Quick Peek Ahead - Top Free Agents

by Jeff Clark on Apr 8, 2010 3:00 AM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

Tom Ziller has a list of the top 50 free agents available. You'll find a few Celtics on there.

Paul Pierce at #9 (early termination option)

Paul Pierce, a free agent? That's a new one. But given a few factors, The Truth could very well find himself on the market. It's his call -- he's under contract for $21.5 million in 2010-11, a massive sum he'd never grab on the open market at age 32. But Pierce is aging, and with the 2011 CBA looming this could be one last big contract opportunity. If Pierce opts out and wins a four-year contract for $12 million or so annually, he could very well come out ahead of taking $21 million and hoping for a deal under rougher circumstances, one year removed. Think Baron Davis in 2008. I would expect Boston would look to re-up Pierce if he does take the plunge.

Ray Allen at #14

Allen is certainly wrapping up his career, now in his mid-30s. The abandonment of his shooting stroke as 2009-10 moves along renders as both shocking and disheartening, given that's really all Allen had left in the first place. Perspective is in order, of course -- Ray hasn't been up to his lofty standard of offensive efficiency, but he's still better than a big portion of two-guards earning major minutes. While Ray can't (and surely doesn't) reasonably expect to top $10 million a season on the market, he can be a big boon for a good team, and you could see the power franchises bid him up a bit. It's unclear whether Boston would be a party to that, given the team's attempts to pawn him off for a younger asset at the trade deadline, and given the speed at which the core is crumbling. Allen could be a great fit with LeBron, wherever he ends up (including Cleveland ... heck, especially Cleveland).

Nate Robinson at #26

KryptoNate found himself in Mike D'Antoni's doghouse early in the season before breaking out and eventually getting himself traded to Boston. So far, he's had only a minor impact, playing few minutes and scoring few points. Since scoring is just about all N8 the Gr8 does, that's a problem. No NBA team can get away with starting him because of his size and lack of passing acumen, but in the right system he can be a great bench scorer. The market largely ignored Robinson in 2009, but there should be enough money out there to get Robinson a decent multi-year deal.

This is also a good place to start looking at what options might be available to us with either the MLE or at the vet. minimum. The tradeoff is clear in those slots. Do you take a quality veteran on the downside of his career (Grant Hill?) or a young player that has struggled to establish himself in the league (Randy Foye?)? I guess it depends on how the playoffs go, but I'd lean towards taking some chances on younger players looking for a fresh start.

Tweet Comment 28 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Coupla Things

This guy’s read on Ray’s skillsets isn’t accurate or informed.

I don’t think we can even begin to think about free agents until we know what direction we’re going in. And as Danny has explicitly noted – this is dependent on how the playoffs go. We could be beginning a rebuild, or retooling on the fly, or just tweaking the roster because we went deep in the playoffs this year (he types hopefully).

by TheOutletPass on Apr 8, 2010 3:14 AM EDT reply actions

Absolutely

Free agent talk is meaningless right now until we know where Danny is going with the team. I think Doc has lost the team, so I honestly think Doc should go (I reached that conclusion this week). From there, I think the players that should be moved by either being let go, traded, or sign and trade are Sheed, Daniels, Scal, Nate, and Landry. I’m mixed about Ray because he can still play. If he’d accept a reduced role on the team, I’m all for keeping him. If KG cannot rebound anymore, then I think TA is needed in the starting lineup or to play a lot of minutes because he helps on the boards. But until we know for sure what Danny’s plan is, free agent talk is premature.

by amenhotep04 on Apr 8, 2010 7:08 AM EDT up reply actions

Agreed.

Ray’s 3PT shot% is down slightly (36% vs career 39%) but his overall FG%, TrueSh% and eFG% are all up. So I don’t know how the hell the writer came up with:

The abandonment of his shooting stroke as 2009-10 moves along renders as both shocking and disheartening, given that’s really all Allen had left in the first place.

