How to Solve the Wing Shortage

by Chris72 on Jul 16, 2010 10:30 PM EDT in CelticsBlog Comment 80 comments

With Tony Allen going to Memphis, and other wings that have been rumored to be targets of the C’s, such as JJ Redick, Ronnie Brewer, and Mike Miller coming off the market in the last week, it feels like a little bit of panic has been surging through Celtics Nation. Will the C’s be stuck with nothing? Will our backup wings be Avery Bradley and Michael Finley? Will Paul Pierce and Ray Allen be forced to play too many minutes next season, and be run into the ground like when the C’s failed to replace James Posey in 2008-2009?

Well, I am here to hopefully bring at least a little hope. While a lot of targets have come off the board in the last couple of weeks, there are still plenty out there. So let’s take a closer look at who the C’s could be looking at…

First, I want to make one assumption. Let’s assume that the Danny Ainge is correct, and Rasheed Wallace IS going to retire, which allows the C’s to use his contract in a trade. This of course, would be a very valuable trade piece, because it would allow the Celtics to send it to another team, for a contract within 125% +$100,000 of Sheed’s deal. And the team trading for Sheed would then be able to take that salary (minus a likely buyout for his troubles) off the books, giving them immediate savings…which is especially valuable for teams who may be close to the luxury tax threshold. Sheed’s cap hit for 2010 is reportedly $6,322,320.

So, with this, highly valuable asset, here are some targets the C’s might look at picking up, broken into a couple categories.

Possible Sign & Trades

First, are the sign and trades. These are free agents, who could sign with their original team, and then be immediately traded to the C’s for Sheed’s contract. These are a little tougher than a straight trade for two reasons. First, they need to come to a contract agreement with the player, rather than taking on a contract that is already signed. And second, they need to make it worthwhile for the team trading them. Depending on the situation of that team, this may just mean sending some cash (they can send up to $3 million) to grease the skids, or it could mean sending something more valuable to them on the court, such as a draft pick, or even a player. So, the C’s are going to have to weigh the value of these players with how much they are giving up to bring them on board (in no particular order).

1.   Richard Jefferson – Jefferson gave up a lot of money this season, in order to test the free agent waters, and    possibly get a longer term contract. Things did not exactly work out for him with the Spurs last year, but could he be a better fit in the Celtics more up tempo system? He had his best years playing with Jason Kidd, getting out in the open court and being a disruptive defender. Perhaps playing with Rajon Rondo (who is much more of a true PG than Tony Parker) would rejuvenate the 30 year old, and help him return to his old form. The toughest part of a deal with him may be agreeing on a price. The C’s have been reluctant to give out deals going beyond 2012, and he would almost certainly be wanting at least 4 or 5 years, in return for taking a pay cut from the $16 million he gave up this season, however, if the C’s could come to terms with him, a first rounder would probably needed to convince San Antonio to make this happen.

2.   Josh Howard – Howard is another 30 year old wing coming off his worst year since he was a rookie. He is also recovering from a torn ACL. Because he had such a tough season last year, has had some questions about his off the court behavior, and may not be ready to go for the beginning of the season, it may be tough for him to agree with the team on a fair price. However, if they can find some common ground (likely somewhere near $5-6 million per year, perhaps on a short-term deal, that allows him to be a free agent again, once he gets healthy), he could be an interesting match for the C’s. The Wizards would also probably need some convincing to help this deal go through, and that could be a sticking point. If Danny does not want to give up a first rounder for a player with so many question-marks, Washington could play hardball, and just try to sign Howard themselves.

3.   Rasual Butler, Roger Mason Jr. and Matt Barnes – These are three players that could be intriguing if the "big guns" don’t pan out. The tough thing about these guys is that they are likely looking at significantly less money than Rasheed’s contract can take back. So, they might have to be combined with other contracts to make something happen (Butler could be traded for Sheed straight up, since the Clippers are under the cap, and could absorb the difference in salary). But, this could be a positive for the C’s. Perhaps the C’s could also fill a second hole by taking on one of these guys, as well as a veteran big man such as Matt Bonner or Craig Smith. One or two of these guys also could be squeezed a bit by the market and may end up having to settle for the veteran minimum, making a trade like this unnecessary.

