Friday FT's: Garnett preaches teamwork off the court

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By Jessica Camerato
CSNNE.comFollow @JCameratoNBA
When Marquis Daniels recently recounted his terrifying injury last season, he said it was Kevin Garnett who kept him calm while he lay temporarily paralyzed on the court. That moment offered a glimpse into Garnett the dedicated teammate, not just the fierce competitor.

On Thursday, Garnett called into the Dan Patrick Show and once again expressed his commitment to his we, not me team mentality.

While discussing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, which Garnett will be playing this weekend with other NBA players, Patrick asked him if he would be a good teammate in video games.

Garnetts response was passionate.

Im a great teammate. I'm a great teammate in anything, he said. A teammate should be the same in anything. When you're a teammate you love to provide some assistance, some strength, vice versa, support, that's what I am. You get with a team, I just hate when you get with guys who are not team (players). I'm a great teammate in anything.

Patrick later jokingly asked Garnett if there was room for him on the Celtics bench to have a one-year deal -- I could be sort of a Scalabrine type, he offered.

"You willing to give up that body of yours, man?" Garnett questioned.

"Oh absolutely, absolutely," Patrick replied.

Scal gave up a lot, Garnett replied. He was big for us, man. I know people like to crack the little jokes about Scal. Scal's in the league for a reason.

Allen Golfs for a Cause
Ray Allen teed off for a good cause this week at the Birdies for Breast Cancer Liberty Cup charity golf tournament to battle breast cancer. The two-day event, which took place at the Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey, was hosted by LPGA golfer Cristie Kerr and raised nearly 500,000 for charitable organizations. Allen was joined by LPGA players, two-time U.S. Open champ Andy North, and actor Kyle MacLachlan, among others. Click here to see photos of Allen at the tournament.

Your Shot to Play for the Red Claws
Can you ball? The Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers NBA Development League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws, will be holding open tryouts on October 1 at Competitive Edge in King of Prussia, PA. The one-day tryout, which is scheduled to run from 9:00am4:00pm, will include team drills, individual skills work, and scrimmages. Red Claws GM and President Jon Jennings, Head Coach Dave Leitao, and other staff will be in attendance to evaluate prospects. Think you have what it takes? Last year two hopefuls from open tryouts earned invitations to training camp and played for the Red Claws during the 2010-11 season. Tryout fees are 150 in advance or 200 at the door. For more information (including eligibility requirements) and to download a registration form, visit www.maineredclaws.com.

Celtics Tweet of the Week
@paulpierce34: Me and Mike had a great trip to china and since when did I ever have asthma

Celtics Birthdays of the Week
Jeff Green turned 25 on August 28. He averaged 9.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 26 games after being traded to the Celtics in February . . . Hall of Famer Robert Parish celebrated his 58th birthday on August 30. Parish, a nine-time All-Star, won three championships with the Celtics in the 1980s. He is the NBAs all-time leader in games played (1,611) . . . Former Celtic (and current Los Angeles Clipper) Ryan Gomes turned 29 on September 1. Gomes was drafted by the Cs out of Providence College in 2005 and was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2007 as part of the Kevin Garnett deal . . . Nate Tiny Archibald turned 63 on September 2. The Hall of Famer played five seasons for the Celtics and won a title with the team in 1981 . . . Former Celtics training camp invitee Esteban Bautista also turned 28 on September 2. The native of Uruguay has been playing basketball in Europe.
This Week in Celtics History
The Celtics signed a series of key role players during this week over the past four years: James Posey (August 27, 2007), Marquis Daniels (September 1, 2009), and Delonte West (September 1, 2010). All three players added versatility, depth, and veteran experience to the Cs bench. While Daniels and West battled were hampered by injuries, Poseys contributions were critical to the Celtics 2008 championship run.

Jessica Camerato is on Twitter at http:twitter.com!JCameratoNBA

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