Not Done Yet

by Jeff Clark on Jul 6, 2007 5:02 AM EDT in Boston Celtics Rumors

"We’re obviously not done with our roster yet," he said.

The Celts appear to be letting the marketplace shake out a bit (there are tremors with Jason Kapono reportedly getting $24 million over four years), but Ainge said he’s not been idle.

"We’re not close to doing anything, but we’ve been looking at a lot of players who could be a good fit for us," he added. "We’re looking at a lot of free agents at all different levels - sign-and-trade free agents and mid-level guys. We’re also looking at what trades might be out there that could work for us.

"But we have to look at what each move would do to other potential moves. If we do a sign-and-trade for a bigger free agent, does that take away our chances to use the mid-level (exception)? We have to think of those things, so it’s kind of a puzzle trying to figure out what the best move is.

"It’s not like we feel we’re one move away."

Ainge wouldn’t mention any names of free agents (and he can’t discuss those who are under contract to other teams), but among those who would seem logical for their needs on the inside include Marcus Camby, Jamaal Magloire and Joe Smith.

The Celts also are said to be looking at point guards, and 30-year-old Theo Papaloukas could step over from Greece and help (the Lakers are said to be pursuing him). Derek Fisher could also fit that role. Granted his release by the Jazz, he’s looking at playing sites where his cancer-stricken daughter could get good care (hello, Boston).

And as crazy as it may seem, the Celts may still be leaving the porch light on for Kevin Garnett. There appears to be no chance Ainge will sleep until he sees the Timberwolves star in another uniform.

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i don’t think danny does anything til after the season starts and then when he looks at what he has and sees fair to suck, he deals.

by nazzbo on Jul 6, 2007 7:00 AM EDT reply actions

â€œItâ€™s not like we feel weâ€™re one move away.â€
Code word for: “We can’t afford KG.”
Code word for: “Multiple smaller deals.”

by Big Cat on Jul 6, 2007 7:01 AM EDT reply actions

â€œItâ€™s not like we feel weâ€™re one move away.â€

Didn’t Danny say, before last year, that they were one move away?
Or am I wrong?

by mcpu40 on Jul 6, 2007 7:14 AM EDT reply actions

Each move that Ainge makes puts them two more moves away.

by Brickowski on Jul 6, 2007 7:32 AM EDT reply actions

it was right after the Wally trade – he said that was a “sideways move” and something about being a “move away”

I’ve stopped trying to figure out what he’s saying from day to day

he’s either lying, flip flopping, or (to give him some benefit of the doubt) just a shoot from the hip kind of guy who reacts based on each day

by Jeff Clark on Jul 6, 2007 7:35 AM EDT reply actions

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/marty_burns/07/05/yi.bucks/index.html

This is exactly what’s WRONG with the NBA.
Ship him back to CHINA, please…show him what’s what about what.

by mcpu40 on Jul 6, 2007 7:42 AM EDT reply actions

Bulpett does a nice job of writing up a Celtic press release. The Celtics are close to the luxury tax. Are they willing to go over? If the answer is “no”, that greatly restricts their free agent options. Bulpett didn’t appear to ask any questions – just wrote down what Danny told him to write.

by Dennis_D on Jul 6, 2007 8:40 AM EDT reply actions

Did we ever find out why we traded for Ray Allen from the Celtics management?

by CelticsWin on Jul 6, 2007 10:15 AM EDT reply actions

He and Shira are both Shills for the organization. You can add Tanguay and Dickerson to that as well. If you say something the Celtics do not like no stories.

by wbones1 on Jul 6, 2007 5:33 PM EDT reply actions

Well, if one of those moves includes Theo’s contract, doesn’t that eliminate the salary cap problem? Just wondering. I was under the impression that while they will need to squirrel away money for Big Al for next summer, they were able to use Theo’s expiring contract, and the MLE, to make two moves. At this point I’ll be thrilled with just one SMART move.
Aiming low…

by Big_Easy on Jul 6, 2007 6:12 PM EDT reply actions

I said before that they would trade Wally before Theo. I will be totally surprised if they execute a deal involving Ratliff. He is earmarked to just come off the books after this year. The owners will not pay a cent of luxury tax. They can’t afford too.

by celty86 on Jul 6, 2007 7:43 PM EDT reply actions

“We don’t need any more 3’s.”
Squeeze me?
Baking powder?
We have Pierce, and then we have a bunch of people playing out of position (T. Allen, Scalabrine, Gomes and what, Gerald Green?). I would argue we need tons more threes, or more accurately a GOOD three. Which is why Jeff Green would’ve made an excellent draft pick.
If this guy is a more natural 3 in the NBA, by all means put him under the microscope. But the law firm of Allen, Scalabrine, Gomes and Green ain’t winning any trials at the 3 anytime soon.
I’ll take what we can get.

by Big_Easy on Jul 7, 2007 8:13 AM EDT reply actions