Possible Trade Targets

The next group are wings who are under contract that the C’s could target through a straight up trade. These might be a little easier to pull off, since the C’s could potentially find someone who fits in with their 2-year window, without having to haggle over a new contract. Teams also might be more motivated to trade these guys, since it would actually take money off their salary cap.

1.   Shane Battier – OK, I need to throw this one out there, just because I would love to see him on the C’s. It is very unlikely that he would be available, however, the Rockets have been rumored to be interested in making a "splashy" trade, and there is a scenario where a team trading the Rockets a star player would prefer the savings of Sheed’s contract, as well as a first round pick from the C’s. It’s a long shot, with a lot of moving pieces, but I am trying to be an optimist here.

2.   Marvin Williams – There have been rumblings that the Hawks are regretting signing Williams, and are now looking to save some cash, now that Joe Johnson’s contract has broken the bank. His deal doesn’t fit into Danny’s 2-year plan, however, he is still very young, and could develop into a building-block to help Rondo bridge the team to the future.

3.   JR Smith – Another longshot, however, Smith has given the Nuggets brass plenty of headaches over the last few years, and with the emergence of Aaron Afflalo, and Denver’s current financial woes, perhaps they would consider sending the talented young headcase to Boston for some savings and draft considerations.

4.   Francisco Garcia – Garcia might just be a guy with a big contract, and no role in Sacramento. With Omri Casspi and Donte Greene waiting in the wings, perhaps the Kings would prefer to move on, and let Garcia become Boston’s sixth man.

5.   Andres Nocioni – He has been rumored with the C’s in the past, and his contract just gets more and more palatable each year. People seem to be split on whether he is a good fit or not, but his contract is a good match, and he would certainly give the C’s some shooting and grittiness off the bench. Given the glut of wings (particularly SF’s) the Sixers have, I am sure they wouldn’t miss him…in fact, they may even throw in a future pick to get him off the books.

6.   Jason Kapono – He just has one more year left on his deal, and while is not as flashy as some of the others on this list brings an undeniable NBA skill. He is one of the best shooters in the game, and would really help this team maintain some consistency when Ray Allen is on the bench.

7.   James Posey – Not my favorite choice, and Danny would have to face some interesting questions if he did bring him back…but certainly worth a look if they can’t do better.

8.   Kirk Hinrich – Another name who has been connected with the C’s in the past. He is an excellent defender, has only two years left on his contract, and can play the PG or SG spot very effectively. Might be a great combination with Nate off the bench. Washington might have him in their plans as a mentor to John Wall, but would they really turn down that kind of savings?

Possible Vet Minimum Targets

Finally, if the C’s are not able to find the right deal with Sheed’s contract (or he decides not to retire), their final option will probably be combing the free agent market for veteran minimum players. A lot of money has been thrown around in the last couple of weeks, but it seems to be running out a bit lately, and there are still a lot of quality players on the market. This means there could be a lot of players who will be forced to consider taking the veteran minimum, and many of them may look at Boston as an excellent option. They could play here for a year, get some exposure playing for a contender, then get a bigger deal next summer.

They also could conceivably sign some veteran free agents to hold down the fort until midseason, and then try to bring in reinforcements with Sheed’s contract at the trade deadline, since it is likely his contract will be even more valuable at that time, once teams fall out of contention, and want to cut salary, and get below the luxury tax threshold.

Here is a short list of players who could get squeezed out of larger contracts, and may come looking for the vet minimum from a team like Boston:

1.   Jerry Stackhouse – He had a bit of a rebirth last year on the Bucks, and would be an excellent option off the C’s bench.

2.   Bobby Simmons – A long, athletic player who defends and can shoot a bit. He kind of disappeared after getting overpaid on his last contract, but could become a very good roleplayer on a contender.

3.   Adam Morrison – OK, I just want to see him grow his hair out, and become the new Gino.

4.   Flip Murray – Can’t cover SF’s, but he would be more instant offense.

5.   Trenton Hassell – A heck of a defender, who has had some success playing with KG

6.   Stephen and Joey Graham – I have no idea which is which, but they both would add some much needed strength and athleticism off the bench.

7.   Tracy McGrady – I’d pass, unless he comes with the fountain of youth.

8.   Keith Bogans – Always an afterthought, but always productive.

9.   James Jones – Excellent shooter, good defender, and a guy who was called the heart of the overachieving Blazers a couple years back.

