I was prepared for just about anything yesterday, so I can't say that I was shocked at what happened, but I am a bit surprised that the Celtics agreed to send away one of their centers when this team is in such a dire need for competent big men. My jokes aside, Collins was a solid, reliable, defensive center that didn't hurt us much when he was on the court.
An interesting twist on the trade as it unfolded is that the deal was originally for Chris Wilcox (who has been in and out of Doc's doghouse all season). But because of a twist in the CBA, Wilcox had the right to refuse a trade and (similar to KG) he refused the trade. So they had to include Collins instead.
Jason Collins wasn't supposed to be in original deal but sources say Chris Wilcox refused to waive his Bird rights & forced BOS to try again
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) February 22, 2013
As of now, that leaves Fab Melo to take on a larger role in the team's rotations. That may be part of the plan or it may not be, but by most accounts he still doesn't seem very NBA ready and I wouldn't want to count on him in the playoffs.
Doc and Danny both said in the hours after the trade deadline that the team would be seeking "one or two" big men. They'll look for guys off the waiver wire, current free agents, D-League guys, and folks finishing up overseas.
For the latter, it is being reported that they are interested in D.J. White.
Hearing that Celtics have former Charlotte big man D.J. White in their sights for 10-day deal now that White's season in China is over
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 22, 2013
I'm sure we'll be hearing more names pop up in the coming days, so keep your ears open and stay tuned.
Update from Steve Bulpett:
From today's Herald, big man names C's have discussed: Jerome Jordan, Tim Ohlbrecht, Shavlik Randolph, Louis Amundson, D.J. White.
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) February 22, 2013
Next German in @nba? Boston #Celtics are interested in German Center Tim #Ohlbrecht, who played in the national team together wie @swish41
— SPORT BILD English (@SPORTBILD_eng) February 22, 2013