Not Done?

by Jeff Clark on Aug 23, 2008 8:31 AM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

The Celtics have 15 players under contract. So they are done for the summer, right? Not so fast.

Ainge said the Celtics will continue to evaluate free agents but are not actively courting players.
Asked if the team will sign other free agents, he said, "I don't know. The answer to that question is very easy. We're not trying to sign anybody, but that doesn't mean we are not going to sign anybody."

If the Celtics were to find another free agent that wins a job in camp, who would be the best person to cut? They wouldn't have to make cuts till the end of the preseason, but it is fun to speculate now.

Scalabrine is going to be the name first on many people's lips, but he's one of the reliable (if limited) veterans left on our bench. Plus his contract is tied up for the next two years and he's one of the few contracts we could theoretically move in a trade to match salaries.

Obviously if Miles can't stay healthy, he'd make this decision simple. I don't think the rookies would get cut and I think Big Baby has proved himself worthy of a spot. The only guy I can think of would be Gabe Pruitt, and the club seems to have high hopes for him too.

Then it becomes a matter of "if there's another free agent signed, does that mean a trade?" That prospect alone could keep this blog busy right on through the end of the summer!

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Danny has always moved a lot of players. This year would be no different. He’s always collected chips and then dealt them. So, if Miles makes it, I would think it is a done deal that there will be movement on the roster before the trading deadline. Also, both Powe’s and BBD’s contracts are coming up. Danny has to do something there as well.

Danny has shown his willingness to trade everyone. I cannot imagine him resting on his laurels now.

by amenhotep04 on Aug 23, 2008 9:05 AM EDT reply actions

I’d say Miles, without question. I don’t think the team is banking on him being healthy, which is why Danny used the “two months” language yesterday.

by Roy_Hobbs on Aug 23, 2008 9:26 AM EDT reply actions

The Celtics have 14 players under contract. Giddens hasn’t officially signed yet, he has just agreed to terms.

by P_two on Aug 23, 2008 9:30 AM EDT reply actions

Ainge wants everyone to know that he’s not locked down.

Miles has a couple of months to show his knee isn’t gone. If he can’t, then he’s out the door. Similarly, Gabe Pruitt has to show he can be a better backup point guard than Eddie House (in terms of defense and ball-handling), or he can be jettisoned. And finally, Patrick O’Bryant has to show some game, or Ainge will be working to bring in someone like Alonzo Mourning for the playoffs.

by no kidding on Aug 23, 2008 10:53 AM EDT reply actions

(1) Darius Miles
(2) Patrick O Bryant

If Miles proves his fitness O Bryant jumps the queue

by Who on Aug 23, 2008 10:57 AM EDT reply actions

Brian Scalabrine can be cut in a heartbeat.

by timepiece33 on Aug 23, 2008 11:08 AM EDT reply actions

Giddens is signed.

by Champzilla on Aug 23, 2008 12:41 PM EDT reply actions

Giddens is not officially signed. Check NBA.com’s list of transactions.

by P_two on Aug 23, 2008 1:06 PM EDT reply actions

I thought we signed him last week.

by Champzilla on Aug 23, 2008 1:19 PM EDT reply actions

http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3769&Itemid=189

Title: JR Giddens Signs.

by Champzilla on Aug 23, 2008 1:22 PM EDT reply actions

The article itself says:

Celtics draft pick J.R. Giddens agreed to a two-year guaranteed deal with an option for another two years with the club on Thursday.

It doesn’t say he has signed. And if you check [url=http://www.nba.com/transactions/current_month_transactions.html]NBA.com’s transaction page[/url], you won’t find his name there. There also hasn’t been a press release for his signing on Celtics.com, contrary to Walker or Miles.

by P_two on Aug 23, 2008 1:30 PM EDT reply actions