Finley Picks Spurs Over Celtics

by Jeff Clark on Aug 15, 2008 6:09 PM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

Contract specifics were not immediately available, but sources say Finley's decision came down to a choice between staying with the Spurs or joining the Boston Celtics as the reigning champs' replacement for James Posey, who signed with the New Orleans Hornets earlier this summer. Sources say the two-time All-Star also drew strong interest from the Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers.

One of the things we heard from Ainge in the past was that he would be open if a free agent decided to take less money to sign with us, but they were not really out pursuing anyone. Works for me. Finley would have added some experience to the bench, but he has been a shell of his former self for a while now.

I wonder if the C's will turn their attention elsewhere or get Bill Walker signed. Or maybe they'll just keep waiting for something to shake loose. Remember, Posey didn't sign here till August 27 last year. You never know what might happen.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Spurs are going to regret their summer decisions. Everything they’ve done so far has doomed their postseason hopes for next season. It’s a shame that they’re wasting a year of Duncan/Parker/Manu’s career on this supporting cast.

by Who on Aug 15, 2008 6:13 PM EDT reply actions

Too bad. Finley would have been an excellent backup to Pierce. Obviously not as good a defender as Posey much a much better offensive player. Oh well, let’s move on to other things. That’s the great thing about being the champs, nothing is as urgent as before.

by Surferdad on Aug 15, 2008 6:18 PM EDT reply actions

I’m glad Finley isn’t coming here he was completely useless in the WCF he didn’t do anything. Guards 35 and older need to leave the league

by JR Giddens on Aug 15, 2008 6:23 PM EDT reply actions

In the playoff Finely avg 23 min 5.7 pts with 40%. Jr Giddens is a better backup for Pierce

by JR Giddens on Aug 15, 2008 6:25 PM EDT reply actions

I know I’m alone, but I wouldn’t mind seeing Dikembe come aboard. I watched him play some of those games last year after Yao went down, and the dude can still rebound and play D. I think he’d be great for 12-15 a night.

by Cousin It on Aug 15, 2008 6:27 PM EDT reply actions

Finley only scored (estimates) 1.07 points per shot versus the 1.46 points per shot Posey scored. He was very inefficient and ineffective offensively. Coupled with his defense he wasn’t much value to the Spurs at all.

by Who on Aug 15, 2008 6:43 PM EDT reply actions

That’s a nice point about us not getting Posey until Aug. 27 of last year, but someone please tell me of someone of Posey’s value who’s still out there? I truly believe this team won’t be as good as last year (especially compared to the Lakers) if we don’t find a reserve as good as Posey.
I think we’ll still compete for, and probably win, the East. But I don’t see us beating the Lakers with this unit.
We need another vet. (I do like Giddens, btw.)

by Big_Easy on Aug 15, 2008 11:13 PM EDT reply actions

Did we even want this guy anyways? IMO, No! hes tottally washed up and useless and please dont insult James Posey like that, pretty disrespectful, Michael finley could not bring half of what James had, and he wouldnt fit in with the rest of the guys, let him stay with tim duncan where his lame boring game belongs

by Pierce on Aug 16, 2008 4:53 AM EDT reply actions

Big_Easy
no guarantee the lakers make it to the finals..
duh!
not signing finley was a big move for the team, lmao

by Pierce on Aug 16, 2008 4:55 AM EDT reply actions

there will be an unknown vet that Danny will pick up next year to help our bench! Giddens will surprise also.

by celty86 on Aug 16, 2008 7:27 AM EDT reply actions

danny loves shooters and finley would have filled the loss of posey shooting 3’s. Is Miles still in the mix? I guess his contract status with portland needs to be resolved

by Red2 on Aug 16, 2008 8:13 AM EDT reply actions

there’s always Scal.

by Finkelskyhook on Aug 16, 2008 10:19 AM EDT reply actions

finley was and now isn’t. too old, too slow,not enough d. a good bj brown guy is what we need. i’m hoping giddens gives us enough to back up pp, tho he is no posey.

by nazzbo on Aug 16, 2008 1:12 PM EDT reply actions