but the point is clear. And I don’t want the Lakers catching us in number of titles (even though they only won 10 of them in LA). I’m not very knowledgeable on the subject, but staying healthy may be a bigger factor than if we go out and get someone.

They do have 10 in L.A. Overall it’s 15 for them.

In fairness, Ainge doesn’t have the flexibility to make moves outside of dealing Ray Allen. and just like the Rockets are finding out with McGrady, it’s hard to move a $20 mill plus contract even if it’s expiring. though it should be easier to move Allen b/c he’s at least been healthy these past few years.

most teams looking to cut payroll like the Jazz & Hornets need contracts that are going to be bought out like Big Ben’s or non-guaranteed deals like Jerry Stackhouse’s if they are going to get under the luxury tax this season.

they’ll probably have to take overpaid long term contracts in a deal for Ray. stuff like Stephen Jackson, Corey Maggette & someone like Kelenna Azubuike. or sign & trade David Lee, Nate Robinson & either Jared Jeffries or Eddy Curry’s contract. maybe Charlotte w/ Radmanovic, Diop, & Nazr.

outside of that there isn’t much unless you include Rondo since most team’s only have one contract they’re looking to get rid of (Rip Hamilton, Samuel Dalembert) and are unlikely to include a young player like lou williams or jason maxiell w/o getting a young player in return.

basically Ainge is stuck hoping vets come for cheap in hopes of winning a title.

His defense was not that great in the playoffs. I watched all there games. Hey could not guard Kobe, They put Shane Battier on Kobe the whole series. He jacks up too many 3’s. He tries to play like Stephen Jackson from Golden state. Stephen is a much better player.

Whatever one might say about trade caps and luxury taxes and the rest, two key elements put you in the playoffs with contending power allowing that you already have enough talent:

1) a healthy team at the end of regular play, 2) a team with good chemistry.

Red certainly understood the latter; I think he probably also understood how to keep people healthy.

BTW, keep Gabe Pruitt. He knows the system and is ready to participate in the long-term campaign that is a season. Too much invested in him at this point. Sorry about Leon, but regarding my first point, above, I don’t see how Danny Ainge could have taken the risk. I wish Powe the best, hope that he surprises.