10.   Rodney Carney – A young guy, with a lot of tools, who never seems to be able to catch on. Maybe he’s ready to break out?

So, these lists might not include everyone the C’s are looking at, and perhaps you have more ideas, but at the very least, I hope this helps to move you a little further from the ledge. It is still very early, training camp does not open for another two and a half months, and as you can see, there are still plenty of options out there for the C’s to reload with.

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Comments

well let's sit back and hope

danny makes the best move he can

Even funnier,was when Wade said " I feel sorry for whoever has to guard us". Uh, I'm pretty sure there is a defense right here in Boston that specializes in punking teams just like yours Dwyane. Nobody scores on us easily.

by letsgoblue86 on Jul 16, 2010 10:36 PM EDT reply actions

Good work, Chris!

Your report makes the process less intimidating, and brings more optimism. The possible scenarios don’t look so bad.

by thirstyboots18 on Jul 16, 2010 10:41 PM EDT reply actions

Lots of options

But the best options seem very unlikely to play out in the C’s favor.

However, I love love the idea of bringing Marvin Williams or J.R. Smith to this team. Marvin Williams was just drafted to high but he is young, athletic, talented and can hit the three. If we got him, it’d be the best trade Danny’s made since bringing in KG. Same goes for J.R. Smith, although I don’t know how he’d react to having a lesser role on this team behind PP and Ray.

I like the Marvin idea the best, but obviously Richard Jefferson and Josh Howard would be great fits as well. I’d be more willing to sign the younger Howard to a long term deal, obviously, so he might be a more plausible than Jefferson, who we cannot sign past 2013. He’s shown his age this past couple years and its not going to get any better.

Pretty much all of the vet. minimum guys I am open to signing, cept for Morrison (gag).

by misterx2day on Jul 16, 2010 10:41 PM EDT reply actions

Nice article Chris. Good read and a headsup of who's out there

the few, the proud, the boston celtics

by bleedgreen34 on Jul 16, 2010 10:42 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah great summary

as m2d said, many of the best options are not likely to go the C’s way.
Best case for me: Sheed’s contract for J. Howard or M. Williams. Then grab Trenton Hassell at the vet. min for depth.

by Surferdad on Jul 16, 2010 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions

not to be nitpicking

but i think the trade bonus is only counted as incoming salary for the trade partner, and the celtics would be getting at most $6,322,320*110%100,00. Sometimes the player with trade kicker has to waive part of the bonus to make the transaction go thru (it has to work for both teams so if the other team to accept the contract with trade kicker is also over cap and does not have any TE, it could be violating the 125%10mil rule if the trade kicker is a bit too much.)

by friedgreentomatoes on Jul 16, 2010 10:51 PM EDT reply actions

should be $6,322,320*125%+100,00

by friedgreentomatoes on Jul 16, 2010 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions

what is happening with my keyboard...

should be $6,322,320*125%+$100,000

by friedgreentomatoes on Jul 16, 2010 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Thank you, you are correct.

You are correct, and I took the trade kicker part out. I misunderstood that rule. You are right that the C’s would have to use the pre-trade kicker amount when calculating salaries. And since the trade kicker can just complicate things, it would more likely be waived by Sheed, since he wouldn’t be seeing that money anyways, if he retires.

by Chris72 on Jul 17, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions

$6,322,320*110%+$100,000

by friedgreentomatoes on Jul 16, 2010 10:52 PM EDT reply actions

should be $6,322,320*125%+100,00

by friedgreentomatoes on Jul 16, 2010 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions

that was my understanding as well.

by Berkcelt on Jul 16, 2010 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions

hmmm

i dont think howards is worth 7 mill but add kirk nd we throw in a draft pick might be worth it would love battier too hes actually perfect but not worth 7 mill also

by jaygunna3 on Jul 16, 2010 10:53 PM EDT reply actions

Sheed for Butler, Barnes, Battier, Mason, Jones, Simmons, Prince....

