The playoffs are right around the corner, but for some teams, plans are already being put into place for next season.
According to the Boston Herald, the Boston Celtics will host part of their training camp and play some preseason games in Istanbul and Milan.
Sources have confirmed that, barring any logistical problems overseas, the Celts will hold workouts and face European teams in both sites. There are still some contracts to be signed, but at present the Cs will play in Turkey on Oct. 5, and in Italy on Oct. 7.Team president Danny Ainge had no comment on the matter when it was presented to him yesterday, but it appears as though coach Doc Rivers will get his wish of going away for camp. Rivers always has spoken of his fondness of taking his team away from the familiar surroundings in the Boston area so the players can bond.
The Celtics currently have nine players on their roster who are not guaranteed through next season, so some team bonding and getting to know the new faces is not a bad idea, especially in an unfamiliar setting.
It was during the Celtics championship 2007-08 season when the team took part in the 2007 NBA Europe Live Tour.
The Celtics played a preseason game in Rome against the Toronto Raptors and the experience was a good one as they had just acquired Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen that summer.