Jeff, this is a well-written summary of the Marbury argument. At the end you mention DJ. If my memory is correct (from reading books on Bird), when DJ came to the team he had a public argument with KC Jones and was disrespectful of KC, someone loved by all. Bird wasn’t there, but McHale and some other teammates were. They went to Bird and told him what happened and asked Bird if he wanted them to take care of the situation or let Bird handle it. Bird’s response: you guys handle it and if it’s still a problem I’ll take him out in the parking lot and beat the $&* out of him. I think this team has very strong player leadership and this could be the reason why Marbury might be okay. We have lots of guys who could beat the $*& out of him. I would start with Perk and Powe. And as you said at the start of your statement that Danny has the ability to see thru the crap and think outside the box. As much as the bench needs to be known for it’s defense we do need scoring from it and Marbury could enable this because of the things you mentioned, taking the pressure off of Powe and TA to score. He would also free up House to do what he does best. But, before we do anything about Marbury I would like to see Gabe be the backup point and not have Paul or Ray play too much after the 2nd unit comes in. I think it throws their game off when playing with the starters (the timing and roles change for them).

clutch 3 shooting, and two rings, and now we do this. all about the money. But we are where we are now. We get Marbury cheap, we use him for offense off the bench, 12-20 minutes, and I assume, hopefully that this focuses House at the sg, and TA at sf. Now we can use Baby, Scal and whatever to get a long center. Heck maybe KG even knew about this yesterday, probably did, and that why he was really on pob.

I dont know whether or not I even believe any of this
when is marbury going to get bought out?
is it him just starting rumours, because this is where he wants to be?

Marbury is crazy but our bench is so bad that if we can get a talented player for the minimum we have to take it!

Fans get too fixated on players who used to be somebody.

A few weeks ago Starbury mentioned that he already had a new team to play for after his buy-out and that it would be a suprise team. I thought/hoped he meant the Lakers. He made it sound as if it was a done deal.

I am NOT a Fan of Starbury. That’s being kind. However, I do think it could work. Basically He needs to reestablish himself if he plans to keep playing and wants to get another big/good contract. So you would think that the rest of this season he would be a good little soldier and try to bring up his rep so other teams will want him next season. Plus he should see this as a chance to win a ring.

I don’t see a low risk/high reward in adding this idiot. I see Rivers’ history in handling idiots and it’s not good. I don’t think Garnett will make him behave. He’s not going to play second fiddle to Rondo. Actually, Rondo is a lot better player, period. Not only for this team…But period. But this idiot won’t see it that way.

Anybody who refuses to play or tanks for any reason should not wear our uniform.

We’d have a lot better chance of repeating by riding what we have.

We’re 28-5.

I really don’t want to see him here, but if Marbury does come we fans need to welcome him with open arms. I remember from last year how PJ said he had never come to a team where he felt so welcomed by his teammates. I think the locker room will welcome Marbury, but I think we fans need to do the same. We want to give this move every chance to succeed if it should happen. Our read on this guy is very bad, but none of us knows what is behind all the stories. If he comes we need to give him a chance. It’s our banner too that we are talking about.

And I really doubt that if/when he negotiates a buy-out he joins the C’s.

See Bill Belichick. Rivers is no Belichick. His history of handling boneheads is the polar opposite of Belichick.

Danny, Please say no to this.

What do we expect? Marbury is typical of what is available out there at our price. We either roll the dice with the guy and hope he accepts his role or dont. I dont see a lot of difference here from the initial Posey signing. The guy has a bad rep from his former team/coach and we dont know how he will fit in. His teammates dont say a lot one way or the other except that he needs to focus on the game rather than his own needs. A lot of us (myself included) will tend to say I told you so, if this doesnt work.

If he comes, I wonder what role he is expected to fill? He takes minutes from Pruitt, House, Rondo and probably Tony Allen. Will he play any defense? Will the Doc and starters prefer him to Rondo in the fourth quarter like they did Cassell briefly last year?

“First fix their hearts”-Eizo Shimabuku

…to everyone in the organization. It’s not just teammates, media and coaches that he’s caused problems for — it’s everyone from team execs to interns. Yeah, you can tell him that if anything happens, he’s gone. Somehow I doubt it would be the first time he’s heard that. What allowing him on the team would say is that you’re willing to allow something to happen once for the chance of winning what is at heart a game. If something does happen, how do you look the wronged person in the eye and tell them that you considered their welfare an acceptable risk?

And anyway, what the second unit needs is better ball movement, not another player who needs the ball in their hands.

Marbury has no choice that is, he has to show and prove to every basketball exec that he is not a malcontent, otherwise he’s done and will not be able to find a job, but who am I, if Barry Bonds and Clemens can act as baby’s and find jobs than I’m sure some owner will be willing to take a chance on him.

Maybe, just maybe he needs a change of scenery.

Look, we need someone coming off the bench and what if Marbury is the guy, and if he’s not then we can just cut him.

