C's Sign Scott Pollard
by Jeff Clark on Aug 7, 2007 5:21 AM EDT
in Boston Celtics News & Links
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The Celtics agreed to terms with free agent forward/center Scot Pollard yesterday, according to executive director of basketball operations/general manager Danny Ainge. The 6-foot-11-inch, 265-pound Pollard got a one-year deal believed to be worth the veteran minimum ($1.2 million for 10 years service).
Shira also notes:
At the very least, Pollard promises to keep the locker room loose with his quirky humor and unusual hairstyles, like the mini-Mohawk he sported with Cleveland.
But sometimes Pollard can go too far. Late last season, when the Cavaliers played one of his former teams, the Pacers, Pollard was on the bench in street clothes. He made headlines when he looked into a camera and said, "Hey kids, do drugs." Pollard later apologized for the remark, calling it a bad joke.
Joking aside, if Pollard stays healthy and earns an opportunity to play consistently, he could be a pleasant surprise. While he may be less heralded than the other 30-something acquisitions the Celtics have made this offseason, he could be a valuable role player with his defense.
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Interesting. So does this mean its a lock Mutombo is going back to Houston? And with one roster spot left, are we looking at another big or a point guard?
by Kevin Riley on Aug 7, 2007 5:37 AM EDT reply actions
From Shira’s column:
After signing a one-year deal with Cleveland almost a year ago for about $2 million, Pollard played 24 games with the Cavaliers, averaging 1 point and 1.3 rebounds in 4.5 minutes per game. He has career averages of 4.5 points and 4.8 rebounds.
Pollard’s credentials seem limited to the fact that he’s over 30.
personally, i think this could be a decent signing. but i can’t STAND scott pollard. i genuinely dislike him. i can’t put my finger on it, maybe it’s his hair.
regardless though, decent signing i guess. definitely better than kandi. does anyone remember when we played i think it was the wolves, and kandi had a jump ball with someone really small (apologies, i have a vague recollection of this) and he just swatted it out of bounds instead of tapping it to a team mate? then he walked away laughing. lol classic moment.
rondohondo
Yes we do ,we used the Vet minimum to sign Pollard and only used 1.5 million of the mle to sign house,so we have like 3.85 mil left on the mle[/quote]
ESPN and HoopsHype have both reported the deal as being 1.5 million; a part of the mid-level.
Only Shira, the day after the signing said it was the vet’s minimum.
***********
coco
[quote]I rather re-sign Kandi
So would I, if he’s healthy. Maybe we can sign them both.
Pollard was decent with the Pacers in 2005-06, but gave Cleveland nothing last season.
As much as Pollard shouldn’t have made that joke, I respect that he quickly and fully owned up to it and apologized for his poor judgment.
by Luke Middleton on Aug 7, 2007 6:16 AM EDT reply actions
I don’t know what else people were expecting for the little money we have to offer. This is a decent signing if he can bounce back from injury to give us 10-15 minutes a night.
I don’t think it will be a huge deal since I think that Scalabrine will see most of the backup minutes, with KG sliding down to cover the 5. Maybe a small-ball lineup with Powe/Davis in there for very small stretches would get KG some rest as well. Pollard is more like insurance in case of long-term injury to Perk.
I can tell you right now that Pollard is going to get mins because Kendrick cannot stay healthy. I hope that the C’s braintrust knows that the C’s need to get either PJ Brown or C Webb in if they want a Title in Yr 1
by jkceltics on Aug 7, 2007 6:41 AM EDT reply actions
someone smarter than me is going to have to decipher what we have left to use in the MLE and vet min.
at one point I remember learning that you can only split the MLE between 2 players and it has to be set amounts (not just divided up however you want)
also, if we do use the Vet Min Exception, doesn’t that mean we can’t use it next year? Isn’t that why it is called the Bi-Annual Exception?
where’s Larry Coon when you need him?
Apparently Webber is signing with Dallas for the full MLE ..
resign kandi? no. talk about a basketball leech.
by havlicekstoletheball on Aug 7, 2007 6:48 AM EDT reply actions
as far as looks, never liked the guy..lol…as far as play, he is what he is, a serviceable backup center, which is what we need…if he’s healthy, he can give you a good 10-15 minutes of rebounding and D..thats what we need…and he played with Pierce at Kansas, hopefully they get along….
by NUMBA 17 on Aug 7, 2007 6:59 AM EDT reply actions
….Id also still go for Motumbo if they have a chance, despite this signing…
by NUMBA 17 on Aug 7, 2007 7:01 AM EDT reply actions
Some of you are such dramaqueens.honestly.
