Got It, Need It
by Jeff Clark on Jul 18, 2008 7:06 AM EDT
in Boston Celtics Articles
Email
PrintWhen I was growing up, like a lot of kids I collected baseball cards. I'd open up a package of 1987 Topps and flip through the cards thinking "got it, got it, got it, need it, got it, need it, etc." (I was sure that that Mark McGwire rookie card was going to be worth a fortune 20 years later). This point in the offseason feels a little like that. We have some holes in our lineup due to free agency, but we've still got quite a stacked lineup. Let's take some inventory.
Got It:
Our starting lineup is stacked. It is the envy of most of the league. Very few (if any) teams can boast 3 potential Hall of Famers with Championship experience. The bench has some nice pieces already as well.
- Defensive Superstar and all around All Star – Kevin Garnett
- Slasher, Shooter, Free Throw Generator – Paul Pierce
- Long Distance Bomber, Veteran Leader – Ray Allen
- Distributor, Defensive Disrupter – Rajon Rondo
- Defensive Anchor, Rebounder – Kendrick Perkins
- Bench Rebounder, Hustle Guy – Leon Powe and Big Baby Davis
- Developing Point Guard – Gabe Pruitt
- Athletic Big Man – Patrick O'Bryant
- Athletic Wings – JR Giddens, Bill Walker
- Veteran Locker Room Good Guy – Brian Scalabrine (Not the most necessary role, but he's also got a contract that ends in 2010, so that's always nice to have in this market.)
Need It:
So what is missing? What do we need to fill out the roster? Ainge talked about getting guys that can fill specific roles. Here are a few ideas of what we could be missing:
- Defensive Stopper – Bringing Tony Allen back for this role makes sense here, but he's not the only option. We need someone that can spell Paul and Ray and take on the other team's best offensive threat for a few minutes.
- Backup Distributor – Preferably a veteran, but perhaps not one as veteran as Sam Cassell. We need someone that can get the ball over half court and start the offense. If he can shoot too, even better.
- Solid Backup Center – I'm all for taking a chance on a guy like O'Bryant. If he pans out, great. But if he can't force his way into the rotation, we'll need someone to back up Perkins and Powe and Baby are are not centers. We don't need a scorer, but it would be nice if the guy could rebound and play good enough defense.
- Sniper – Ainge loves great shooters and we saw how valuable Eddie House was for us. He could be this guy again, and maybe with Posey gone he could squeeze another year out of Danny. But if not, there are other shooters we could bring in.
There may be more roles that I'm forgetting, but these seem to be the ones that stand out to me.
Notice that I named 14 roles for a 15 man roster. Also notice that some of the roles in the Got It section are duplicated. In particular the Powe/Davis tandem. This is why I still believe that one of them will eventually be moved to fill a role that we currently have vacant. Part of Posey's value was his versatility. To make up for his loss you have to add a couple of guys that fill roles that he played. There just isn't enough room on the roster for duplication.
Also, I don't think there's room on the roster to add guys that don't fill needs. Which is why I'm skeptical about adding Darius Miles but open to the idea of Shaun Livingston. Of course at the end of the day, you can't always find the perfect pieces for the limited dollars you have left under the cap, so you do the best you can. It will be very interesting to see how this plays out.
(For some info on specific names that Ainge might be considering, check out The Duke's article here.)
35 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I love the analogy, Jeff. And hey, for awhile that McGwire card was doing okay.
One other role I’d say our team is missing is a bench player who can create his own offense. We didn’t have anybody along these lines last year, so it’s something that can be overcome. However, with the absence of Posey and, perhaps, House, it’s important to fill that particular void.
Right now, I’m a bit worried that we’re relying upon too many unproven guys. O’Bryant, Pruitt, Giddens and Walker haven’t shown anything at the NBA level yet, and BBD was very inconsistent last year. I’ve got no problem seeing them get time, but we need veterans on the team to provide stability (above and beyond the starters).
Good points, Roy. It’s a little premature to worry, but the first two moves of the off-season are not positive, in my view. Having had a front-row in-person seat to see O’Bryant get dominated by ordinary, smaller centers in the Missouri Valley, it would be nothing short of a miracle to see him evolve into anything but cut. I am all but certain the “big” void still exists.
And if we’re counting on Pruitt, Giddens and Walker we’re going to drop games we didn’t last year, based on inexperience. And that discounts the condition of Walker’s knees, which could be an issue. Walker and Giddens need to play a year in Europe, in my opinion.