New York is still a Circus act no matter how you see it right now.. It’s going to take New York 2-3 years before they even reach some respectability.

Think about it, everyone always finds a job somewhere where they fit in, and maybe he does; we have nothing to lose at this point.

My thought process on this is simple. The coaching staff and the players address have to sit Marbury down and come at him and lay it on the line as a team. Maybe Marbury never knew what a ""TEAM"" is before

Don’t want Marbury. Don’t want Stevie Francis. Don’t want Jamal Tinsley. Don’t want Alan Houston. In fact, wouldn’t touch Charles Barkley with a ten foot pole today.

I liked the article on KG and POB today in Globe. I believe our 2nd team will find its offense. I think Gabe Pruitt’s time is near. And if POB can’t make it with KG schooling him, well, then he c an’t make it. Our “length” may be at end of bench.

Just say no to Starbury!!

remember who his cousin is and how he influenced the team. telfair played hard but did dodo things off the court. he also was no great shakes playing a secondary role. don’t you think marbury would be similar, granted that he has more talent?

I didnt like Sam last year, dont like Starberry,but if he is the best out there, I say take him.

If he is a problem, ship him down the road.

DA, Doc, PP, Ray and Kg can control him it anyone can. I want number 18 asap.

Marbury plays no defense, and at this point Gabe Pruitt is a better player.

Prediction: if they sign Marbury and rely on him to bolster the second unit they will lose in the EC finals.

Rivers is always whining for veterans. Danny, just say no.

Does that mean we´re now the bad guys?

Of all the players under the sun, he is the guy I really don´t want to see on the team.

I´d rather see Sam Cassell reactivated.

What is Allan Ray doing these days?

He represents a veteran with talent who you can get on the cheap with little risk apparently. You win with veterans —you don’t win with unproven/young players (how soon we forget around here).

On the other hand this guy is Telfair with talent…..no shock that they’re related. I’m somewhat intrigued but definitely not excited.

I don’t want any Staph infection afflicting my beloved Celtics … even though we have the G-P-A miracle drug!

This is just an example of poor, conservative journalism. You really don’t like personalities with a bit of flavor huh Jeff? A tattoo is an issue? Eddie House isn’t covered in them? Lets break down your opening paragraph here:

“The downside is pretty obvious. First of all, he has never been a winner. He has put up great stats on bad teams for most of his career. He’s also never been known for his defense. There’s no telling what he’ll be like on a winning team that puts defense first and puts the utmost emphasis on team play.”

Pierce, Garnett, and Ray were never winners before last season. Besides one conference finals appearance each they had great stats on bad teams. Pierce and Ray were certainly not known for their defense. He’s 30, not 20 – you think he’s going to intentionally go to the team with the Ubuntu slogan and not play team basketball?

And then you post this piece of brilliance:

“By all accounts this guy is a loose cannon. He’s burned bridges at every stop and clashed with teammates, coaches, media, and just about anyone you can think of.”

Where have I heard this before….RANDY MOSS?? CORY DILLON?? How did they do Jeff? Oh that’s right, one got a ring and the other broke the all time touch down receptions record and had an undefeated regular season. You think that’s inapplicable to basketball when the team has strong veteran personalities like Kevin Garnett (who, oh by the way, knows Marbury well from their Minnesota days) to keep an occasionally erratic personality controlled? Please.

I’m not going to even go into the next paragraph in detail – that would just be embarrassing. You start by saying he seems a bit crazy, and then you list all the things that make him not only sane, but a humanitarian if anything. The guy has a CLOTHING company that is essentially a CHARITY for kids who can’t afford jordan’s. After that you call him “a little bit nutty”? Do you know him personally Jeff to make that assessment? Doesn’t KG occasionally act a little nutty? How bout Delonte West during interviews – you sure loved that guy.

Then you say this:

“At the very least, he would be a distraction in the locker room just by his presence. Any comment or action he takes outside of ordinary would be hyper-scrutinized by the media and fans (and of course blogs). The team would have to answer a lot of questions about him instead of questions about the game or their opponents. Anything that threatens focus is a bad thing for a team looking to defend their title.”

You’re repeating yourself here…didn’t we say this about Randy Moss too..? Oh, and Jeff, you don’t speak for the fans nor do you know how the fans of Boston will react.

And finally your last argument:

“Finally, Rondo is the unquestioned starter and leader of the first unit offense. However, he’s still young enough to make mistakes and have bad stretches of games. How will he react to having Starbury on the sideline eager for coach to put him in? How will House react to the team once again seeking a point guard to take his place in the rotation? These are questions that we just don’t know the answer to until it happens.”