Jeff : they used the Vet minimum meaning that portion of the MLE still remains. 8)
by havlicekstoletheball on Aug 7, 2007 7:24 AM EDT reply actions
I don’t understand why everyone thinks we just have to snap our fingers, and Deke will come running. I’ll repeat: Houston wants him. He doesn’t want to move. You won’t lure him with extra $300,000 or $500,000 at this stage. As a matter of fact, even if the Rockets don’t want him, I suspect he’d rather retire.
Re: what is left of our MLE. I remember reading a report after the House signing that he’s slotted in the bi-annual exception, and that the Celtics have 3.8 million of their MLE left. I am not exactly sure how and if these work together, and if it’s possible to have older contracts eating parts of current MLE. I also apologize tzhat I can’t provide a link, but I am pretty sure I quote accurately.
If this is true, after factoring Pollard out, between 2.1 and 2.6 million are left.
As for the next move, I suspect we’ll aquire a wing. Expect someone of the Jumaine Jones mold.
Jeff
someone smarter than me is going to have to decipher what we have left to use in the MLE and vet min.
at one point I remember learning that you can only split the MLE between 2 players and it has to be set amounts (not just divided up however you want)
also, if we do use the Vet Min Exception, doesn’t that mean we can’t use it next year? Isn’t that why it is called the Bi-Annual Exception?
where’s Larry Coon when you need him?[/quote]
I think this should explain things, Jeff.
The mid level can be chopped, diced split multiple ways and used every year.
The Bi-annual is once every two years and the Vet’s minimum is a stand alone cap exception that has no limits.
http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/features/off-season_central.html
[quote] Mid-level Exception: An exception used by a team over the salary cap, where the amount is based on the average league salary which is determined by taking the total salaries paid during the previous season, dividing by 13.2 times the number of teams and then adding eight percent. For the 2005-06 NBA season, the mid-level exception was defined at $5M per year. The mid-level exception can be used as the first year of the contract and given to a player as part of a multi-year contract. It may be used for contracts of up to five years in length, and raises are limited to 8% of the salary in the first year of the contract. This exception may be split and given to multiple players. After the first year, the exception no longer applies to that player(s) and that player(s) salary amount goes on the team?s salary cap.
Note: Signing a player to a multi-year contract does not affect a team’s ability to use this exception every year. For example, a team can sign a player to a five-year contract using this exception and still use the exception the following year to sign another player.
Bi-annual Exception: An exception used by a team over the salary cap once every two years. It may be used to sign any free agent to a contract starting at $1.747 million per year. The amount of this exception will rise every year. This exception may not be used two years in a row (and if the Bi-annual exception was used in 2004-05, the Bi-Annual exception may not be used in 2005-06). It may be split and given to more than one player, and can be used to sign players for up to two years, with raises limited to 8%.
Note: This exception was previously named (or misnamed) the “$1 Million exception” due to it being valued at $1 million in 1998-99).
According to ESPN, HoopsHype and Mark P., we’ve only used 1.5 million of the mid level (on House) to date and so have 3.6 million left to spend on Hudson, Armstrong, or whomever……
I thought this was a joke. I guess not. Not a fan of Pollard, but he came cheap (remember the league pays a portion of his salary 50%?), and we need more bigs. When he’s healthy he does have a reputation as someone who can hustle, rebound, and mix it up inside. When he’s healthy, which he wasnt last year. Ever. What I’m not big on is that Powe can do everything Pollard can, and probably better since he’s healthier, stronger, quicker, and far more hungry.
Motumbo is not coming to Boston. He lives in Huston, he like Huston, and I don’t think he wants to move.
I’ve never seen so many fans in denial. After the top 3, this team is unbelievably weak. Ryan’s column didn’t do justice to how bad 4-12 or 14 really is.
Rondo is still green as grass, Perk hasn’t shown he can play more than 25 minutes a game (or stay healthy for very long), and yet fans are counting on these two as though they’re givens. We’re told Powe can fill a void though he couldn’t even get minutes on last year’s horrid team. Now we resign ourselves to the reality that Scal will be the first big man off the bench, and suddenly we presume he’s servicable (when he isn’t).
Scott Pollard is not an NBA caliber player. If he gets minutes, it means someone’s hurt, or our bench is just as abysmal as some of us fear.
I wonder if Moses Malone’s 4 neighborhood friends are available.
by TNCeltic on Aug 7, 2007 8:04 AM EDT reply actions
This team certainly has personality. It will never be a boring bunch.
by Luke Middleton on Aug 7, 2007 8:10 AM EDT reply actions
Oh god this is terrible, not another stiff
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 8:11 AM EDT reply actions
I notice all these spare parts they’re bringing in are getting 1 yr contracts. I think there’s going to be some mixing and matching going on till they find enough guys who fit in. I don’t think Danny’s anywhere close to be being done here.