A major MLE move for the bench, like Childress or Gordon, is a major reach with their restricted status, but an offer is an absolute necessity or we face going into next season with a KC Jones-style bench. Beyond that, we’re shopping at the Dollar Store for help and we’re not going to put together a championship bench out of the lists that are out there.
Jeff I’m disappointed that you stretched to the limit mentioning Gabe Pruitt as a developing PG (a very LONG stretch indeed) and yet failed to utter Giddens as a “developing” NBA PG. While Giddens has yet to play a single minute of NBA ball I’d rather take a flyer on his possibilities than what I’ve seen (and you have seen) of Gabe at the POINT.
Walker is another player of intrigue not mentioned. Although he has had recent surgery (rehab timetable unknown) some speculate that he could bring some of what we lost with James Posey.
Both Giddens and Walker show potential but must first survive the rigors and challenges when faced with superior athleticism and talent not previously seen in college. Only then can we begin to see their true NBA potential. Yet I remain optimistic that each will provide at least a usable asset to suddenly undermanned bench. Moving Scal would help as he seems utterly out of place as a player on this team.
by moskqq on Jul 18, 2008 7:46 AM EDT reply actions
It is going to be an interesting off season and pre-season.
I think Pruitt has the makings of a nice combo guard and either
Giddens or Walker will help lengthen Pierce’s career. If Walker
bounces back from his knee problems like Powe has we have a good
player at the wing. How O’Bryant responds to Perk’s physical
play will tell us a lot about young Mr O’Bryant.
by Greg37 on Jul 18, 2008 8:02 AM EDT reply actions
wasn’t the McGwire rookie card actually in the 1985 Topps Extended/Traded series as part of their Olympics team cards? That’s why it was quite valuable for a time, because it was genuinely difficult to find.
by Bob Dylan on Jul 18, 2008 8:57 AM EDT reply actions
I think it’s important to remember that last season the Posey signing came as a surprise to most of us. From what I remember, we were all waiting for a backup point guard and a backup center, and here comes this small forward who we had no idea how we were going to fit into the lineup.
I’m totally willing to be completely surprised again.
by Robb @ CelticsBlog on Jul 18, 2008 9:15 AM EDT reply actions
Jeff, I have my Bird/Magic Topps rookie but since it could be divided into three individual cards,I did. Thus, it’s a great keepsake with no ebay value.
I’d like to see Mo Evans considered for the defensive stopper/ 3 point shooter role. Orlando moved on when they signed Pietrus and Evans brings versatility.
I really like the Livingston idea unless they could pry Kopponen away from the Blazers
Would also like to see Zo come on board in March in PJ role
Upper Deck didn’t start manufacturing cards until 1989. That #1 1989 Upper Deck Griffey Jr. rookie card was a hot item for the longest time.
Upper Deck improved the quality and look of cards remarkably. Unfortunately, over time “inserts” and ultra-rare cards (1-of-1, parallel sets, etc.) drove the cost of cards up exorbitantly, so that kids and casual collectors are now priced out of the hobby.
I’m fairly confident Eddie house will be coming back. According to a recent interview with Eddie Danny and his agent have been in recent discussions and Eddie feels confident with his abilities on this Boston team. Logic says when both sides want the deal done (and Eddie’s no James Posey – he knows he won’t get such money) it will be done.
I don’t think anyone should expect anything from Bill Walker. I’ll be surprised if he makes the team.
I agree with others that Devean George or Matt Barnes would be good options now. Don’t think we can afford Childress.
by DJ to Bird on Jul 18, 2008 3:33 PM EDT reply actions
Derek Anderson— No. career over
Chris Duhon— Signed with NY
Delonte West - Yes, but Cleveland will likely match any reasonable offer.- No. Career over
Devon George
Matt Barnes — No. Punk, dirty player, takes too many bad shots
Quinton Ross — No. Can’t score
Ira Newble — No career over
Jason Williams — Maybe, but would he accept the veterans’ minimum?
Alonzo Mourning — Will never leave Miami
Ryan Gomes — No. Can’t defend
Jannero Pargo — No. Thinks he’s better than he is. Doesn’t pass the ball
Fred Jones No. undersized sg without good pg skills.
Carlos Arroyo Yes, if they can afford him
Damon Stoudemire No.
Kurt Thomas Yes.
Here are some more, since for the last 24 hours we’ve all been having fun making lists.