And More Possible Vet Minimum Targets…

Sasha Pavlovic, Ime Udoka, Quinton Ross, Joe Alexander

by Rogerio on Jul 16, 2010 11:07 PM EDT reply actions

my fav on the list is marvin williams and that is very possible

butler,house & j.howard are intresting too

by stylo617617 on Jul 16, 2010 11:24 PM EDT reply actions

could we sign and trade marquis to make the #s work ?

say if the player we wanted made more than $6,322,320*110%+$100,000

by MR. CAFETERIA on Jul 16, 2010 11:45 PM EDT reply actions

I think we can sign and trade any of our bird rights players to make the numbers work

the other team would have to have an interest in that player or players to make it happen though

by Banner 18 on Jul 17, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Don't forget Gaffney and Lafayette!

Both are non-guaranteed contracts that can be waived for a savings of $2 million.

IOW, G+L = a trade (or S&T) of $1.2 to $2.0 million. So, the C’s can go after a player in that range.

So, the C’s have the contracts to match the following ranges…

With G (or L)’s contract: $0.6 to $1.1 million

With G+L’s contract: $1.2 to $2.0 million

With Sheed’s contract: $5 to $8 million

With Sheed+G+L: $6.2 to $10 million

…and then there are the inducements like cash, picks…and other players…the C’s would have to include to make a deal.

by erisred on Jul 17, 2010 1:15 AM EDT reply actions

jr smith

There are actually a ton of guys on this list who I’d love. JR Smith is near the top. One poster mentioned shortage of minutes. No way, he’d be getting 30 mpg here. We’d fill the TA which was over 20 mpg in the playoffs which means even more in regular season.

James Jones is an interesting one too. Wasnt he also a key player for the Suns back when they were really good?

Rasual Butler I’ve been advocating for heavily on the blog for some time.

Francisco Garcia I’ve also advocated for and this role on the celts would best serve him to be a productive NBA player.

by action781 on Jul 17, 2010 2:06 AM EDT reply actions

Battier!

That would be awesome. One of the most intelligent players in the league and under rated really. Also like McGrady as he may have game in him still, and Bogans.

by Datahog on Jul 17, 2010 2:06 AM EDT reply actions

I just have to say thanks so much for this post Chris. This is so informative I think I understand how this works now! Bb

by Blackberry33 on Jul 17, 2010 2:09 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

This gives us hope!

After watching the close loss to the Lakers, it’s obvious we need size/rebounding and at least one more shooter. This list here gives us some hope. Does anyone believe in Matt Janning, or am I the only one dreaming that he could make it as a scrappy shooter in the NBA? Okay, he may be a long shot, but we need that surprise player to make an impact next season. If we fill in the holes on the bench, next year’s team will actually be better, especially if KG is stronger after knee surgery. To hell with Miami. Defense wins in the playoffs.

by Celts_fan_in_LA on Jul 17, 2010 3:51 AM EDT reply actions

Matt Janning

I’m with you on Janning! He looks like a real NBA player, yes, I know it’s Summer League, but he’s done in in Orlando and Las Vegas, with two different teams, and with 10 games in two weeks…and looked good every time out. His shooting cooled off as he got more tired, but he is active, plays defense (looks like he knows how to switch and help), rebounds, handles the ball well, sets picks, runs the break, does set shots, catch and shoot, has a jab step and shoot, and drives to the basket…and at 6’4" he is tall enough to play the 2 offensively and defensively.

Danny has already offered him a ticket to training camp, but so will other teams…I’m sure of that…I hope he chooses the C’s. I think he is good enough to make a roster and, maybe not next year, but eventually, be a good backup SG in the League.

by erisred on Jul 17, 2010 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Sign & Trade with Orlando

We could give sheed to orlando then they can just buy out his contract for Pietrus. Orlando is way over with about 91 million. So this trade would help both teams. Pietrus can really spread the floor for us and imo would be a great add

by JaimeP on Jul 17, 2010 7:19 AM EDT reply actions

they're shopping gortat from what i hear

shouldnt have a problem finding a taker for him either if they choose to pull the trigger. a team laking quality centers like the bobcats, pistons, OKC would jump at getting him on the cheap

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!

i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"

by remembering9ergods on Jul 17, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions

Shopping Gortat is very unlikely IMO. He’s the number 1 backup of Howard. If he goes who will replace Howard when he commits his 2nd foul in the 3rd minute? Orton is not an NBA caliber player yet.
Anyway if it’s true then we should take him plus Barnes for Sheed’s contract plus somebody else (Lafayette\Gaffney ?).
No it’s too good to be true.

by dexter11 on Jul 17, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Trenton Hassell – A heck of a defender, who has had some success playing with KG