All these guys, including Pollard, would be well advised to rent, not buy.
Might as well sign Rafael Arrajuo to make it the goofiest crappiest bench front court ever
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 8:28 AM EDT reply actions
We’re making much ado about nothing. These signings are for one year and low dollars. What do we expect. We’re not going to get anything significant now. There will be lots of quality free agents next year. I think we should be very satisfied with the changes made this summer (even tho I hate losing Al Jeff). Also, if things are looking good for us at the trade deadline something can be done then, possibly with these new signings to get a decent player to give us a bump if needed.
What do you expect when you bottom feed?
Mutombo may actually be OLDER than 42 because there was some question when he came into the league about how old he actually was since he apeared pretty much out of nowhere on John Thompson’s roster at Georgetown. You could very well get more out of Pollard because he’s younger and somewhat less likely to break down — and a lot less likely to lose whatever skills he has overnight.
Very true, but there has to be other players out there who wouldnt be an embarassing joke to throw out there.
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 8:36 AM EDT reply actions
Pollard is fine for one year. He’s averaged 4.5 rebounds in 16.5 minutes of play for his career. He’s got 3 inches on Powe, and probably about 50lbs, so he’ll be a center on this team. He’ll hustle and rebound. Maybe he’ll even get a green mohawk. I think if the Celtics had gotten KG sooner, then more serviceable free agents would have wanted to come to Boston. But they got KG late in the game, so we’ll have to take what they can get. A one-year commitment to Pollard won’t hurt anything. Mt. Mutombo would have been nice, but hey, KG’s in green!
by Green Bear on Aug 7, 2007 8:41 AM EDT reply actions
Pollard is horrifying. Absolute waste of money.
by West Side on Aug 7, 2007 8:42 AM EDT reply actions
For a messageboard full of guys who hang on every word Tommy Heinsohn says, there are so many posters here who still don’t understand that looking at stats won’t tell you squat about the value of hustle guys like Pollard. Judging from his days in Indiana and Sacramento, the dude will wrack up Tommy Points like Waltah- but people are going to judge him by his haircut and his fantasy numbers and decide he’s a useless stiff… Nobody gets Tommy Points for their points off uncontested jumpers. But I guess there will always be situations where people will parrot all the talk about how important defense is only to turn around and kvetch about signing Jackie Manuel or Scot Pollard………..
KG is here, but he comes at a very hefty price. I’m genuinely astonished that so many people just didn’t see this coming. People went nuts predicting the next championship, read a Bob Ryan article and now are wracked with buyer’s remorse- all before seeing the squad play ONE lousy game together.
The Celtics got Kevin Garnett. The flip side of that is that they now have about five bucks in crumpled singles and pennies with which to fill out the minimium number of roster seats. The Boston Celtics, like pretty much every other NBA team, don’t have the capacity to make a blockbuster trade for a player of KG’s caliber -while giving up 5 roster spots- and be able to go out and sign everybody’s favorite remaining free agent- it just doesn’t work that way. This season, they have to make due with what they can afford, and that means dudes like Scot Pollard and Eddie House.
We’re debating Tommy Points here now and whether or not Scott Pollard will lead the team in them? Wow, I don’t know what to say.
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 9:27 AM EDT reply actions
Hey Danny Ainge…..im a crappy white guy…why dont you give me 5 million a year
by mjhartnett33 on Aug 7, 2007 9:35 AM EDT reply actions
You can’t judge Pollard on his ppg/rpg numbers….that is just foolish. He’s a big who understands the game, is a great off-the-ball screener to free up Pierce/Allen and all he will be asked to do is play spot minutes. He gives us a veteran big who fits in perfectly with our veteran team for the options that we had.
Next up, the PG position. Hudson? Jasikevicius? Cassell or Lue after their buyouts later on? This is the type of signing that we needed to fill out the roster……no complaints here.
by HRB on Aug 7, 2007 9:35 AM EDT reply actions
hes one of those types of guys who wears those earins that stretch out your ears, tattoos everywhere, purple hair, total oucast of society, he will have no friends on the team, im sure when pierce was at KU he was banging hot white girls, pollard was at the biker bars moshing
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 9:38 AM EDT reply actions
I can tell you right now that Pollard is going to get mins because Kendrick cannot stay healthy. I hope that the C’s braintrust knows that the C’s need to get either PJ Brown or C Webb in if they want a Title in Yr 1
PJ or CW it doesn’t matter because the C’s are hardly going to win a title with either. At least Brown still has some lateral movement left and can get up-and-down the floor a little. Webber looks like he’s running in sand.
by lemonadesky on Aug 7, 2007 9:52 AM EDT reply actions
/quote]
Is that supposed to mean Pierce is the more admirable guy between the two?
by lemonadesky on Aug 7, 2007 9:53 AM EDT reply actions
HRB you’re right on. With the nucleus now in place you plug the gaps with VETERAN spare parts who know who to play in this league. Then who keep a few Powe or Alan Ray types who around who have the potential to eventually oust one of the 1 yr contract guys.