Ricky Davis— Maybe, but is rumored to have a lucrative offer from Olympiakos
Josh Childress— Yes, if he’ll sign an offer sheet for the MLE. Atlanta says it will match. I’ll believe that when I see it.
Tony Allen— Yes
Eddie House— Yes
Salim Stoudamire— Maybe. Poor man’s Eddie House.
Sam Cassell No. (emphatic)
Earl Boykins— Maybe
Martynas Andriuskevicius Maybe. 7-2 makes up for alot of flaws.
Dwayne Jones— No. O’Bryant is more skilled (but plays with much less enthusiasm)
Tyronn Lue— Gone to Milwaukee. Hate his game anyway.
Jamaal Magliore— No. career over
Juan Dixon— No.
Walter Hermann— Yes.
Kenny Adeleke- Clips have made offer
Kwame Brown— Maybe
Derrick Byars— Yes, for a look-see. I liked him at Vanderbuilt
Doug Christie— Maybe. Says he wants to make a comback. But can Boston handle Jackie?
Ndudi Ebi— Maybe. Had a pretty good year with MN in 04-05
Antonis Fotsis— Yes.
Marcus Haislip— Yes. Has become a star in Europe. Very poor man’s Garnett.
Yaroslav Korolev— Whatever happened to this lotto pick?
Darius Miles— Maybe.
Smush Parker— No.
Reuben Patterson— No.
Igor Rakocevic— Yes. Gutsy player.
Rick Rickert— Yes, so that Garnett could punch him out again
Sasha Vujacic— Maybe
Earl Barron— Yes. Better than O’Bryant.
Dorrel Wright— No.
Craig Smith— Just extended by MN
Kirk Snyder— No., can’t shoot
Sebastian Tefair— Maybe
Nenad Kristic— Yes
Bostjan Nachbar— Maybe
Mickael Gelabale— woth a look-see. athlete
Robert Swift— No.
Primoz Brezec— Maybe
Carlos Delfino— just got huge offer in Russia. Bye.
Louis Williams— Yes, but Philly would likely match
I agree with those that like Ryan Gomes. He has good instincts I thought offensively and in rebounding. He has been able to show those on weak teams. Very hard to judge his defensive abilities based on the defensive difficulties of the teams he’s played for. His attitude is the kind that should allow him to quickly contribute on a team with the defensive focus and coaching on the Celtics. Has anyone read anything that gives a sense for how available he is?
by SteveZ from Edgemont on Jul 18, 2008 6:35 PM EDT reply actions
My comments on Brickowski’s comments:
Derek Anderson— No. career over – Agree
Chris Duhon— Signed with NY – Yeps
Delonte West - Yes, but Cleveland will likely match any reasonable offer. – Agree - No. Career over – Yeps
Devon George
Matt Barnes — No. Punk, dirty player, takes too many bad shots – No. More athletic Scal with a way better mid-range shot but worse shooter from downtown.
Quinton Ross — No. Can’t score – Maybe. Above average defender who plays safe. But he can’t score.
Ira Newble — No career over – Agree
Jason Williams — Maybe, but would he accept the veterans’ minimum? – No career over
Alonzo Mourning — Will never leave Miami – Agree (if he ever plays again)
Ryan Gomes — No. Can’t defend – Agree, and we already have 2 undersized PFs
Jannero Pargo — No. Thinks he’s better than he is. Doesn’t pass the ball – Agree. Too inconsistent. He’d be a good 8th/9th man, playing House’s role though.
Fred Jones No. undersized sg without good pg skills. – Agree
Carlos Arroyo Yes, if they can afford him – Disagree. No. Terrible fit for our team. Too ball dominant, no shooting range. He could be good playing with a running 2nd unit during the regular season; unplayable in the playoffs.
Damon Stoudemire No. – Agree.
Kurt Thomas Yes. – Agree. But we’d face matchup problems during the playoffs. If he was a little bit taller than 6’9’’ it would be a no-brainer. Still worth a shot though.
Here are some more, since for the last 24 hours we’ve all been having fun making lists.
Ricky Davis— Maybe, but is rumored to have a lucrative offer from Olympiakos – No, good ridance.
Josh Childress— Yes, if he’ll sign an offer sheet for the MLE. Atlanta says it will match. I’ll believe that when I see it. – Yes, if we can add him for cheap. I’ve became increasingly suspicious that he will never correct his major flaws.
Tony Allen— Yes – Maybe. He needs a change of scenery and I’m tired of him.
Eddie House— Yes – Agree.
Salim Stoudamire— Maybe. Poor man’s Eddie House. – No, washed up.