And yeah, a lot depends on just how things go in the playoffs.

by mmmmm on Apr 8, 2010 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Disagree

I don’t buy that at all. He still has the best looking jumpshot in basketball. His shooting percentage inside the 3pt line in over 50%. I think the his 3 pt shooting being down is that he just isn’t getting the same quality looks anymore. Teams use to double team KG, now no one doubles him. Also, there is a lack of good ball movement. The ball gets to one side and stays there. Ray gets his best 3 pt looks when the ball is swung. I wish there was a stat for when Rondo sets up Ray on the break and compare it to his percentage in the stale half court offense.

I think irregardless the Celts resign Ray for between 7-10M, 2-3 years. The problem with not signing his is that we don’t have much money to spend on FAs, just the Vet Min and MLE. Also we only have Perk, KG, BBD and Rondo signed up for 2011 (that’s if PP opts out). Singing RA fills a roster spot and provides a trade asset, maybe not this year, but next year. Remember in trading you have to kind of match the money you take back.

by badax33 on Apr 8, 2010 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Your post agrees with what I said.

So I assume you ‘Disagree’ with the article we are responding to.

I totally agree about the open looks. When KG and/or Pierce were out, Ray was definitely getting a ton of unwanted attention by defenses. His 3PT% sunk to only 32% in January. His 3PT shooting % has gradually been improving over the last couple of months as a result of those guys being back (plus the addition of Finley). Over the last three months it has been:

Feb: 35.4%
Mar: 39%
Apr: 52.6%
Total: 39.1% <—- which is his career average

by mmmmm on Apr 9, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Hmm..

…makes me want to start thinking of possible team combos for the Knicks and Heat. Really interested to see what happens…

Just imagine:

Ray Felton
Dwyane Wade
Josh Childress
Amare Stoudemire
Brendan Haywood

with Beasley, Chalmers and plenty of FA roleplayers off the bench

by PosImpos on Apr 8, 2010 3:46 AM EDT reply actions

Tomorrow...

I know I should be thinking about this, but until we are through with the playoff (one way or the better way), I will be like Scarlett O’hara and “Worry about it tomorrow.”

by thirstyboots18 on Apr 8, 2010 7:56 AM EDT reply actions

Save this for after playoffs.

There is nothing Danny can do, even re Doc, but play out the string and see if professionals show up for the playoffs. Ray has been professional. Big Baby too. Like his game or not, he brings energy to his minutes. Rondo is still immature because when he wants to be, he is a force on both sides of ball. So why not always? Pierce, Garnett, Rasheed think they are bringing it but they aren’t. (Actually, I don’t think Rasheed even kids himself about that). Perkins is back to where he was a year and half ago. You have to win despite him instead of because of him. Finley IS a good pickup. Tony Allen is a sort of X factor, more good than bad. Nate…I don’t know. Daniels… don’t know. Doc, Thibs and the other coaches are over-seeing some loss of focus and effort by a veteran team and they are paid pretty well to do something about that. Aside from sitting Nate and Daniels (are you kidding me!!) they look as clueless as me (and I don’t get paid a cent to think about this).

by Wildblu1 on Apr 8, 2010 9:08 AM EDT reply actions

Big baby

Hey wildblu, I think everyone knows the professionalism Ray brings to the table. As for big baby though, I think he is the antihesis of a professional. For starters he missed the first half of the season due to an injury he got an the wee hours of the morning, supposedly after an altercation with a “friend”. Im also a young professional in the Boston area and have had multiple friends tell me about their encounters with big baby out drinking. Not to take anything away from the guy, he plays hard and leaves it all out on the court, which is more than you can say about most players on that team, but professional and maturity aren’t words I’d use to describe his character.

by Wardo21 on Apr 8, 2010 9:48 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Fair enough

Of course BBD was not mature with his early season shananigans. I meant only what has been happening in the last six weeks on court as the hustle level perceptibly decreased by the others but not by him. Yes his shot gets blocked a lot and Yes he has match up issues on D but taking charges is not a skill. It’s a desire and Perkins, Rasheed, KG don’t have it.

by Wildblu1 on Apr 8, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions

Ray Can Play

Call me crazy but this writer isn’t giving Ray enough due for his skill this year. That said, I think assuming on a 1st or 2nd round playoff exit, Danny will scramble to move pieces on this team and Ray would very likely be a casualty. If they can make the ECF, whether losing them or not, then I think Ainge might add a vet and bring back Ray to go with the rest of the guys for another ride.

by celty86 on Apr 8, 2010 9:08 AM EDT reply actions

ECF?