It’s a pretty sound strategy — now that you’ve made the deal to commmit to KG. I definitely have faith in Danny’s ability to bottom feed — assuming they’ve done a decent job scouting the other teams.
well if a knowledge of bikers and moshing comes along with your frutiy pebbles, dark basement, and a v card intact, then i take that as a compliment.
The fact of the matter is that Pollard is a joke and once again Ainge has missed with his free agent signings since he took over.
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 9:56 AM EDT reply actions
Personally I think Scot “The Butcher” Pollard is just what the Celtics need for depth at center. Even if he doesn’t reprise his Sacto heyday, his blue-collar playing style complements the big three more than flashier (re. pricier) free-agent candidates.
by ReggieR on Aug 7, 2007 10:15 AM EDT reply actions
Once more, this whole thing is a joke. Wyc has all of Boston and Celticdom awash in unbridled KG Joy. It’ll add a fortune to his coffers, but it won’t hang another banner. The rest of the team is scrubs. Other teams have added cheap veterans for their playoff run, but in our case, we’re adding guys who probably wouldn’t be on an NBA roster were it not for our desperation. Anyone who thinks Pollard is capable of adding anything other than 6 fouls is kidding themselves.
by TNCeltic on Aug 7, 2007 10:20 AM EDT reply actions
A couple thoughts here:
1. We don’t have many options. Signing PJ Brown or Deke to three year deals would be a mistake.
2. We do have some lineup flexibility, when you have KG at PF, you can play Powe or Davis at C.
3. By keeping these guys on one year deals, you leave your options open for next off season where better roll players may be available.
4. By signing them (as opposed to not using the roster spots) – you may be able to build up some salaries for a deadline deal.
Mutombo would have been a much better option, just for him to come into Gypsi Bar shouting “Who Wants to Sex the Mutombo” like during his GTOWN days would have been comic gold.
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 10:24 AM EDT reply actions
i am not sure why so many folks are elevating their blood pressure over pollard. it was clear from the day KG came to boston that ainge would sign some 7 foot stiff for back up center. he did so.
pollard will provide rebounding and defense. he will knock other team’s centers around. that means he is a fine back up for perk. if pollard can play 15 minutes a night that would be fine.
so, now the celtics have 12 players under contract and BB and pruitt in the wings, correct?
That is correct, the Big Three, Rondo, and the worst 5-12 in the league, but we’ll see how it works
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 11:24 AM EDT reply actions
The bad thing is that Pollard is a terrible basketball player.
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 11:34 AM EDT reply actions
:-*
I’m gonna trust Danny’s move on this one. I’m sure he counseled the big three before pullin the trigger so If they can deal I will deal. I’m sure if it was a problem this signing would have taken longer -nad Yes Mutombo is not coming to boston.
by fadeawayswish17 on Aug 7, 2007 11:34 AM EDT reply actions
Everyone just hates the bench because they are forgetting that we are a contending team now. If these guys (scal, pollard, house) were sitting on the spurs, suns or mavs bench we would hear about how valuable and heady they are. Remember, francisco elson? matt bonner? croshere? pat burke? Everybody relax and stare at your KG in green screensaver.
by connelbe on Aug 7, 2007 11:40 AM EDT reply actions
Do you think ainge might be signing then trading as well though ?
by x4Ooz2Frdom on Aug 7, 2007 11:40 AM EDT reply actions
connelbe makes an excellent point. You don’t sign Pollard to be a 20/10 guy a night. That’s why you have KG. That’s why you have Pierce. That’s why you have Ray Allen. They will have the ball in their hands the majority of the time. Everyone else is filler & support for the big three. Anyone’s game, even my own, would improve playing with those 3. I think people are obsessed with stats because of Fantasy Sports. Stats don’t win real NBA championships. Hustle and guts win NBA championships.
by Green Bear on Aug 7, 2007 11:46 AM EDT reply actions
connelbe, actually people remember the names like Jerry Stackhouse, Devin Harris, Barbosa, Boris Diaw, Michael Finley, Brent Barry probably because they actually have talent unlike Scalabrine and Pollard with Eddie House’s contribution remaining to be seen.
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 11:55 AM EDT reply actions
For those clamoring for Mutombo , did it ever occur to you that perhaps he preferred staying in Houston ? I’m sure Ainge did his best to try and get him to come to Boston.
