Cut late by Celtics, Kings' Jones reflects

He'll always have the picture.

Dahntay Jones was one of the Celtics crew in October, participating in Rome training camp with his Boston teammates, who all gathered around for a photo op during their time as tourists. But the fifth-year guard wasn't with them much longer, cut with just one exhibition game to go and disappointed at the missed chance to take part in something special.

Jones said he did what Celtics coach Doc Rivers asked, providing a defensive presence off the bench and scoring when needed. But he was told the decision was salary cap-related, and he eventually signed with Sacramento.

"I thought it was an ideal situation (with Boston)," said Jones, who spent four seasons in Memphis after playing at Rutgers and Duke. "It definitely would've been a good spot to be with what they're trying to get done and the guys they have. But things work out for the best, so we'll see."

Jones became friendly with numerous Celtics in his short time with the team. Like most others, he's impressed with what they've accomplished and curious to see if they can keep it up through the playoffs.

"I'm intrigued," he said. "Dallas showed (last season) how you can dominate in the regular season and you've still got work to do in the playoffs. I wish those guys the best. We'll see if they can do it in the playoffs."

Garnett fan for life – There were Celtics fans aplenty at Arco Arena on Wednesday night, with the instant Eastern Conference heavyweight sparking the first announced sellout of the season.

But there might not have been a bigger Kevin Garnett supporter than Rex Kalamian, a Kings assistant who spent the last two seasons working with Garnett in Minnesota.

"I've never seen a guy where you do practice, you go 2 1/2 hours, and if you're not doing the drill right, if you don't do the play right, he'll say, 'Let's do it again,' " Kalamian said. "He's dragging his leg, he's tired, he played the night before, and he says, 'Let's do it one more time.' I love it, man. I get amped up just talking about him."

Local celebrity night – Two local stars were among the sellout crowd: pro golfer and Sacramento native Natalie Gulbis and Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia of Woodland.

Pedroia is coming off quite a season, having won a championship and the A.L. Rookie of the Year honor. He received a standing ovation from some in attendance when a highlight tape of his accomplishments ran on the JumboTron.

A lifelong Kings fan, Pedroia was given a Kings jersey with his name on the back and his Red Sox jersey number, 15. Although he rooted for the Kings, he said he, too, became a Garnett supporter after meeting him at Fenway Park last season when he threw out the first pitch.

"He came out to Fenway, and what a great guy," Pedroia said. "He's one of my favorite players to watch because he plays the game the right way."

About the writer:

• Call The Bee's Sam Amick, (916) 326-5582. Read his Kings blog at www.sacbee.com/blogs.