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skierdude44
Since Kenyon Martin left last offseason Nets fans have had to suffer through Jason Collins as the starting power foward. Collins, I believe, was the league leader in foul-outs last year. That's about all he contributed and front court depth was a problem all year. At one point Jabari Smith was seeing significant minutes off the bench (yikes!). It would have cost 6 years and $92 million to keep Martin who's career line is 15.2 ppg 7.5 rpg 2.4 apg. Shareef's career line is 19.8 ppg 8.1 rpg 2.7 apg. At either 5 years $28 million or 6 years $38 million Shareef is a bargain. He's also a consistent low post scorer which was something that Martin never was. Granted his defense leaves something to be desired but he's a solid player.
Dooling is expected to sign as soon as Abdur-Rahim is settled and he would be a great addition as well as depth has also been a problem for the Nets for a while. Rookie Antoine Wright can provide some consistent outside shooting off the bench. Young center Nenad Krstic made great strides towards the end of the season and should continue to blossom next season. The future doesn't look too bad either. Mile Illic is supposed to have some serious skills and he's got height. He needs to bulk up (only 230 lbs) and he should gain some more experience over in Europe this year. They also own the Clippers first rounder next year as well as their own. Knowing the Clippers that should be a lottery pick. Anyway, I'm pumped. They should be able to atleast hold their own with Detroit and Miami and their starting five will be among the best in basketball. Depth is still going to be a bit of a question mark depending on if they can wrangle Dooling and who else they get to help out in the front court.
Swift is a bit of a questionable decision for the Rockets in my opinion. He accepted the mid-level exception so they didn't spend too much on him and he does have some nice skills but there are some things that make you wonder. For his career he averages just over 9 points and under 5 boards a game. Last season he averaged 10.1 ppg and 4.6 rpg. He's not much of a factor on the boards and offensively he's at his best in the open floor. He does block a lot of shots and runs the floor very well for a 4-man. The only problem with that is that the Rockets have a real need at point guard and without a consistent point guard that can push the ball a lot of his offense is rendered useless. He's still pretty young (25) and it looks like he'll be a full time starter for the first time in his career so his numbers could improve. He gives the Rockets a talented frontline (Yao, Swift, McGrady starting and Juwan Howard off the bench) and a defensive presence in the post. Still the Rockets badly need a point guard and while there isn't really anyone great out there a guy like Antonio Daniels may have been a nice fit and there are some highly touted international free agent point guards that could have helped. The Swift signing uses up their entire mid-level exception so they likely won't be able to sign anyone else.
In other news, the comedy show continues in New York. They have reportedly spent their entire mid-level exception on Jerome James. Other than a few good games in the playoffs this is a guy that has averaged 4 points and 3 boards a game for his career. Some how he manages to get the same amount as Abdur-Rahim and Swift. Isiah was desperate for a big man (he had one in Kurt Thomas and also in Nazr Mohammed but apparently he believes Jerome James is better than both of them??) and had targeted basically every free agent front court player from Antoine Walker on down. Walker really was never a possibility because he wants more than the mid-level exception and the Knicks have no sign-and-trade bait what so ever because their roster is loaded with bloated contracts and underachieving players. Besides, Walker would have been a horrible move anyway, Marbury and Crawford jack up enough ill-advised shots they don't need Walker coming in and doing that too. That would be a club house nightmare too. They never really made a run at Stromile Swift which is odd because they are a young team and he's still a pretty young guy. They could have offered him as much as the Rockets. Granted, Houston is a more attractive place to play than New York (aside from the endorsements) but Swift was a guy who could have contributed something so why not give it a try? They tried to get Kwame Brown but as I said before they have no sign-and-trade bait. And even though adding a problem child like Brown isn't necessarily the ideal option he has potential and he's better than James. I think Isiah just spent money for the hell of it. I know they need a front court player but there aren't a lot of great ones available and the worthwhile ones want to play for contenders. Sometimes the wisest move you can make is to make none at all and save the money for the next offseason. I feel so sorry for Knicks fans....