Just who do you think you’re going to get offering the mimimum……the Pollard and House signings are fine given their limited roles.
At this point Rivers has enough talent to win,no more excuses !
by DAS on Aug 7, 2007 12:22 PM EDT reply actions
You know it’s a bad signing when people immediately start talking about his haircuts, DNP’s, advanced age, and how he can “keep the locker rooom loose”. Terrible!
by IHeartCeltics on Aug 7, 2007 12:59 PM EDT reply actions
Just picturing Pollard and Veal on the court together gives me goosebumps. Wait – maybe those are hives?
by DJ to Bird on Aug 7, 2007 1:06 PM EDT reply actions
This is a good sign fellows. Scott pollard fits this team perfectly. I hated him in Indiana because he will do the little things that would hurt you like put backs off rebounds, hustle space the floor for Oneal and Miller. And believe it or not he have decent nba IQ. But the best thing is he would NEVER shoot the ball. He plays within his abilities. ;D
by Mikey @ CelticsBlog on Aug 7, 2007 1:18 PM EDT reply actions
I think Mikey has a point there. If healthy, you have a guy who has no issues with never scoring unless on a put back dunk. He can come in and get in the heads of the other players. He has the ability to play agressively and can be our “garbage” player. For the money he is making and what else is out there I would say it isn’t bad. Then we can use the rest of our exception on a PG.
Nice, we have a guy will average 1.5 ppg and 1 rpg at most this season but somehow will become valuable? I must be missing something here.
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 1:30 PM EDT reply actions
The still creative, amazing amazing, amazing, amazing, amazing negativity of many Boston Celtics fans-right here in black and white, in action
by bird01 on Aug 7, 2007 1:40 PM EDT reply actions
I read over posts again and I’m still amazed at the creative negativity and doubt and unbelief
by bird01 on Aug 7, 2007 1:42 PM EDT reply actions
Not negativity, realism, there is a huge difference. I dont understand how stating the obvious that we have the worst bench of all time and questioning how that can be fixed correctly is negative? I’m sorry if I dont drink the bs kook aid
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 1:47 PM EDT reply actions
With what’s available Pollard isn’t the worst option. I think we all need to lower our expectations for this year. The goal for 07-08 should be building chemistry and making the playoffs. Next year we should be thinking championship…and I highly doubt Pollard will be a part of that.
by overthebackboardoooh on Aug 7, 2007 1:52 PM EDT reply actions
Scalabrine Sucks said:
Not negativity, realism, there is a huge difference. I dont understand how stating the obvious that we have the worst bench of all time and questioning how that can be fixed correctly is negative?
==
‘obvious’ in your dismal world isn’t the reality most of us live in, sorry…and don’t bother with an attempt at a ‘witty’ negative comeback, logging off for the day.
First of all, anyone capable of putting a positive spin on this should be representing Enron, the White House and Michael Vick. Either you’re living in fantasy land or you’re just looking for an excuse to throw the tired old negativity accusation out there. Get real for just one post, please.
Overthebackboardooh,
You say we should be lowering expectations? Huh? What the …? I thought the point of trading away 3 first-round picks, Dwest, Jefferson, Gomes and aGreen was that I could finally RAISE my expectations. You can’t have it both ways, and neither can Ainge. Either we’re winning big, or we traded way too many assets.
mcpu40 nice cop out there buddy. I guess my dismal world contains pretty much the rest of the country
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 2:14 PM EDT reply actions
I had to check back in quick before I leave for the Allman Brothers show at the Bank of America Pavilion, 7th row baby!
Scal Sucks, I respect your opinion, but you SLAM things way over the fence…to say “we have the worst bench of all time” is simply ludicrous.
I think you’re basically alone in thinking that…
They’re bench is below average, but their main players are above average.
From the limited exposure I’ve got with Pollard, I know he hustles, but his stats are poor.
It’ll be all good next season, I believe.
;D
Cousin It,
I’m not saying that our expectations should not be high, they just shouldn’t be as high as some seem to have. This team this year is going to be good. Like you said, it better be because of the sacrifices we made to get here. But this year isn’t the end all be all. I think next year will be a better year to pick up good role players. Give this team one year to put it together before we expect a ring.
by overthebackboardoooh on Aug 7, 2007 2:35 PM EDT reply actions
I’d have to disagree, saying their bench is below average is an under statement, abysmal and pathetic would be more like it.
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 2:37 PM EDT reply actions
I understand everyone’s concern but you really need to look at it as a 2-3 year plan. Hopefully the real pieces are in place in 08-09 and 09-10 to make a championship run. Let’s relax and enjoy watching these 3 guys and spare parts play – it’s a work in progress.
The anger shown by many regular contributors here is amusing to say the least.
It is def a 3 year run and as much as a joke these signings are, they will most likely be gone. By then hopefully there will more than 3 great players and 1 x factor.
Nice shot there Lurky out of left field, welcome to the forum.
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 2:52 PM EDT reply actions
overthebackboard,
Fair enough. But I’m getting concerned with all the people thinking there’s a master 2-3 year plan being put in effect here.
Here’s the crux of my concern:
The Cs have a WEAK bench. We also have multiple starters (perk, PP and RA) and a top reserve (TA) with some recent history of long-term injury. There is a chance none of the injuries will come into play this season. But there’s also a chance they will. And if they do, you end up with guys like Pollard and House playing a far bigger role than any winning team can afford.
If there are injuries, I believe the team will not look good enough to attract key free agents next summer. If the Celtics don’t produce in a major way this year, free agents will look at them and say, It ain’t happening. And there goes the vaunted 2-3 year plan, down the toilet.
In other words, expectations ARE high. Not just among fans, but also among NBA insiders. Players and agents. With such a thin team, one key injury could cause a huge let down that reverberates and has repurcusions for the next season.
I’m not saying the sky is falling. Like I said, this may be a blissfully injury-free team that pours it on for 82 games. But I do wish we had at least some semblence of a roof over our heads … just in case. As it stands, with guys like Pollard, House, Scals and a bunch of youngsters in key reserve/injury filler roles, we are completely exposed.
Some oy you are really incredible, believe me. Every sign, every trade is awful, horrible, waste of time and no sense.
Let’s recap some of the thoughts of those absolutely negative people.
First of all, we have 3 guys who combined 75 pts, 24 rebounds and 13 assists.OK.
Then, a decent PG has to average 14 at least? becouse the 10,6 (when he has regular PT)of rondo are not enough…
Right. Our center is awful for you, and he averaged 6 8 when helathy. So at least 10-12 a game.
Of course we need to have a good 6th man, let’s say another 12 points/game player, and the most important thing, a productive bench, about 20 points.
So, whe have 75 14 12 12 20 = 133 pts/game
We are the new 80’s Denver Nuggets!! But that’s not enough, because all the guys the c’s have to sign, have to play very good defense and we are going to allow only 90.
That’s a joke guys!! Welcome to the real world!!
With those 3 carrying the team all that you need are little contributors, som garbage points and rebounds for perk is good, some running layups and a pair of shots by rondo are ok, house hitting a pair of 3, and go on with the bench. Some points by allen, some smart play by scals/pollard and that’s all.
The Celtics haven’t had a backup pivot this good since the heyday of Henry (Hank) Finkel. 8) There is precedent in Boston for winning championships with big slow white guys as stopgap backups in the middle and Pollard fits well within that tradition. KG will log a few minutes at center with Powe or Big Baby as backup PFs. For what he cost, Pollard looks like the kind of experienced depth role player that the team needs. He certainly won’t hinder the development of Perkins but provides some insurance if injury or disappointment turn up. Unless he needs to play more minutes than the original Hammerin’ Hank Finkel, he is worth this minimal financial investment.
You’re right, its going to be an easy run to the championship with this roster.
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 3:51 PM EDT reply actions
Piensa En Verde,
I guess in your Real World, those 3 guys never get injured or wear down having to carry a team for 82 games. In your Real World, basketball is a 3-on-5 game. Oh, I forgot that it’s being negative to even hint that the Cs have weaknesses. Maybe if we don’t talk about the weaknesses, they won’t exist. Let’s all bury our heads in the sand so that we won’t get accused of the dreaded N word.
You’re also forgetting that Glenn Rivers is our coach and one of the three worst game mananaging and defensive minded coaches in the league.
In addition, we dont have one legitimate swing man to come off the bench, nor a decent pg off the bench, nor any kind of legit center either starting or off the bench.
Our pg is a huge x factor as no one knows for sure what he will bring to the table on a full time basis but at least he has some kind of upside.
by Scalabrine Sucks on Aug 7, 2007 4:01 PM EDT reply actions
Pollard couldn’t get off the bench for Cleveland – but he might be a solid piece for Boston? Maybe we should start worrying about our frontline a little. Or hope KG is god. One thing is that Pollard will push Powe, Big Baby and Wallace further down Doc’s bench.
Scal remains the most solid player on the bench – Ha! Veal’s revenge!
by tallpaul on Aug 7, 2007 4:09 PM EDT reply actions
Cousin It, I appreciate your post because when you don’t agree you back it up with a logical argument. What’s annoying is when people just post so-and-so sucks, so-and-so is fat, etc. And I’m not looking at anyone in particular when I type this. But that is annoying. I think that’s what everyone is getting at regarding negativity. If you disagree, say why besides calling someone names, etc.
