CTC: Who Else Will Be Invited To Camp?

by Jeff Clark on Sep 20, 2008 10:00 AM EDT in Boston Celtics Articles

Countdown To Camp: 9 Days To Media Day

All this week I'll be counting down the days till camp with questions that need to be answered sometime during camp.

With camp right around the corner, I'm sure there will be news coming out about some non-roster invites to training camp. Yes, I know that the roster is already filled and likely to be over the limit with contract guys once Sam Cassell re-signs. But that doesn't mean that Danny will ever consider his scouting work done.

And there's no reason why Danny shouldn't bring in a few more live bodies to take a look at. These aren't going to be highly sought after guys or big names or perhaps even guys you've ever heard of. You can easily poke holes in their games and dismiss them as practice fodder, but every year someone comes out of nowhere and proves that they belong in the league.

I think the backup small forward and center spots both seem a little thin. I'd like to see Quinton Ross get a shot. Darius Miles may earn himself a spot on the roster as a scoring threat off the bench, but he'll never be confused with a defender. Ross is a defensive specialist. The center pickings seem a little slimmer with DJ Mbenga being the only guy who's name I recognize and he seems to be deciding between the Lakers and Heat.

Still, that doesn't mean that some unknown player or two might not surface and play well. Maybe someone from the D-League or from overseas.

What about old friends Esteban Batista and Brandon Wallace? Well, it sounds like Batista is playing for Maccabi with Carlos Arroyo and I can't confirm this, but the Wikipedia page on Wallace says he's playing for a Turkish team.

I know that whoever else comes to camp has a chance of making the team somewhere between slim and none, but that won't stop us from starting message board threads that last 10 pages talking about them. I can't wait!

Who else do you think is out there worth bringing in?

Tweet Comment 11 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

where’s Pittsnoggle when you need him?

by Jeff Clark on Sep 20, 2008 4:15 PM EDT reply actions

Jeff, I agree with your sentiment that at least one more player will be brought in for camp, and I suspect he will be a center. Austin Croshere? Melvin Ely? I am interested to see…..

by Cman on Sep 20, 2008 5:23 PM EDT reply actions

nice point on Ross… there’s been a fair amount of sentiment for him on this blog over the summer. the guy’s an excellent defender, and has improved his 3 point shooting every year. he only makes sense as a roll guy on a champ caliber team like the Cs, Lakers or Hornets (if they didn’t already have Pose). honestly, would you rather have him or Scali?

by ssspence on Sep 20, 2008 5:43 PM EDT reply actions

It seems pointless to invite another wing considering the squad has Ray, Paul, Tony, Giddens, Walker, Miles. Ross is similar to Manuel and Jones from a year ago though, so he has that going for him.

I expect Ross to get a few invites, if he’s smart he’ll go to a team where he has a better chance at making the squad.

I think they have the point spot covered also. I’d only consider inviting a big man, and a center specifically considering the power forward spot is jammed up already.

I believe DJ Mbenga has a contract offer from LA so it’s doubtful he’d take an invite elsewhere.

by Who on Sep 20, 2008 6:29 PM EDT reply actions

who, you listed two starters, one 6-4 back-up two guard with a bad knee, two rookies (one with a bad knee) and a guy with no d and no knee. hear you about how crowded it is, but that doesn’t mean another d-minded vet isn’t valuable in camp, at the very least.

by ssspence on Sep 20, 2008 6:39 PM EDT reply actions

I would love to see Ross get an invite, but as who stated, he’s better off taking an invite from a team that would give him a better chance at making the roster.

If we go for a 5-man, how about Loren Woods? He’s 7’2’’ and long. No? How about Big Jake Tsakalidis?

by CelticBalla32 on Sep 20, 2008 7:10 PM EDT reply actions

I had to laugh upon reading Brandon Wallace’s name. Back in July (or whenever it was) he was my surprise dark horse candidate to make it back on the roster. I suppose it’s just another thing I was wrong about. But he seemed to be the most talented guy on last years’s Celtic summer team, which included Powe, Davis, and Pruitt. For a small forward, he was a long, tall guy who rebounded well and could play defense. At bargain-bin prices, what was not to like?

by no kidding on Sep 20, 2008 7:20 PM EDT reply actions

What about old friends Esteban Batista and Brandon Wallace?

What about someone who can actually play?

by kozlodoev on Sep 21, 2008 12:03 AM EDT reply actions

If someone can actually play, he already has a deal in Europe. The landscape has changed.

Your best bet is a fading veteran who may not want to go overseas, e.g. Kevin Ollie. But guys like that usually won’t show unless there is a chance at a roster spot.

by Brickowski on Sep 21, 2008 8:25 AM EDT reply actions

http://www.taylorcoppenrath.com/media.html

We have exciting news! Taylor recently signed with the Alicante Costa Blanca professional basketball team of Alicante, Spain.

Taylor first played professionally in Greece two years ago and spent the 2006-2007 season in Biella, Italy where he averaged 7.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while battling an ankle injury from the beginning of the season.

His new team, Alicante Costa Blanca, plays in the ULEB Gold League and has also signed American Cameron Bennerman from North Carolina State.

Alicante is located on the Eastern Coast of Spain and borders the Mediterranean Sea.

Taylor is really looking forward to being in Spain and meeting his new team. “I am very excited to play in the city of Alicante. It sounds like a beautiful city with a wonderful fan base” Taylor said. Also adding, “I will hope to help the team make the ACB and have a winning season overall.” He flys out early next week.

by JB_Celticsstuff on Sep 21, 2008 11:44 AM EDT reply actions

Well, you all know I’m on the ross wagon!! I wonder which wing we’d have to loose to make room? I suppose Miles. If Miles is healthy, i’ll stick with him though. That level of athleticism, agility and length is hard to find. Anyway, if Ross makes his way to Boston, I’ll be stoked.

by Mr October on Sep 22, 2008 4:38 PM EDT reply actions