You mean the guy to which fans referred to as “our defensive stopper who can’t stop anyone”, before he got shipped out of Minnesota?

by kozlodoev on Jul 17, 2010 8:06 AM EDT reply actions

great post

I would throw Mickael Pietrus in there too. A swap of Wallace for Pietrus would make sense on so many levels.

by superluminal on Jul 17, 2010 9:31 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

PIETRUS!!!.... I love the idea!!!

by Rogerio on Jul 17, 2010 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions

an energy guy who can actually shoot!

by Surferdad on Jul 17, 2010 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes

Danny needs to band with Otis Smith to dethrone the SuperKings. Unity breeds progress.

by superluminal on Jul 17, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions

add slim pickens to the list.

by nazzbo on Jul 17, 2010 9:31 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

interesting article..

in this week’s ESPN magazine about Rashard McCants. not a great reputation, but not like he ever did anything terrible. seems like talent was never his problem, just his attitude. but he has a good relationship with KG, and doc and the other vets could help him become a better teammate (the way a veteran patriots team got the best out of corey dillon). and he could be had for the vet minimum leaving other options available for the celtics (not wasting rasheed’s contract). might be worth looking into.

as for other options – celtics need help for pierce first – guys who are PG/SG aren’t going to help. It is the most glaring hole on this team. Paul wore down in the ’09 playoffs; he didnt push himself in ’10 regular season and still ran out of gas in the playoffs. and he will be one year older.

by bigperm33 on Jul 17, 2010 9:39 AM EDT reply actions

Does he have a good relationship with KG?

I haven’t read the article, but I remember lots of reports from Minnesota that KG couldn’t stand the young guys in the locker room. I had assumed that one of those was McCants.

All the negativity in this town sucks. It sucks, and it stinks, and it sucks. - Rick Pitino

by Roy_Hobbs on Jul 17, 2010 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions

i know he punched kris humphries in the face

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!

i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"

by remembering9ergods on Jul 17, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

I thought it was Rick Rickert he punched in the face. Or is this another incident? (Ha.)

I don’t believe that Rickert nor Humphries ever were officially on the T-Wolves just to keep the details straight (both played at U of Minn though).

by Berkcelt on Jul 17, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions

that can only work in his favor

by superluminal on Jul 17, 2010 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Quisy

If I remember correctly Quisy and Josh Howard competed for playing time sometimes —Quisy pre-injury was okay!

by feckless on Jul 17, 2010 9:44 AM EDT reply actions

Quisy

Quisy is much better tahn some of the names mentioned here>

by feckless on Jul 17, 2010 9:45 AM EDT reply actions

There are still plenty of options (CelticsBlog)

Possible Vet Minimum Targets

Finally, if the C’s are not able to find the right deal with Sheed’s contract (or he decides not to retire), their final option will probably be combing the free agent market for veteran minimum players *

("Chris72-CelticsBlog)

Out of the possibilities of the players listed here. I would be interested in Joey Graham, and/or Trenton Hassell (Hassell, all about defense & a locker room leader) . Vets Minimum would fit these I’m sure.

And always, as another interesting pickup, would be Jerry Stackhouse, 6-6, tough; shooter.

Joe Moriarty

by Joe Moriarty on Jul 17, 2010 10:12 AM EDT reply actions

Quis

I agree he’s a better option and most likely they’d be able to re-sign him with their non-bird rights.

by GinoC47 on Jul 17, 2010 10:16 AM EDT reply actions

just bring Quisy back and..

Hope to get Matt Barnes… Oh ya and hope sheed comes back !

Rondo/Robinson
Allen/Bradley/Daniels
Pierce/Barnes/Daniels
Garnett/Baby/Erdin
O’neal/ Wallace/Erdin

And then when Perkins comes back were set!
No worries

by farias on Jul 17, 2010 10:40 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

Thanks Chris, I enjoyed the read.

by Little D on Jul 17, 2010 10:45 AM EDT reply actions

RUDY FERNANDEZ!!!!

for Gaffney, Lafayette, cash, and one first round pick…

ALL HAPPY… :P

by Rogerio on Jul 17, 2010 10:49 AM EDT reply actions

does Portland want those guys?

by Surferdad on Jul 17, 2010 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions

They are non-guaranteed

If the Blazers don’t want them then they can just waive them.

by dexter11 on Jul 17, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions

marvin williams

if sheed does retire, i want wiliams! he’d be a great fit and could stay when we build around rondo

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!

i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"

by remembering9ergods on Jul 17, 2010 11:12 AM EDT reply actions

Rondo/M.Williams/Perk/Baby, that's a nice core to build around

by Surferdad on Jul 17, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Anyone but Matt Barnes

Really don’t want Mr. “White Chocolate”.
can’t see him fitting in.

by Snowball on Jul 17, 2010 11:16 AM EDT reply actions

j-will is white choclate not barnes

by Warrior Spirit on Jul 17, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions

the “anyone but” part still stands for me however.

by Berkcelt on Jul 17, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions

a trade rumors site says

That the cavs will waive D West if they can’t trade him- while he isn’t that big he is a good backup to both pg and sg and has inside knowledge of LeBron’s game ( and his mom’s)

by calc on Jul 17, 2010 11:35 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

"he is a good backup to both pg and sg"

No he’s not. He’s not defending Wade and other elite shooting guards. No thanks. We don’t need him now that we have Nate. We need a 2/3 not a 1/2.

by Bankshot on Jul 17, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions

sounds like Miami ought to pick him up

by Surferdad on Jul 17, 2010 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

battier would be my 1st choice on the list
mason jr
barnes
hinrich
howard all quite serviceable
i would be happy with any of them or Rudy Fernandez

by Warrior Spirit on Jul 17, 2010 12:06 PM EDT reply actions

Core Brewer

Is he kid we need. Excellent defender, and his 3 pt shot is improving. Reminds me of Posey. Minnesota just stacked up on forwards with Beasley, Johnson and Williams. Brewer should be available.

by Bankshot on Jul 17, 2010 12:30 PM EDT reply actions

Well, while i'd much prefer a good wing for sheed's contract...

If we cant get someone worth the money, how about trading it for Gortat if they’re looking for cap relief.

This year has shown us that you can never have enough quality bigs, and if we’re going to be going through the bargain bin for a backup wing, might as well get something out of sheed’s contract.

Erdin seems much better suited for a role as equipment manager anyways. = p

by cordialb on Jul 17, 2010 12:54 PM EDT reply actions

that’d be nice because frankly i don’t know if people have wrapped their heads around how long Perk will actually be out for. He might be playing as early as after the all-star break (though I seriously doubt it) but I think best case scenario is he is in good playing shape for the playoffs after slogging through a month or two of regular season games. I’m expecting he won’t be 100% (a la KG) for a year after his surgery (ie after this upcoming season’s playoffs).

Anyway re: Gortat, Problem is 1) he plays poor defense (we can probably get over this though) and 2) Orlando isn’t trading with us (insurmountable). Just can’t see them helping us out; it would look especially bad too if they are just dumping salary while their rival is taking it on (to win).

by Berkcelt on Jul 17, 2010 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Perk will be 95% in 18 months

…in 18 months.

by Little D on Jul 17, 2010 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions

and additionally, do we really want to help OUR rivals clean up their cap problems?

This is why trading within the conference is tricky

by Surferdad on Jul 17, 2010 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Like an expansion team...

The Celtics are about to get “pounded in the paint” next year!!!

Yet, the big concern amongst most people seems to be about getting “wing players”.
Go figure!

by Title 18 on Jul 17, 2010 1:00 PM EDT reply actions

Well both are concerns

We’ve got Paul and Ray at the wings. That’s it. And it’s just not good enough.

But I think you are right about our paint presence as I alluded to just above. JO was a good signing but I’m not looking forward to him being our starting center for most of next year. Hopefully he will change my mind. We do need another big guy though.

Two wings and a big to go still.

by Berkcelt on Jul 17, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions

I have no problem with Jermaine...