As for the Big 3: all 3 have carried a team by themselves before. If one of them gets hurt, the other two could carry the team for awhile. If two get hurt the Celtics are screwed, but every team faces that same potential problem. Even having a deep bench doesn’t cure that. If the Celtics never made the trade for KG, they still would have to have everyone stay healthy all year to make the playoffs. EVERY team with some talent need their star players healthy all year to make the playoffs. Look at Miami last year. Look at the Spurs when Robinson went down and their SF had the kidney disorder; they had nothing, and stank.
Last year was the only year both Pierce and Allen missed a lot of games, and even Seattle said Allen could have kept playing if they were in the playoff hunt. Don’t you think this offseason the Big 3 are motivated to come into camp in the best shape of their lives? The Big 3 know this is it for them, their only chance to win it all. You don’t think they’re going to elevate their games to meet that challenge?
by Green Bear on Aug 7, 2007 4:28 PM EDT reply actions
I’m not doing any cartwheels over the Pollard signing. I know not much is expected from him but to bang a little and give the starters a blow here and there.
I am still ecstatic that we have KG and Ray Allen; and I still would rather be the Celtics than any other NBA team as far as our chances of reaching the NBA finals.
This bench is not completed in cement. There will be additions and subtractions. Come April, I expect the Celtics to be the favorite to win the East next year.
I see lots of holes in Eastern teams. I don’t expect Cavs to have the type of run they did last year. Chicago still too much permiter orientated and young, Raptors still young and improving, Pistons showing signs of cracking like last year, Miami has worse injury/age concerns with Shaq than we do.
If Pollard meets the low expectations of a 8th man, than good, if not, at least we have Bozo the Clown.
by docextension on Aug 7, 2007 4:47 PM EDT reply actions
Green Bear,
The short answer to your question is: Yes! I do believe they will elevate their games, and I do believe it will be a fun year. I am very optimistic and can’t wait to see how all this unfolds. I’m drinking the Kool Aid, believe me.
But I don’t like it that people who give critical comments are routinely told to leave the site and root for someone else.
By the way, thanks for the compliment. Funny thing is, I enjoy being proven wrong as much as I enjoy being proven right. And in this case, regarding the potential pitfalls of a weak bench, I so hope I am wrong, and I joyously invite everyone to say, TOLD YOU SO, when I am proven wrong after the championship celebration.
Yeah it might have been better to pull the KG trade before the draft but then we wouldn’t have Ray Allen right now. It’s OK, this FA class is bloody awful, we all knew that. We’ll make the playoffs this year barring a serious injury but we will probably need one more FA signing to make it over the hump. I honestly think TA can be a SMOTY candidate and that will really help. I think we’ll sign another PG for the last spot, hopefully quality depth. Then we’ll be 7 strong, maybe 8…
by JHTruth on Aug 7, 2007 5:41 PM EDT reply actions
For the record Cousin it – The whole “leaving and rooting for someone else” was something started by themselves. They came out and said that if -blank— happens, then I am going to leave and become a Raptors fan. This was said mutiple times about mutiple issues. All of which happened and of course, they never left. Those who felt they were being too negative simply reminded them of their threats and asked them why they haven’t done so yet. Same reason Alec Baldwin is still living in the U.S. – It wasn’t because they truly thought they would leave, or actually wanted them to leave in my case, rather to call their bluff.
I’m glad that you drink the Kool Aid. Keep up the posts, both right and wrong.
I honestly can’t believe there’s a 120 comments about the guy we gave a 1 year vet minimum contract to. If Mutumbo is going back to Houston(which seems likely), then you’re just picking whichever 7 foot stiff can play backup center. Might as well pick the one that Paul played with at college. It’s not like we could have signed ’Zo, but decided to sign Scott Pollard instead.
by Cullain on Aug 7, 2007 5:50 PM EDT reply actions
EJ,
You are right about that. I also get very tired of hearing the threats to abandon the team. But that’s maybe 2 or 3 posters, I think, who make those threats.
Anyway, I guess it’s all good fun in the end. We bicker, but we all want the same outcome.
But, boy, is the thought of watching Scot Pollard ever depressing.
