudden getting 35 minutes a game, do you think Ryan Gomes is hitting a bit of a rookie wall here late in the season?

MG: No, I have not seen any indication Ryan has hit a wall. He is a remarkable young player who may end up in the starting line up for a long time to come. I can’t say enough about having a four year college player join the team. It’s almost like getting a veteran in today’s NBA world.

4) Gerald Green’s dunk against the Raptors…have you ever seen anything like that from a Celtic in your 25 years?

MG: Brings back memories of Charles Bradley. Paul Pierce has had some great dunks over the years ,more of the power variety, and Ricky had his moments. Gerald has a chance to be the best though, he has incredible hops.

5) Where you amused by the reaction that Tommy’s remarks about Paul Pierce being the best offensive player in Celtics history generated? The papers even went to Larry himself for his take on the matter, Larry seemed good-humored about it, what did you think of the whole scenario?

MG: Tommy loves to stir the pot and he got things going with those statements. Remember Tommy was speaking strictly as an offensive player, not best basketball player. He believes that Paul has more ways to score than any previous Celtic, and having watched for 25 years, I agree that he can make a strong case. Good to see Larry is still competitive.

6) Has anything happened during a telecast this season that had you scrambling, but that viewers at home probably had no idea something was going on?

MG: Once or twice a year a ball or player comes flying over the table and all hell breaks loose. My partner insists on having a minimum of three large diet cokes in front of him at any one time, so when that ball or player arrives things tend to get wet fast. There are lots of power cords on the table and under your feet. It gets interesting to say the least.

Thanks Mike…