We do know the answer to these questions – they require nothing but common sense. First off, Marbury knows he will come off the bench. Oh, and, so you’re saying that when Rondo has a bad stretch of games you DON’T WANT A FORMER ALL STAR VETERAN to come in and help the team WIN instead of watching Rondo continue to make mistakes? That makes a lot of sense buddy. How’s Eddie gonna react? How about maybe playing Eddie at the 2 a bit when, and I quote Bill Simmons, Tony “Heartattack” Allen is doing his favorite “I drive to the basket, don’t get a layup and don’t get fouled play”. Eddie can play the 2, the 1, and can come in when the Celts need a three or small ball. This worked during the playoffs quite well when Cassell was taking some of Eddie’s minutes. Do you actually watch the Celtics Jeff?

I know you talk about Moss etc.. at the end, but why bother going through the negatives when you’re going to disprove yourself at the end? Good job.

Marbury isn’t an upgrade over anyone, except perhaps Sam Casell. He DOESN’T DEFEND. Never did, never will. Garnett won’t change him, Rivers won’t change him, Thibodeau won’t change him.

Why in God’s name are they even talking to Marbury when they have Pruitt?

bring on the nuts. I don’t like him at all as the best player on a team but as the 4th or 5th or whatever, heck yea, anything to see less eddie house although I would still like to see pruitt out there.

Bringing in Robert Horry would be hilarious. Remember when Steve Kerr saved a San Antonio season by nailing shot after shot one third quarter late in the playoffs. Nobody else could hit a shot for them at the time so they made him stay out there until he turned purple, literally, purple, he did not look right. I would love to see Horry stuck out on the floor because he was playing well doing his floppy feet, floppy arm run from end to end, grabbing his knees at half court for a little rest….ha, that would be good

Rondo, Ray, Tony, Eddie, Gabe, JR, Sam and adding and or trading for a guard maybe we should just stay with what we have and pickup a free agent vet big man? Joe Smith would be the best choice if PJ does not come back. I would like to see both come to the team and we will win the title 2 years in a row.. Both have played with Garnett and last year both played well for us and against us.

My vote goes to Kyrolo Fesenko. He could probably be had and he’s the next Za Za. I have no interest in Joe Smith, who plays with no passion whatsoever.

I second Greenwise’s comments re Jeff.
“Rondoo”…..if you don’t like this site go find another one. Jeff’s commentary is the most accurate and respected and your comments aren’t appreciated.

Also, I concur with Brickowski that Starbury is not a fit for the Celts.
Also, his take on Pruitt is accurate if you’ve seen the kid play games while @ Utah last year his improvement as a total ballplayer was obvious.

You don’t want to witness the horror unleashed when Ubuntu and Anti-Ubuntu collide.

On the plus side, we’d be able to settle the old thing about whether the world will end in fire or ice…

Starbury if he comes here would be on a short leash — both with the fans and the media and I think it’s worth a shot as long as the C’s can easily cut bait if he doesn’t work out. To say Pruitt is a better option is ridiculous. I like Gabe myself but he’s not ready to contribute. If he were, it would have been obvious long before now.

As currently constituted their bench is not strong enough to get them through the playoffs. It’s undersized, and lacks consistency — especially Tony Allen and Gabe. If he comes and buys into the program, Marbury upgrades the bench somewhat. He allows Eddie to move to the 2 and that lessens Ray Allen’s workload a little bit. Marbury would likely help that unit score more points.

Defensively he can’t be much worse than Eddie. But at the same time, the 2nd unit remains undersized and nowhere near as good defensively as when Posey was here. They still only have Pierce to guard LeBron – which could be a deal breaker in a seven game series vs. the Cavs and they’ll still struggle vs big front lines once either KG or Perk has to sit.

Bottom line I do this – If they can easily unload Marbury should he not work out. But the other problems remain and if not addressed will likely prevent this team from repeating.

normally, i wouldn’t bother reiterating what two posters have already told you, but your post was just that insulting. jeff is an excellent writer. he puts forth his ideas in a controlled, smooth voice; his arguments are well articulated and organized; he addresses all of us posters respectfully. cicero may have been reincarnated as an NBA blogger. i almost never post on this blog, but seeing you run your mouth about jeff’s ‘conservative journalism’ struck a nerve. if you don’t like it, then don’t read it. and if you insist on reading it, then spare us your half-witted, malformed critique. jeff is our shepherd and i won’t let anyone mess with him.

Came over from Stein’s piece on ESPN. Gotta say that this is one of the more impressive NBA blogs I’ve seen. Good writing on the posts, thoughtful, smart comments. I’ll definitely be bookmarking this (disclosure: I’m a Bulls man, living in NYC). My first take upon hearing that your team was interested in Marbury was “Are they nuts!? Why would they screw up their chemistry like that? There’s a big difference between being talented and being good. And Rondo’s made huge strides — don’t let Marbury poison the kid’s head!” But Jeff, your pro/con breakdown has me thinking “Hey, maybe it COULD work.” I’ve never been a fan of Marbury’s, and I remain pessimistic that he can be a part of any winning team, but it seems if any team could squeeze something positive out of him it just may be the Celts.