'Reef to the Nets, Swift to Houston
July 19, 2005 at 06:55PM View BBCode
As a Nets fan I'm very happy to see that they seem to have landed Shareef Abdur-Rahim. According to several reports he's agreed to come to the Nets for the mid-level exception of 5 years and roughly 28 million. However the Nets are on the verge of working out a sign-and-trade with Portland that would give Shareef a 6th year and another 10 million. In the deal the Nets would send their 4.9 million trade exception and a future first round pick (not a 2006 pick though) to Portand. If they work out the sign-and-trade they are expected to go after Keyon Dooling and another free agent front court player most likely either Darius Songaila, Malik Allen, or Cliff Robinson.Since Kenyon Martin left last offseason Nets fans have had to suffer through Jason Collins as the starting power foward. Collins, I believe, was the league leader in foul-outs last year. That's about all he contributed and front court depth was a problem all year. At one point Jabari Smith was seeing significant minutes off the bench (yikes!). It would have cost 6 years and $92 million to keep Martin who's career line is 15.2 ppg 7.5 rpg 2.4 apg. Shareef's career line is 19.8 ppg 8.1 rpg 2.7 apg. At either 5 years $28 million or 6 years $38 million Shareef is a bargain. He's also a consistent low post scorer which was something that Martin never was. Granted his defense leaves something to be desired but he's a solid player.
Dooling is expected to sign as soon as Abdur-Rahim is settled and he would be a great addition as well as depth has also been a problem for the Nets for a while. Rookie Antoine Wright can provide some consistent outside shooting off the bench. Young center Nenad Krstic made great strides towards the end of the season and should continue to blossom next season. The future doesn't look too bad either. Mile Illic is supposed to have some serious skills and he's got height. He needs to bulk up (only 230 lbs) and he should gain some more experience over in Europe this year. They also own the Clippers first rounder next year as well as their own. Knowing the Clippers that should be a lottery pick. Anyway, I'm pumped. They should be able to atleast hold their own with Detroit and Miami and their starting five will be among the best in basketball. Depth is still going to be a bit of a question mark depending on if they can wrangle Dooling and who else they get to help out in the front court.
Swift is a bit of a questionable decision for the Rockets in my opinion. He accepted the mid-level exception so they didn't spend too much on him and he does have some nice skills but there are some things that make you wonder. For his career he averages just over 9 points and under 5 boards a game. Last season he averaged 10.1 ppg and 4.6 rpg. He's not much of a factor on the boards and offensively he's at his best in the open floor. He does block a lot of shots and runs the floor very well for a 4-man. The only problem with that is that the Rockets have a real need at point guard and without a consistent point guard that can push the ball a lot of his offense is rendered useless. He's still pretty young (25) and it looks like he'll be a full time starter for the first time in his career so his numbers could improve. He gives the Rockets a talented frontline (Yao, Swift, McGrady starting and Juwan Howard off the bench) and a defensive presence in the post. Still the Rockets badly need a point guard and while there isn't really anyone great out there a guy like Antonio Daniels may have been a nice fit and there are some highly touted international free agent point guards that could have helped. The Swift signing uses up their entire mid-level exception so they likely won't be able to sign anyone else.
In other news, the comedy show continues in New York. They have reportedly spent their entire mid-level exception on Jerome James. Other than a few good games in the playoffs this is a guy that has averaged 4 points and 3 boards a game for his career. Some how he manages to get the same amount as Abdur-Rahim and Swift. Isiah was desperate for a big man (he had one in Kurt Thomas and also in Nazr Mohammed but apparently he believes Jerome James is better than both of them??) and had targeted basically every free agent front court player from Antoine Walker on down. Walker really was never a possibility because he wants more than the mid-level exception and the Knicks have no sign-and-trade bait what so ever because their roster is loaded with bloated contracts and underachieving players. Besides, Walker would have been a horrible move anyway, Marbury and Crawford jack up enough ill-advised shots they don't need Walker coming in and doing that too. That would be a club house nightmare too. They never really made a run at Stromile Swift which is odd because they are a young team and he's still a pretty young guy. They could have offered him as much as the Rockets. Granted, Houston is a more attractive place to play than New York (aside from the endorsements) but Swift was a guy who could have contributed something so why not give it a try? They tried to get Kwame Brown but as I said before they have no sign-and-trade bait. And even though adding a problem child like Brown isn't necessarily the ideal option he has potential and he's better than James. I think Isiah just spent money for the hell of it. I know they need a front court player but there aren't a lot of great ones available and the worthwhile ones want to play for contenders. Sometimes the wisest move you can make is to make none at all and save the money for the next offseason. I feel so sorry for Knicks fans....
Cubsfan13
July 19, 2005 at 07:25PM View BBCode
I was hoping the Spurs would sign Abdur-Rahim, but they decided to sign a center from Argentina instead. Hopefully that means they're trading Necrapovich.
FiveToolPlayer
One thing I don't understand about the Abdur-Rahim move is why they would need to do anything other than just sign him for the mid-level exception? Was there a wink wink deal going on when he signed? Seems strange. Nobody else was going to sign him for big money so whey even bother making that trade?
July 19, 2005 at 09:05PM View BBCode
My team, the Celtics, made a huge splash when they signed free agent stiff, Brian Scalibrine ........ yes, that's been their most significant move this offseason other than the great draft. At least your teams are making moves.One thing I don't understand about the Abdur-Rahim move is why they would need to do anything other than just sign him for the mid-level exception? Was there a wink wink deal going on when he signed? Seems strange. Nobody else was going to sign him for big money so whey even bother making that trade?
skierdude44
I believe that the idea behind it is that if they get him in the sign-and-trade with Portland then that leaves them with their entire mid-level exception to spend on other free agents. They have their trade exception (though that would become Portland's in a deal) but that is worth less money and expires on the 29th and then becomes worthless. And don't be so down on Scalabrine. He's a scrappy player and he'll come up with a few hustle plays. Yeah, other than that he's pretty much a stiff but he's not afraid to dive on the floor for a loose ball. But as far as stats, yeah he's a stiff.
Whisky, he's a 20 and 8 player for his career. Granted he's played on some bad teams but he can't be held solely accountable for the struggles of Vancouver, Atlanta, and Portland.
July 20, 2005 at 01:58AM View BBCode
Originally posted by FiveToolPlayer
My team, the Celtics, made a huge splash when they signed free agent stiff, Brian Scalibrine ........ yes, that's been their most significant move this offseason other than the great draft. At least your teams are making moves.
One thing I don't understand about the Abdur-Rahim move is why they would need to do anything other than just sign him for the mid-level exception? Was there a wink wink deal going on when he signed? Seems strange. Nobody else was going to sign him for big money so whey even bother making that trade?
I believe that the idea behind it is that if they get him in the sign-and-trade with Portland then that leaves them with their entire mid-level exception to spend on other free agents. They have their trade exception (though that would become Portland's in a deal) but that is worth less money and expires on the 29th and then becomes worthless. And don't be so down on Scalabrine. He's a scrappy player and he'll come up with a few hustle plays. Yeah, other than that he's pretty much a stiff but he's not afraid to dive on the floor for a loose ball. But as far as stats, yeah he's a stiff.
Whisky, he's a 20 and 8 player for his career. Granted he's played on some bad teams but he can't be held solely accountable for the struggles of Vancouver, Atlanta, and Portland.
skierdude44
July 20, 2005 at 02:10AM View BBCode
Also, Donyell Marshall has agreed to a 4 year deal with the Cavs. I'm not sure about the $ amount though.
FuriousGiorge
July 20, 2005 at 03:03AM View BBCode
Shareef plays soft. He could be a nice supporting player for a playoff team, but he still thinks he's a star even though his skills have eroded to the point where he either needs to learn to bang (which seems unlikely), or accept that he'll never be more than the 3rd or 4th option on a team that has any chance of going to the playoffs.
whiskybear
(It is the mantra of the Portland fan.)
[Edited on 7-20-2005 by whiskybear]
July 20, 2005 at 03:11AM View BBCode
Shareef Abdur-Rahim sucks.(It is the mantra of the Portland fan.)
[Edited on 7-20-2005 by whiskybear]
skierdude44
July 20, 2005 at 03:15AM View BBCode
Well, I think the fact that he turned down higher offers from non-contending teams (6 years $47 million from Milwaukee, and a 6 year deal from the Clippers worth about the same amount) and is willing to take the mid-level which would make his salary next year roughly a third of what he made last year. Also, he will be the third option in NJ. Carter is obviously number one and Jefferson is the number two man leaving Shareef as the third option. His defense is a concern because if the Nets are going to go anywhere he's probably going to have to guard the likes of Rasheed Wallace and Jermaine O'Neal. In any case he's a massive improvement over Jason Collins.
INDIANSFORLIFE
The Veal signing was ok at best. He hustles and can scrap down low, but that is about it. Good role player and much better than Walter McCarty though. He'd probably take the type of minutes Walter had before he was traded. Note- He is a big believer in brain typing and so is Ainge. They have the brain doctor on staff, so that probably has something to do with it.
The Celtics are being pretty quiet right now, but I have heard many rumors with them and trades. Marcus Banks, Antoine, Pierce, Bonzi Wells, Jarrett Jack, Travis Outlaw, The Kings, The Bulls, and the Sonics have all been mentioned in rumors. Not all one deal obviously, but I have heard their names bandied about. They were also rumored to sign Jasikevicous, but I think hes going to Cleveland.
The Nets will be very good this year. There have been some concerns with how 4 out of their starting 5 all demand a lot of touches, but I think Kidd can make it work. They have no depth, but if they can stay healthy they can be a top 3 team in a very good Eastern conference.
[Edited on 7-21-2005 by INDIANSFORLIFE]
July 21, 2005 at 02:47AM View BBCode
All the PF signings are good for the Pro-Toine people of the Celtic fans. I am one of the few who want him back on board, so Im enjoying the moves made to dry up the PF market and lower his contract targets.The Veal signing was ok at best. He hustles and can scrap down low, but that is about it. Good role player and much better than Walter McCarty though. He'd probably take the type of minutes Walter had before he was traded. Note- He is a big believer in brain typing and so is Ainge. They have the brain doctor on staff, so that probably has something to do with it.
The Celtics are being pretty quiet right now, but I have heard many rumors with them and trades. Marcus Banks, Antoine, Pierce, Bonzi Wells, Jarrett Jack, Travis Outlaw, The Kings, The Bulls, and the Sonics have all been mentioned in rumors. Not all one deal obviously, but I have heard their names bandied about. They were also rumored to sign Jasikevicous, but I think hes going to Cleveland.
The Nets will be very good this year. There have been some concerns with how 4 out of their starting 5 all demand a lot of touches, but I think Kidd can make it work. They have no depth, but if they can stay healthy they can be a top 3 team in a very good Eastern conference.
[Edited on 7-21-2005 by INDIANSFORLIFE]
skierdude44
I think that Shareef has the understanding that he is not going to be "the man" here so I doubt he'll bark about getting touches. Jefferson is a very unselfish player (when Kidd and Martin went down during the '03-'04 season he averaged about 8 apg while they were out) and most of his points come in transition anyway. Carter is the one I am alittle worried about though. He was great last year, both statistically and as a teammate but he was really the only scoring option last year. The power foward position was a non-factor, Nenad Krstic being a rookie and just learning the system wasn't going to be calling for the ball, Jefferson missed most of the year, and Kidd isn't and doesn't look to be the number one scoring option so Carter obviously got most of the touches. Hopefully he works everything out though.
I agree, depth is a concern. Antoine Wright gives them a backup at their two strongest positions. He's athletic, runs the floor, and can shoot so as long as he can pick up the system I think he'll do great off the bench. They've been rumored to be after Keyon Dooling, Malik Allen, Darius Songaila, and Jon Barry. Obviously they wouldn't get all of them but they will probably have enough money to sign two of them. Although they have apparently reached an agreement with Cliff Robinson (not so sure about this one. Robinson's 39 and clearly on the decline) so that probably only leaves enough money for one other free agent. Most likely it will be Dooling since he was their #2 target behind a power foward (Abdur-Rahim). Still their depth will be alittle questionable. Collins is still the back-up center and will probably get some minutes at power foward due to Robinson's age.
July 21, 2005 at 03:36AM View BBCode
Personally I think that Antoine is overrated. His ppg and rpg are pretty good but he takes a lot of ill-advised shots. If I were the C's I'd try and pull off a sign-and-trade with him and get something for him. Then plug Al Jefferson into his spot. I doubt Pierce is going anywhere. Most of the teams in the market for a 2-guard have made moves to address their issues at that slot. Sacramento is one team that is in the market for a shooting guard but they're capped out and likely can't take on Pierce's contract and/or be able to put together a package that can match Pierce talent wise and money wise. They're more interested in Bonzi Wells (I don't know why) anyway.I think that Shareef has the understanding that he is not going to be "the man" here so I doubt he'll bark about getting touches. Jefferson is a very unselfish player (when Kidd and Martin went down during the '03-'04 season he averaged about 8 apg while they were out) and most of his points come in transition anyway. Carter is the one I am alittle worried about though. He was great last year, both statistically and as a teammate but he was really the only scoring option last year. The power foward position was a non-factor, Nenad Krstic being a rookie and just learning the system wasn't going to be calling for the ball, Jefferson missed most of the year, and Kidd isn't and doesn't look to be the number one scoring option so Carter obviously got most of the touches. Hopefully he works everything out though.
I agree, depth is a concern. Antoine Wright gives them a backup at their two strongest positions. He's athletic, runs the floor, and can shoot so as long as he can pick up the system I think he'll do great off the bench. They've been rumored to be after Keyon Dooling, Malik Allen, Darius Songaila, and Jon Barry. Obviously they wouldn't get all of them but they will probably have enough money to sign two of them. Although they have apparently reached an agreement with Cliff Robinson (not so sure about this one. Robinson's 39 and clearly on the decline) so that probably only leaves enough money for one other free agent. Most likely it will be Dooling since he was their #2 target behind a power foward (Abdur-Rahim). Still their depth will be alittle questionable. Collins is still the back-up center and will probably get some minutes at power foward due to Robinson's age.
INDIANSFORLIFE
Yeah its doubtful PP goes anywhere, IMO. He was rumored to the Blazers before the draft, but that was bogus. I hear a lot of speculation of PP going to the Kings for Peja (with cap fillers and picks), but that probably won't happen either.
Walker does have questionable shot selection, but he was much better this second time around. I think a full year with Doc could do wonders for him. He also has great intangibles, and is truely the leader this team needs. Id like for him to come back and start Al at Center, with West at the 1, and Davis and Pierce at the wings. That lineup is enough to make them a strong 6 or 7 seed. Without Antoine, we're basically conceding the season, perhaps lucking into the 8th seed and a first round sweep. I think that the Celts can both develop and contend with Antoine, but theyd only be developing without him.
July 21, 2005 at 07:12AM View BBCode
Originally posted by skierdude44
Personally I think that Antoine is overrated. His ppg and rpg are pretty good but he takes a lot of ill-advised shots. If I were the C's I'd try and pull off a sign-and-trade with him and get something for him. Then plug Al Jefferson into his spot. I doubt Pierce is going anywhere. Most of the teams in the market for a 2-guard have made moves to address their issues at that slot. Sacramento is one team that is in the market for a shooting guard but they're capped out and likely can't take on Pierce's contract and/or be able to put together a package that can match Pierce talent wise and money wise. They're more interested in Bonzi Wells (I don't know why) anyway.
Yeah its doubtful PP goes anywhere, IMO. He was rumored to the Blazers before the draft, but that was bogus. I hear a lot of speculation of PP going to the Kings for Peja (with cap fillers and picks), but that probably won't happen either.
Walker does have questionable shot selection, but he was much better this second time around. I think a full year with Doc could do wonders for him. He also has great intangibles, and is truely the leader this team needs. Id like for him to come back and start Al at Center, with West at the 1, and Davis and Pierce at the wings. That lineup is enough to make them a strong 6 or 7 seed. Without Antoine, we're basically conceding the season, perhaps lucking into the 8th seed and a first round sweep. I think that the Celts can both develop and contend with Antoine, but theyd only be developing without him.
FuriousGiorge
When did this happen? I must have missed the memo. Didn't the people of Boston hate Antoine for being selfish and taking crappy shots, and want him run out of town on a rail? Christ, he comes back for half a season, the Celtics make the playoffs and all of a sudden Antoine is the second coming of Bill Russell.
Correlation does not imply causality.
Antoine showed up for the second half last year. The Celtics got better in the second half last year. It does not follow that A caused B. Antoine is still the selfish, moody, non-superstar superstar he always was. He will have worn out his welcome once again by the end of the year, and the Celtics can then focus on what really matters - Al Jefferson and Gerald Green.
July 21, 2005 at 02:42PM View BBCode
Originally posted by INDIANSFORLIFE
He also has great intangibles, and is truely the leader this team needs.
When did this happen? I must have missed the memo. Didn't the people of Boston hate Antoine for being selfish and taking crappy shots, and want him run out of town on a rail? Christ, he comes back for half a season, the Celtics make the playoffs and all of a sudden Antoine is the second coming of Bill Russell.
Correlation does not imply causality.
Antoine showed up for the second half last year. The Celtics got better in the second half last year. It does not follow that A caused B. Antoine is still the selfish, moody, non-superstar superstar he always was. He will have worn out his welcome once again by the end of the year, and the Celtics can then focus on what really matters - Al Jefferson and Gerald Green.
INDIANSFORLIFE
Im sure Im of the minority. If I was in Boston, Id know more of the opinion of the casual fan, but I have to resort to websites and message boards.
July 21, 2005 at 05:05PM View BBCode
He was and is the leader this team needs. PP is clearly not a leader, and Perk is too young to be the leader, although he shows good leadership qualities. Antoine always motivates his teammates and gets the most out of them. He was the leader on the ECF team and is the leader now. Al wanted him to teach him everything he knew and he was more than willing to do so. Hes treated the young guys on a trip to Vegas (his house and summerleague) and works out with them. He has some bad on court tendencies, but is still the clear leader this team desperately needs to have.Im sure Im of the minority. If I was in Boston, Id know more of the opinion of the casual fan, but I have to resort to websites and message boards.
FiveToolPlayer
Boston fans are split on Antione generally. Some like him for his ability, some hate him for his horrible shot selection that would always KILL a rally. Nobody ever wanted him run out of town, they just wanted him to play smarter. I always say I like him for $8 million per season and when he isn't shooting 10 threes a game. He's a leader in the sense that he speaks to the media, takes responsibility for mistakes, and makes Pierce happy for whatever reason. I'd like to see Toine back for the right amount of money. If he wants $10 million a season, he can go play for the Hawks again.
July 21, 2005 at 05:37PM View BBCode
Originally posted by FuriousGiorge
When did this happen? I must have missed the memo. Didn't the people of Boston hate Antoine for being selfish and taking crappy shots, and want him run out of town on a rail?
Boston fans are split on Antione generally. Some like him for his ability, some hate him for his horrible shot selection that would always KILL a rally. Nobody ever wanted him run out of town, they just wanted him to play smarter. I always say I like him for $8 million per season and when he isn't shooting 10 threes a game. He's a leader in the sense that he speaks to the media, takes responsibility for mistakes, and makes Pierce happy for whatever reason. I'd like to see Toine back for the right amount of money. If he wants $10 million a season, he can go play for the Hawks again.
INDIANSFORLIFE
Absolutely. He showed signs of improvement when he came back last year, and although he slightly regressed in the playoffs, I thought it was understandable the way everyone was struggling. Hes very much a leader, and is very valuable to us. 3 years at 24 million would be my ideal contract for him, but would be willing to go 5 years for 35 million. I dont think Ainge would offer him that, but I would.
[Edited on 7-21-2005 by INDIANSFORLIFE]
July 21, 2005 at 05:57PM View BBCode
Originally posted by FiveToolPlayer
I always say I like him for $8 million per season and when he isn't shooting 10 threes a game. He's a leader in the sense that he speaks to the media, takes responsibility for mistakes, and makes Pierce happy for whatever reason. I'd like to see Toine back for the right amount of money. If he wants $10 million a season, he can go play for the Hawks again.
Absolutely. He showed signs of improvement when he came back last year, and although he slightly regressed in the playoffs, I thought it was understandable the way everyone was struggling. Hes very much a leader, and is very valuable to us. 3 years at 24 million would be my ideal contract for him, but would be willing to go 5 years for 35 million. I dont think Ainge would offer him that, but I would.
[Edited on 7-21-2005 by INDIANSFORLIFE]
skierdude44
If I were the Celtics I would have pulled a sign-and-trade with the Knicks about a week ago. The Knicks were itching for a big man and fell in love with Walker. The C's probably could have wrangled a couple first rounders from the Knicks (probably guaranteed lottery picks because these are, you know, the Knicks) and who knows what else. I'd never put anything past Isiah as far as retarded trades go. Now that the Knicks have landed Jerome James it's doubtful that they would still be interested.
The best scenario for the C's in my opinion is if they were able to rid themselves of both Pierce (not likely) and Walker. Green, Jefferson, West, and Gomes are going to be a great foursome and Marcus Banks has some potential as a pretty good role player along with the rest of their young players. Yes, it probably is conceding the season but Pierce and Walker are not going to be a positive influence on these players and are more likely to be a negative influence than anything. Besides Pierce plays Green's position and Walker plays Jefferson's position so the longer Pierce and Walker are there the less playing time Green and Jefferson get. Pierce is not likely to go anywhere but ridding themselves of Walker will do their young guns a lot of good.
July 21, 2005 at 06:05PM View BBCode
Well, now it looks doubtful that he'll get much more than the mid level deal with Abdur-Rahim and Swift agreeing to mid level deals and Marshall's deal will probably be similar to those in dollar amount. I read that the Sixers and Heat are interested in him but after Philly signs Korver, Green, and Dalembert there won't be much left for Walker. Miami needs a point guard and they just re-signed Haslem so signing Walker would be retarded. The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel seems to think that they might be able to land Jaric or Damon Stoudamire and Walker. He'd have to take a major pay cut for that to happen though. It looks like he'll have to decide if he wants to play for a contender and take a mid level deal or take a larger contract and play for a crappy team.If I were the Celtics I would have pulled a sign-and-trade with the Knicks about a week ago. The Knicks were itching for a big man and fell in love with Walker. The C's probably could have wrangled a couple first rounders from the Knicks (probably guaranteed lottery picks because these are, you know, the Knicks) and who knows what else. I'd never put anything past Isiah as far as retarded trades go. Now that the Knicks have landed Jerome James it's doubtful that they would still be interested.
The best scenario for the C's in my opinion is if they were able to rid themselves of both Pierce (not likely) and Walker. Green, Jefferson, West, and Gomes are going to be a great foursome and Marcus Banks has some potential as a pretty good role player along with the rest of their young players. Yes, it probably is conceding the season but Pierce and Walker are not going to be a positive influence on these players and are more likely to be a negative influence than anything. Besides Pierce plays Green's position and Walker plays Jefferson's position so the longer Pierce and Walker are there the less playing time Green and Jefferson get. Pierce is not likely to go anywhere but ridding themselves of Walker will do their young guns a lot of good.
INDIANSFORLIFE
Sometimes I think its better to just completely rebuild and play the young kids like you said, but I think its too soon for that. Jefferson was disappointing in the summer league, and Green is waaay too inexperienced to get many minutes without showing drastic improvement in fundamentals. He is working on pure talent right now, not a knowledge of the game. I say keep them and let them be the key vets when the young kids develop into studs.
July 21, 2005 at 06:11PM View BBCode
The only way any other team gets Walker at this point is thru a S&T. The Heat have nothing available that I'd want. The Sixers could be a decent spot for him in terms of what the Celts could get back, but I dont think its likely with Webber there.Sometimes I think its better to just completely rebuild and play the young kids like you said, but I think its too soon for that. Jefferson was disappointing in the summer league, and Green is waaay too inexperienced to get many minutes without showing drastic improvement in fundamentals. He is working on pure talent right now, not a knowledge of the game. I say keep them and let them be the key vets when the young kids develop into studs.
FiveToolPlayer
I don't think I'd be too quick to call Gomes a great member of the Celtics squad. He is a second round pick without a true position. I have high hopes and love that pick but he may not even make the team.
July 21, 2005 at 08:13PM View BBCode
What everyone needs to understand is that Walker is nothing like Swift, Haslem, and the rest of the rebound/defense power forwards. Walker can play point guard if he has to, handles the ball extremely well, and scores more than those other guys. He'd fit in on a team like Sacramento or Seattle that requires a lot of running and passing.I don't think I'd be too quick to call Gomes a great member of the Celtics squad. He is a second round pick without a true position. I have high hopes and love that pick but he may not even make the team.
INDIANSFORLIFE
July 21, 2005 at 09:12PM View BBCode
I think they signed Gomes to a 2 tear deal. He played great in the summer leagues, and just knows how to play. He'll play 3 in big lineups and 4 when we play small ball. Great pick.
skierdude44
Yeah, I could just picture him bringing the ball up and taking the first contested, fade-away, long range three he can find. Walker is an overrated scorer, but probably alittle underrated on the boards. Just because he can handle the ball pretty well for a big man doesn't mean he can play a point guard or point foward type role on a team.
July 21, 2005 at 09:48PM View BBCode
Originally posted by FiveToolPlayer
What everyone needs to understand is that Walker is nothing like Swift, Haslem, and the rest of the rebound/defense power forwards. Walker can play point guard if he has to, handles the ball extremely well, and scores more than those other guys. He'd fit in on a team like Sacramento or Seattle that requires a lot of running and passing.
I don't think I'd be too quick to call Gomes a great member of the Celtics squad. He is a second round pick without a true position. I have high hopes and love that pick but he may not even make the team.
Yeah, I could just picture him bringing the ball up and taking the first contested, fade-away, long range three he can find. Walker is an overrated scorer, but probably alittle underrated on the boards. Just because he can handle the ball pretty well for a big man doesn't mean he can play a point guard or point foward type role on a team.
INDIANSFORLIFE
He can also dunk on Tayshaun Prince! Amazing.
[Edited on 7-21-2005 by INDIANSFORLIFE]
July 21, 2005 at 10:13PM View BBCode
I think he'd be a great fit in Sac-Town. His passing abilities are very good for a big man.He can also dunk on Tayshaun Prince! Amazing.
[Edited on 7-21-2005 by INDIANSFORLIFE]
FuriousGiorge
July 21, 2005 at 10:25PM View BBCode
Wow...a running start to the basket and Prince not in position to defend him. That is spectacular!
youngallstar
July 21, 2005 at 10:29PM View BBCode
Walker stunk it up in Dallas. You guys can have em
FuriousGiorge
Thursday, October 27, we shall rain destruction down upon the city of Boston.
July 21, 2005 at 10:49PM View BBCode
Is there any way I can go through the rest of my life without having to talk about another goddamn Boston sports team?Thursday, October 27, we shall rain destruction down upon the city of Boston.
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