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RETRIEVING CONTENT...PLEASE WAIT
Tim and Toine and Other Thoughts
Sunday, June 7, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 9:03 PM
Marc Spears had this little tidbit tucked away in his article in the Globe on Sunday.
An NBA source said ex-Celtics forward Antoine Walker is in his best shape in years, as he hopes to return to the NBA after being cut by the Grizzlies last season without playing a game. The source also said veteran forward Tim Thomas, who will be paid $6.4 million next season, has told people close to him that he'd like to be moved to the Celtics. The 6-foot-10-inch, 240-pounder averaged 8.5 points and 3.1 rebounds and shot 41.3 percent from 3-point range with the Clippers, Knicks, and Bulls in 64 games last season. Thomas played with Allen in Milwaukee.
So, now on top of the trade rumors, we also have a couple of rumors about who wants to come to Boston. Antoine Walker is a well known commodity to the Celtics. He has been a Celtic twice already and I am sure he would love to be one again. Walker is 6'9" tall and is 32 years old. After being instrumental in helping Miami win a championship in 2006, Antoine's career went down hill. The following year in Miami, there were suspensions for too much body fat and being out of shape. He was traded Minnesota following that second season in Miami and played in just 46 games, averaging just 19 minutes per game. From there he went to Memphis and was waived by the Grizzlies without ever playing for them. He didn't play at all last season. Now, reports are that he is in the best shape in years, which isn't saying much. As was true his entire Celtics career, the reaction is mixed about a possible third Antoine Walker era. Many feel that if he is indeed in good shape that we could risk a minimum contract for him and bring him off the bench. Others want no part of him. I tend to lean toward the "been there, done that" crowd and just don't think he brings what we need. He never was known for his defense and I just don't see the need for a volume shooter with questionable shot selection.
The second rumor concerns Tim Thomas who is 6'10" and is 32 years old. Last season he played for the Clippers, Knicks and finally the Bulls. Between the 3 teams, he played in 64 games and averaged 8.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 19.2 mpg. In the playoffs with Chicago he averaged 7 points and 3 rebounds in 15 minutes per game. Thomas is owed 6,466,600 by the Bulls for next season. There would have to be a trade or the Bulls would need to buy him out in order for him to play for the Celtics since he isn't a free agent. Thomas is not known for a strong work ethic and has underachieved most of his career. Of course, there is nothing like playing with Kevin Garnett to motivate a player. If he gets bought out, I wouldn't mind bringing him in on a minimum contract but wouldn't want to touch the MLE for him.
This same article also mentioned that the Knicks are trying to work out a sign and trade for David Lee. I really like this kid. He gives maximum effort and is a nice player. He is scheduled to make 2,682,049 in the final year of his contract. He will be looking for a raise in his next contract and would deserve it. I wouldn't mind trading Scal and Tony's expiring contracts in a sign and trade for Lee. He'd be a nice player off the bench.
Other rumors have Danny interested in both Antonio McDyess and Grant Hill. I don't know if Hill can stay healthy two years in a row, but if he could, he would be a nice fit. I like McDyess and if we sign him at least we wouldn't have to hear that annoying Detroit announcer calling out his name again.
The Magic came so close to winning game 2. If only Lee had converted that alley oop. It was a great look. They need to concentrate on taking all 3 at home now. They come back to LA up 3-2 and then steal game 6 and put it away. Go Magic!!!
[Discuss this topic on the Celtics Green Forums!]
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