Sam Cassell No. (emphatic) – Maybe.
Earl Boykins— Maybe – Meh.. too short to guard anyone.
Martynas Andriuskevicius Maybe. 7-2 makes up for alot of flaws. – Huh? Terrible player. Not good enough to be a 3rd string center.
Dwayne Jones— No. O’Bryant is more skilled (but plays with much less enthusiasm) – No, although he’s probably better than O’Bryant.
Tyronn Lue— Gone to Milwaukee. Hate his game anyway. – Agree.
Jamaal Magliore— No. career over – Agree.
Juan Dixon— No. – Agree.
Walter Hermann— Yes. – Maybe. In the last 7 years he had 2 great seasons.
Kenny Adeleke- Clips have made offer – Have they? I’ve seen 10 minutes of him at most, no oppinion.
Kwame Brown— Maybe – No.
Derrick Byars— Yes, for a look-see. I liked him at Vanderbuilt – No, not even in the french league he was good.
Doug Christie— Maybe. Says he wants to make a comback. But can Boston handle Jackie? – LOL. No. I’m on the Reggie Miller camp.
Ndudi Ebi— Maybe. Had a pretty good year with MN in 04-05 – No, another PF and a rather unpolished one. Some team should give him a try, though.
Antonis Fotsis— Yes. – No, not a NBA level player and doesn’t fill a need.
Marcus Haislip— Yes. Has become a star in Europe. Very poor man’s Garnett. – No, very good player but, again, doesn’t fill a need.
Yaroslav Korolev— Whatever happened to this lotto pick? – Busted, as expected. End of the bench player for Dynamo.
Darius Miles— Maybe. – No, he was not very good before a career ending injury.
Smush Parker— No. – Agree
Reuben Patterson— No. – Hmmm… I’d rather not, but maybe.
Igor Rakocevic— Yes. Gutsy player. – No, homeless man’s Eddie House. We’d need to overpay for an undersized SG.
Rick Rickert— Yes, so that Garnett could punch him out again – LOL
Sasha Vujacic— Maybe – Agree. Lakers would match anyway.
Earl Barron— Yes. Better than O’Bryant. – Agree, but I wouldn’t be very happy with him as the center backup. Almost every player with a current or past NBA contract is better than O’Bryant, btw.
Dorrel Wright— No. – Agree, nice player but another project.
Craig Smith— Just extended by MN – Yeps.
Kirk Snyder— No., can’t shoot – Maybe.
Sebastian Tefair— Maybe – No.
Nenad Kristic— Yes – Agree.
Bostjan Nachbar— Maybe – Agree, as long as he comes for cheap. Lousy defender, would be more consistent with his shot in Boston.
Mickael Gelabale— woth a look-see. athlete – Looking at him wouldn’t hurt. But I thought he’d do much better in the NBA.
Robert Swift— No. – If we could keep him healthy, maybe.
Primoz Brezec— Maybe – What!?!? No, no, no. Stick with O’Bryant.
Carlos Delfino— just got huge offer in Russia. Bye. – Yeps
Louis Williams— Yes, but Philly would likely match – Yeps
[/b][b][/b][b]
Well, Cordobes I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree on some of these.
I saw Darius Miles absolutely torch the Celtics one evening 3-4 years ago, when he was with Portland. He was unstoppable, and he was a good defender too. So I know he has talent, although the motivation was often lacking.
Rakocevic is taller and more athletic than House.
I put Matt Barnes and Trevor Ariza (a player Larry Brown once called delusional) in the same category of players with very few skills who take cheap shots and exhibit false hustle. I don’t enjoy watching either player and hope neither one comes here.
Brick,
We’ll have to disagree on Miles. Generally I don’t fall in love with “talent” that doesn’t translate into productivity.
Rakocevic is too slow-footed to be more than a spot-up jump-shooter in the NBA and a defensive liability. In that role, I don’t believe he’d be half the player House is.
We don’t disagree entirely on Barnes. Besides the cheap shots, something I could live with, I don’t like the skillset he brings to the table. Can’t see how he could be useful.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
NBA Playoffs Content Module
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- The 10-man rotation, starring the Flaming Lips singin’ about the Oklahoma City Thunder
- The Philadelphia 76ers? Gone till November
- ‘Deep Thoughts’ and Cheap Thoughts: Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics
- Metta World Peace wishes everyone a happy Labor Day on Memorial Day
- Chris Bosh addresses his postgame crying, and being labeled ‘soft’