Seriously?

A team that is 18-22 against teams with winning records doesn’t get that far – but if the financial numbers make sense, the C’s should definitely keep Ray.

by nba is the worst on Apr 8, 2010 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions

You never miss an opportunity to state how awful you think this team is, do you?

It’s pretty darn annoying.

by KY Celts fan on Apr 8, 2010 3:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

hey just look at his username

you know you wont win arguing with this guy!

by friedgreentomatoes on Apr 8, 2010 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions

dude, the guy said 'assuming .. a 1st or 2nd round playoff exit'

and then qualified going further with a big fat “IF they can make the ECF …” purely for discussion.

You don’t need to jump in and pound as if he was dancing around with glory green goggles on.

by mmmmm on Apr 8, 2010 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions

mmmmm: I think KY Celts fan was referring to the post by nba is the worst and not celty86. I have also noticed that nba is the worst never has anything good to say about the C’s and it is annoying. I read this blog all the time and sometimes post a comment. I think criticism is certainly warranted based on the performance of the team this year, but there are good points to made about this team as well. Yet, I never read anything like that from him.

by JPV on Apr 8, 2010 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

My 'reply' is to "nba is the worst".

If your browser window width is not wide enough, that may not be clear in the hierarchy (because the rendering compresses the hierarchy), but clicking on the ‘up’ link will show what post is being replied to.

by mmmmm on Apr 8, 2010 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Sorry to the sensitive sallys

My bad!!!

by nba is the worst on Apr 9, 2010 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I think this team is on it’s last wobbly legs and we should be rebuilding after this season, barring we miraculously win banner 18. I think the C’s should resign Ray for 2 years with the 2nd year a team option, we shouldn’t pay anymore than 9 mil per, IMO. Then we should look into signing Amir Johnson and Anthony Morrow. Johnson for the much needed youth and athleticism, Morrow for more shooting and a young Ray replacement both would do well playing with Rondo.

Rondo doesn't believe in easy buckets...

by ManUp on Apr 8, 2010 10:31 AM EDT reply actions

I have no trouble with The Ancient Three coming off of the bench. I’d like to see what kind of CONSISTENT player TA can be, and get another scorer.

Do I hear Al Jefferson? (to dream… the impossible dream….)

by johnnymost on Apr 8, 2010 10:41 AM EDT reply actions

Mike Miller

I think Mike Miller would be a great pickup as a primary backup wing, a definite upgrade from Marquis.

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/65839/20100408/mike_miller_interested_in_orlando_return/

by fanofgreen on Apr 8, 2010 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

hate to to say it but....

Ray would look great on the cavs next year next to lebron and co.

by hpantazo on Apr 8, 2010 3:50 PM EDT reply actions

This offseason, DA needs to do everything possible to move Sheed

Then use the MLE on someone young, not another vet. I liked the Finley pickup, but it’s time to start thinking about future seasons. I like Foye, Outlaw, Haslem… players that are young, athletic, and bring energy.

If the price is right, most definitley being back Ray! He’s been the best and most consistent of the Big Three this season.

There is talk of Minny wanting to move Big Al. Do we have the pieces to bring him back? I think no, but maybe y’all have a trade idea I haven’t thought of.

by KY Celts fan on Apr 8, 2010 3:51 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Payroll

so if the roll is at 85 million this season and 65 million next season with PP…..this leaves 20 million? or am i missing something?

by wdogg72 on Apr 8, 2010 4:54 PM EDT reply actions

link

i am sure this was posted previously but here it is again

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/boston.htm

by wdogg72 on Apr 8, 2010 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

randy foye is like poor man's d wade

just never got a chance, never got a chance…

by friedgreentomatoes on Apr 8, 2010 6:17 PM EDT reply actions

Ray Allen is worth around $6-7 million per annum but if the Celtics want him to take a short term contract (one or two years) they’ll have to overpay and pay around $9-10 million per annum.

by Who on Apr 9, 2010 3:22 AM EDT reply actions