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Blount Hasn't Requested Trade
Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Ainge Laughs Off Olowokandi Rumors
According to Danny Ainge, no such discussions have taken place. Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Delonte Points To Early Return
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Much like Danny Ainge, Mark Bartlestein has treated the travails of his client — Mark Blount — as a situation that requires tact, not bluster.
To that end, the Chicago-based agent said yesterday that Blount has not requested a trade over his recent benching and apparent falling out with Celtics coach Doc Rivers.
“Nothing like that at all,” Bartlestein said. “I talk with Danny all the time, and we’re just trying to work this out. Mark has shown that he can be a terrific player in this league. The team was losing, and he was frustrated. He just wants to help the team get going back in the right direction.”
Blount seconded that notion after practice and expressed both surprise and gratitude for the warm crowd reaction he received after coming in off the bench for Kendrick Perkins Monday.
“I was enjoying it,” he said. “They were saying things like, ‘Let’s go, Mark.’ You never know what’s going to happen. They are the best fans.”
Blount is dealing with his new role off the bench.
“Whatever,” he said. “I just have to do what I do. I’m just enjoying it. It’s not a problem for me.”
Of Bartlestein’s recent contact with Ainge, Blount said, “My agent has made contact, and he’s keeping the airwaves open. As long as I’m here, I’m here. I don’t have a problem playing. It is what it is. I keep going.”
The Celtics are laughing at reports they have spoken to Minnesota about acquiring center Michael Olowokandi. 
Celtics guard Delonte West plans to add some spice to the Celtics rotation, returning from two games off because of a left hip bruise.
“I feel great,” he said. “I had a full day of practice. I actually took a charge, so I’m proud of that. I’m ready to go (tonight). Even thought I baby-sitted it a little bit, I did take a little contact. It’s not 100 percent, but I can play.”
Having now seen the Celtics defensive woes as a spectator, West will be focusing attention on those duties.
“I’m not going to go out there and try to stop everybody who touches the ball,” he said, “but it does start from the head – the point guard. They kind of have to take my (lead) on the defensive end. If I’m sitting back, our whole defense is lax, so I will try to initiate the style of the defensive effort.”