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Whenever I’m watching ESPN or getting my free agent updates on the Internet, all I see are the “so called” big names getting the publicity.  But the truth is, the players behind the scenes deserve some respect as well.  Think about the duck in the pond; everyone sees a duck that glides effortlessly across the pond; however,  the true visionary sees the work that their feet are doing beneath the surface of the pond .  When free agency kicked off I wanted to know about KG returning, but most importantly I wanted to know what was going to happen with Greg Stiemsma, Chris Wilcox, Keyon Dooling, and Mikael Pietrus.  These players, in a lot of ways, are like the feet that moved this team forward during the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

These are also the types of players that can bring the quality energy needed when the final push to get a tough road win seems so far away.  The combined experience of these players gives them their own credibility, and their work ethic gives them the respect that comes with true leadership.  The Big Four may get all of the headlines, but these guys are the true heroes.  Think about it:  It has been my experience that a hero steps up in the big moments or siezes the opportunity when it presents itself.  The Boston Celtics have proven time and time again that they can defy the odds when they are perceived as the underdogs.  This is due, in large part, to players like the ones mentioned above.  They are the catalysts that at times can provide a huge spark to the Celtics’ star-driven nucleus.  Think about Brandon Bass, and the huge game he had in the playoffs.  These guys remind me of the courageous Marine that steps up when his team leader has fallen.  So when it comes to media coverage of NBA free agency, I believe that these are the types of players that need more attention paid to them, because Celtics fans everywhere want to know more about their contract statuses and free agent situations – me included.

Larry McCutcheon is a new blogger at Celtic Nation.  Be sure to follow him on Twitter @Cutch30