…as our starting center for the regular season; it’s the playoffs that concern me.

by Little D on Jul 17, 2010 1:45 PM EDT reply actions

A realistic view of this most of the players named great writing and insight and I know its just thinking outloud,Iwould say most we have no chance at and I am completely disinterested in most.we don’t need anyone to play 20 minutes 13 to 18 at the most and two cheap pickups would be the kid carrol we had at camp that’s out west at suns camp now and still playing great he has all the tools and don’t know if anyones paying attention but it looks like gerald grren learned how to play D and refined his jumpshot and is still out of this world athletic there’s two affordable young athletic winfs that we CAN have no problem..

by reggie_35 on Jul 17, 2010 2:00 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Kwame Brown

We need a big. I know he’s been a bust just about everywhere he’s gone. How did Kwame do in Detroit last year? Might he be a fit just for defense and rebounds? In a previous post someone compared him to Patrick O’Bryant and Michael Olowokandi. Can he hold his own against the likes of Shaq and Gasol?

Free Agents 2010 Link
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgents-10-11

by Alleyoopster on Jul 17, 2010 2:20 PM EDT reply actions

Well, he would have six fouls to use.

I have liked the idea of Kwame backing up Jermaine who ideally would back up Perk, but he is looking for money, just like everyone else. After the Celts watched him workout, Doc was surprised at how athletic he was. I think he would be good fit to help push Howard, Gasol and the likes of Bynum around.

by Little D on Jul 17, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

He sucked in Detroit.

He is better that POB and Candyman though. He’s an okay man defender, but he’s on of the must frustrating offensive player’s you will ever see. Bad enough to offset his best defense.

By all means, have him.

http://twitter.com/wondahbap

by wondahbap on Jul 17, 2010 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Posey

First,i know he’s not in popular demand here…and most posts ive read at CB about James Posey have been negative ones.But i doubt the posters who are aganist Posey really saw more than a hand full of games he’s played in since leaving Boston.However,ive kept a closer watch on games both seasons since going to NO.I disagree with there’s been a big drop in his game since leaving the Celtics.His stats are probably a little lower but with Posey,as we all know,his game is not based solely on stats alone.A lot of it is chemistry/ fit.I feel he could return to the team without skipping a beat.IMO

by house_call on Jul 17, 2010 3:09 PM EDT reply actions

Posey has a real bad contract

They would have to give us something to take it on

by calc on Jul 17, 2010 3:14 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Posey's contract is:2010-11- $6,478.500/2011-12,$6925.400

How’s that a bad contract?

by house_call on Jul 17, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

McGrady?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/421501-nba-rumors-tracy-mcgrady-to-the-celtics?utm_campaign=buzztap&utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

by dexter11 on Jul 17, 2010 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

Hmmm, interesting. That would be shooting for the moon and hoping...

…it didn’t break on the way to the playoffs. His knee at best is ?? We would be holding our breath every game; not sure about back to backs. This intrigues me.

by Little D on Jul 17, 2010 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions

6 million is

wayeay over paying Posey

by calc on Jul 17, 2010 3:31 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Opinion

Thats your personal opinion,that its way over paying Posey,but whoelse you see is worth it available?…and whoelse is available that has proven he can get the job done in crunch time besides Posey on that list?In all the names avaiable,what players have been past the first round of a playoff series?

by house_call on Jul 17, 2010 3:38 PM EDT reply actions

Your delusion

that James Posey can still play is belied by the facts.

Posey’s PER over the last four seasons:

12.75
12.16
10.85
8.74

That’s a player who has lost his skills. Moreover, much of his value came defensively and he could barely move laterally last year. If Posey had came back to the Celtics after 2008 for any amount, it would have been a disaster.

by superluminal on Jul 17, 2010 3:47 PM EDT reply actions

yeah, I'm over Posey

but I’ll take Noccioni for a 2 year rental

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" Henry V

by Jeff Clark on Jul 17, 2010 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Noccioni scares me; what has he done since he left Chicago? DWI?

Is Barnes a better option?

by Little D on Jul 17, 2010 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Those tricky stats

As i stated in my original post,i realized his stats aren’t as good,but there is a lot of reasons for the drop off besides his play.#1,He was hurt 1/4 of the season with ankle issues,which explains your lateral movement claim.I remember exactly the time frame you are speaking.#2,they changed coaches in the middle of the season,alone with CP3 getting hurt.With a new coach,pg,the whole scheme of things changed drastically during the regular season.#3.Posey carried that team for a portion in the beginning of the season.This is not about being a big Posey fan or not,its about who fits this team best w/the right chemistry,and can contribute in crunch time(playoffs).Its has nothing to do with getting over Posey… if i felt he was done,i would be the first to say so.

by house_call on Jul 17, 2010 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions