CELTICS GREEN BLOG by and for boston celtics fans: Fiddlin' and Diddlin' on 5/31

A few very interesting tidbits in today's news. First, in the Herald, we learn that Chris Wallace is up for the Grizzlies' GM job. I have never cared for Wallace since the Vin Baker debacle. This could have some good and bad consequences if he is hired before the draft. For one, he knows Danny's draft board and this could affect drafting since the Grizzlies pick before us. On the other hand, he may have a soft spot for Boston and the young players we have when it comes to a trade for Gasol.

Also in the Herald, we learn that Tony Brown is on his way out as a coach. It seems that he couldn't agree on contract length in the negotiations. Now, if we go back a few days to this report, could there be some truth to the fact that David Blatt may be coming to Boston as top assistant? Keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that we can sign this guy. He would be the perfect defensive minded coach to set up some real defensive sets for this team and would be a good replacement for Doc when he is finally fired.

The Globe picks up the thread on Tony Brown saying that he is emerging as a top candidate for the Pacers' job. At the end of this article, there is a tidbit about Doc's contract:

A league source confirmed that coach Doc Rivers will receive between $1 million to $2 million guaranteed with benchmarks for the 2008-09 season when his extension goes into effect. Rivers can potentially earn $5 million, the amount he will receive for next season if he finishes his extension year.

Good to know that they didn't extend Doc at the $5 million base rate but came in with a low guaranteed amount and will make him earn anything additional. It will also be easier to dump him if his coaching doesn't improve. Also included is a report from Orlando. Danny doesn't put much stock in the Orlando camp and will be staying until Wednesday to conduct some workouts for the second round pick. The workouts for the 5th pick will be held in Waltham.

There are a couple of reports from the Predraft camp. Draft Express has the most comprehensive with a report on the games played as well as individual performances. Hoopsworld has a notebook recapping the top performers. Taureen Green is blogging on his experiences from the camp.

SeattlePI reports that the Sonics are willing to listen to trades for the 2nd pick. Would a combination of Pierce and the 5th pick do it? It is still possible to get Oden with the 2nd pick. But I would rather rebuild with Durant at the center than Pierce, anyway.

RealGM has a draft preview for the Celtics. Unlike most, they feel that our drafting has been suspect.

Their drafting is suspect. For the most part they’ve found good talent in the draft, but the players have either been dealt or become injury-prone. The fifth pick in the Draft may not get them a Greg Oden or Kevin Durant, but it should allow them to take someone worth getting excited about in Beantown.

They suggest that we target Yi, Noah, or Horford. I have been leaning toward Noah, myself. The kid has a winning mentality and is going to have the work ethic and drive to be the best he can be in the NBA. I don't like Yi because of his lack of defense. I also like Hawes and Brewer.

Southcoast Today reminds us that the Celtics lost the lottery, not their future. We have a core of good young players. We have assets for a trade. We have the 5th and 32nd picks in a deep draft. We have a team that, if healthy, is much better than their record. No, we didn't get Oden or Durant, but all is not lost. This is going to be a very interesting and important off season. Let's hope Danny makes the right decisions about who to trade or keep and who to bring in.

In the on again, off again, on again saga in LA, Kobe is back to saying that he wants out. Yesterday morning Kobe told Steven A Smith that he wanted to be traded. Then in the afternoon, he told Dan Patrick that he wanted to remain a Laker. Now, the LA Times reports this:

"Nothing's changed," Bryant said. "It's just a matter of I don't want to go no place else. I don't have much of a choice. When things like this go down, you just sit back. What can I do? It's like a broken record."

When asked if he still wanted to be traded, Bryant reportedly expressed no hesitation or doubt in quickly answering "Yes."

I am sure that Danny is trying to put together a package to get him but short of Pierce and Jefferson, I don't see anything catching their attention. And with our two best players in LA, I don't see Kobe even remotely wanting to come to Boston. Last night on NBA TV Peter Vescey said that Jermaine O'Neal will soon be a Laker. If that is true, I don't see Kobe wanting to go anywhere. All these rumors circling but none on a Celtics deal in the makings.
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