The veterans minimum for a guy who hustles, can provide some interior defense as a back-up, can grab a few boards and sets a good screen? Seems ok to me. Not every player a team adds is an all-star, especially given 30 NBA teams, you need some dirty work, hustle guys to fill out a roster. Is Pollard a great player? OF course not, but he adds to a roster a guy who can play 10-12 minutes a game, come up with a few boards, allow the shooters to get open off screens, commit a few hard fouls if needed, have some sort of interior presence on defense, etc. For the price payed seems like an ok signing.
by ChainSmokingLikeDino on Aug 7, 2007 6:36 PM EDT reply actions
I can’t decide where I am on this. I haven’t been able to stand to watch him and his rediculous haircuts. Hated the sumo warrior one the worst… He is a hustler though. I do recall him setting good picks and giving it 100%. Maybe we will actually look back and be glad. If he becomes an embarrassment we can not suit him up. Since the league pays half his salary it isnt’ much of a gamble.
This is about as close as we’ll come to agreeing, Playa. On the one hand, I like having a guy like Pollard around, a scrapper and a hustler who has high BB IQ and likes to have fun and joke around but also plays hard. But wow, is this not an indication of how Ainge “is not done yet?” My point all along is there’s nothing left to fill in the GAP.
But there’s no denying he’ll keep everyone loose. Isn’t that Scal’s job, though?
I can’t honestly remember spending too much time watching Pollard play. He is, after all, a career backup. But that is what the Celtics needed and could expect to be able to sign.
I checked his career numbers vs. some other backup centers for contending teams and this is what I found with regard to points, rebounds, blocks and fouls per 40 minutes of play:
Scott Pollard — 10.7 points; 11.3 rebounds; 1.7 blocks; 5.5 fouls
PJ Brown — 11.7 points; 9.9 rebounds; 1.3 blocks; 3.8 fouls
Anderson Varejao — 11.6 points; 11.7 rebounds; 1.2 blocks; 5.7 fouls
Nazr Mohammed — 15.1 points; 12.1 rebounds; 1.5 blocks; 5.4 fouls
Fabricio Oberto — 7.7 points; 10.6 rebounds; 0.8 blocks; 6.6 fouls
DeSagana Diop — 5.4 points; 10.3 rebounds; 3.4 blocks; 6.6 fouls
Jarron Collins — 10.5 points; 7.4 rebounds; 0.5 blocks; 6.1 fouls
Of those, Mohammed is the only one with significantly better numbers than Pollard and he made $5 million last year.
by Border Bird on Aug 7, 2007 6:55 PM EDT reply actions
Great stats Border Bird! I would throw in that Nazr Mohammad’s pts are a little misleading due to the fact that he started/got significant minutes in about 4 of the years he has played which boosted those numbers up as well. That is probably a wash IMO then. Maybe for the money he isn’t that bad. I do like the 5.5 fouls per game. Someone who is willing to go out there and make their centers earn it and get frustrated a bit. A cheap hack with a little game and a lot of hustle!
Still sounds negative anyway you may try to say it-you haven’t even given the guy a chance here and are already convinced he’s not going to help.
by bird01 on Aug 7, 2007 7:40 PM EDT reply actions
Love the signing, LOVE THE HAIR. Very good role player who does the little things.
by Pierre71 on Aug 7, 2007 7:43 PM EDT reply actions
M Burke, good clip on Pollard.
If we do win #17, it might be the most fun the Celtics ever had out of the 17 banner years.
If it goes south, Pollard could always get a gig as an opening act in the Catskill Mountains.
by docextension on Aug 7, 2007 8:27 PM EDT reply actions
Well, I’m not sure if your comment was directed at me, bird101, but I stand by mine. I just think those who love this trade have unrealistic expectations about who Ainge can bring in at this point. We ain’t seeing P.J. or Dikembe walking through that door (or Gomes, again), I can tell you that. And I just worry that the Pollards of the world won’t be enough to fill out the 5-12 portion of this roster.
Hey, is it me, or is Pollard a dead ringer for comedi actor Seann William Scott? Just wondering. BTW, he’s got commentator practically stamped on his forehead.
it makes me laugh, people talking about players 5-12 being SO important to win a championship…people, there is NO NBA team that goes 12 deep…there is no team that goes 11 deep, 10 deep, and VERY few that go 9 deep…just look it up…if you have to go to the 9th or 10th guy, whether you are Boston or San Antonio, you are SCREWED…i cant get overly negative about signing a backup veteran center (which is what they need) to a one-year deal at cheap money…..
by NUMBA 17 on Aug 8, 2007 10:01 AM EDT reply actions
Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free. Emma Lazarus could easily have been writing about the Celtics and their free agent acquisitions in her sonnet The New Colossus.
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door. Yes, Danny Ainge has left the lamplight on for some pretty downtrodden free agents in House, Manuel and Pollard. And you can toss Scalabrine to that tempest. He’s the tiredest of them all.
by lemonadesky on Aug 9, 2007 12:30 AM EDT reply actions
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