LOY's PLACE a celtics green blog: Rumors and Free Agent Updates

After watching Team USA dismantle the Spanish team today, I had this thought that while everyone will be going after LeBron in 2010, the player I would go after is Dwyane Wade. He was amazing as he seemed to be doing a bit of everything on the court. He finished with 16 points on 8-12 shooting with 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. He can opt out after the 2009-2010 season but he would have to leave 17 million on the table and so I am not sure if he will opt out or finish out his contract and become a free agent in 2011. But, he would be the one I would go after if he does opt out. My second choice would be Chris Bosh. Ray Allen's contract is up after the 2010 season as is Scal's (finally!) and I have to believe that Danny will make some kind of move in that very rich free agent class.

Hoopsworld is reporting that for the past 3 weeks Patrick O'Bryant has been working with Clifford Ray at his summer program, the Clifford Ray and Robert Parish Big Man Camp in Bradenton, Florida. So, O'Bryant is learning from 2 of the best. HOOPSWORLD's Steve Kyler reported that Ray has been preaching the importance of hustle, energy, and conditioning to O'Bryant. He lacks the post moves of a traditional big man but his offensive repertoire does include a nice shooting touch and sky hook. O'Bryant's style is best suited for a fast pace system, so if he wants to stick in Boston he will have to maximize his physical tools with commitment and a sense of urgency.

Scott Souza reports that Big Baby has stayed in Boston this off season and instead of celebrating like many of his teammates, he has been maturing and working and trimming down. I mentioned the other day that we have seen him doing a lot of PR around town and I guess it is because he is the only one still hanging around. Besides, he has a lot of personality for public appearances. We may see some good things from Big Baby this season as hopefully all this hard work will pay off. Another thing we know is that somewhere, Leon Powe is working very hard. The kid doesn't know how to take it easy.

The Boston Globe reports that Stephon Marbury's days as a Knick are over according to a league source. This has been expected for some time. The question now is when are they going to release him. There were rumors that the Celtics might be interested but now that they have signed both Eddie House and Tony Allen, I don't see where he would fit. The Celtics need a back up small forward the most and after that, possibly a veteran center. If they sign Bill Walker, which I really hope they do, they will have just one spot left and I just don't see it going to a troubled point guard, no matter how well he gets along with KG. Marbury may end up in Europe quicker than he thought.

Delonte West could have trouble finding a spot in Cleveland now that they have traded for Mo Williams. Without a doubt, he is no longer the Cavs' starting point guard. There was talk about moving him to shooting guard but he will have to beat out another former Celtic, Wally Szczerbiak and Sasha Pavlovic for the spot and that won't be easy. Delonte's best bet right now is to sign the qualifying offer and play his best this season wherever they play him, and then go on the market as an unrestricted free agent next off season. I'd love to see him come back to the Celtics. Can you imagine the Delonte-Big Baby comedy hour?

The Timberwolves will unveil their new uniforms, their first new ones since 1996, Monday over the lunch hour at the IDS Crystal Court. If find thatyou just have to run out and buy the new Sebastian Telfair jerseyso you'll be ready for the Sebastian Telfair night at the Target Center, The Wolves also on Monday are launching an online store to allow you to be first on the block to own one, at www.ShopWolves.com. Here's a preview of what the new unis will look like. Personally I am not impressed.

Michael Finley has decided to re-sign with the San Antonio Spurs in spite of receiving interest from other teams including the Boston Celtics. Sources say Finley's decision came down to a choice between staying with the Spurs or joining the Boston Celtics as the reigning champs' replacement for James Posey. He also had strong interest from the Hornets and Cavs. Now we know that Danny is still looking for a back up small forward.

Sean Kemp has been trying to relaunch his career with several NBA teams over the last couple of years and word is this week that the 39 year old former Sonic legend has signed a contract with the Italian team of Premiata Montegranaro. Even the old players are going to Europe.

And finally, Michael Phelps did it. He won 8 golds in Beijing. And if you read my report from yesterday, you know that he is not only a great athlete, but a team player. And, his teammates came through for him in the 2 relays he needed to break Mark Spitz's record. In particular, Jason Lezak, one of the older swimmers on the team, pulled out the final leg of both of the relays. Exciting stuff out of the Olympics. USA Basketball, both men and women, seem to be steam rolling everyone along with the record breaking action in the pool. Next up for the men's team is Dirk Nowitski and Germany, who lost to Yao and China in their last game. The women are just getting ready to play New Zealand.

If you watched USA vs Spain, you saw Kobe knock Pau Gasol on his backside with an elbow to the head. He was not so subtly telling his Laker teammate that they aren't teammates now and that this is war. It was fun to watch!

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