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RETRIEVING CONTENT...PLEASE WAIT
Random Thoughts on Free Agent Rumors
Saturday, July 18, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 11:58 PM
The team that was rumored to have the most interest in Glen Davis is Detroit and they just took themselves out of the running by coming to an agreement to sign Chris Wilcox. I guess they were afraid that they couldn't make an offer that Danny wouldn't match. So far, the big restricted free agents who have gotten offers had them matched by their teams. The Blazers made an offer to Milsap and had it matched and they may consider Big Baby. New Orleans is rumored to be interested in working a sign and trade for him. With each signing, the market for his services decreases and the pool of free agent power forwards shrinks as well. And so we wait.
Some interesting twitter chatter. First, a tweet from Stephon Marbury:
boston fans. for the record i will never close the door on the celtics. they were to good to me for me to do such a thing. He's not closing the door on the Celtics. He may be sincere or just talking, but maybe he is seeing there aren't any better situations out there and doing an about face on his original reaction to the Celtics' offer.
Now this one is particularly interesting from Celtics Stuff Live's Duke:
Ford w/Daniels ? I am now softening on this deal RT @CMSB: Hearing TJ Ford might be joining Marquis Daniels in Celtics green. #celtics
Keep in mind that these are just rumors, but fun ones to consider. Maybe there is more involved in this sign and trade than just Daniels. TJ Ford would be a nice back up PG. He is one of the few PG's who has given Rondo problems in the past because of his quickness. But, I just don't see how this could possibly happen. Ford is signed for 2 more years at 8.5 million. With that kind of money involved, the only way I can see it working is to include Big Baby in a sign and trade. But then, the Pacers are rumored to be signing Earl Watson, who was released by the Thunder, so Ford may be available. I'll believe this one when I see it.
And, Chad Ford had this to tweet:
Celts are hooking up with Marquis Daniels for their swingman. They've been trying to trade with Indy for Walker, Pruitt and Allen Interesting that he didn't mention Scal as was first reported. I'd like to keep Scal if we can. First, he is an expiring contract. Second, he can help the team. He had his best year as a Celtic last season. But, his $3.4 million in salary may be Danny's biggest asset to make a trade work. I wouldn't feel bad trading Pruitt or Tony, but really like Walker and don't want to give him up.
Finally, today's Matthew David Hume rumor.
Davis, Miles, Booz Cont. to be Rumored In Trade Talks Between Bos & Ut as Part of 4 Club Deal.*Utah Can Get "G-Force" if They Unload "Booz." I haven't seen this anywhere and the last rumor he reported on the Milwaukee deal didn't go through so, just take it with a grain of salt and have fun thinking of different scenarios where Utah and the Celtics could be involved in a 4 team trade while we wait for Danny's next move. I am thinking of connecting the dots between the Pacers rumors and the Utah rumors. It's going to be an interesting next few weeks as the dominoes continue to fall and teams fill out their rosters.
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Are You Excited Yet? Part 2
Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/18
Marquis Daniels Coming to Boston
Friday, July 17, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 7:36 PM
From FanHouse:
Indiana free agent Marquis Daniels could be headed to the Boston Celtics by next week as part of a sign-and-trade deal still being discussed by the two teams, according to two NBA sources.
Daniels, who has played all three perimeter positions in his six-year career, would give the Celtics a reliable backup behind both small forward Paul Pierce and shooting guard Ray Allen. He also could serve as a third point guard.
Daniels is coming off his best season, one where he averaged 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists for the Pacers. But the team declined to exercise its option, which would have paid him $7.3 million next season.
"I'll be with a contender. That much I can say with certainty,'' Daniels said Friday at his Feed the Children charity event in Orlando, just a couple of miles from where he grew up. "There still are a few options, but I've pretty much got my mind made up. Just some small details have to be worked out.''
One of the names being discussed as part of the sign-and-trade is Celtics power forward Brian Scalabrine, who is going into the final year of his contract making $3.5 million.
And from Marc Spears on Yahoo:
Free-agent guard Marquis Daniels(notes) has committed to sign with the Boston Celtics, a league source said Friday.
Daniels will receive the Celtics’ $1.9 million biannual salary-cap exception if the Indiana Pacers aren’t interested in a sign-and-trade deal. The 6-foot-6 Daniels averaged 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 54 games with Indiana last season, his third with the team. Daniels previously played three seasons with the Mavericks.
Daniels, 28, will help improve the Celtics’ perimeter depth. Boston signed free-agent forward Rasheed Wallace(notes) last week and remains interested in keeping forward Glen Davis(notes).
With Marc Spears reporting this on Yahoo, it gains credibility and moves beyond rumor status. Marc Spears is usually spot on with his reports and as reliable as they come.
From Draft Express:
Overview: A versatile young wing who may never reach the potential he displayed in his fantastic rookie season as an undrafted free agent. Has everything you look for in an NBA wing physically: height, strength, and foot speed. As smooth as they come. Possesses the skills and quickness to cover some point guards. Explosive enough take his man off the dribble and finish above the rim. Does a little bit of everything. Struggles with his perimeter jumper. Can hawk the ball much better than most players his size. Made a name for himself at Auburn with his defensive production. Garnered All-Rookie second team honors in 2004 despite going undrafted. Still has some room to grow as a player, but is already a good asset due to his ability to play multiple positions. Off-court problems have given him more attention than on-court play.
Offense: Gets about a fifth of his offensive from each of fast break opportunities, pick and rolls, and spot ups. Shows solid one-on-one skills as well. Decent jump shot. Doesn’t show ideal follow through. Won’t hit many three pointers, but he’ll take them when he is open. Takes some questionable shots with a hand in his face. Shows decent footwork, but could stand to work on his fundamentals in that regard. Won’t always set his feet consistently. Good ball handler. Can play a bit of point guard. Not a great scorer off the dribble, but can create for teammates. Likes to pull up for jumpers when he drives right. Will work hard off the ball. Does the little things. Pretty good finisher at the basket. Will play above the rim when he has space. Mediocre foul shooter. Valuable as a passer and scorer, but not a standout in either.
Defense: The Pacers most versatile perimeter defender. Can defend all three backcourt positions. More effective against the two guard positions than small forwards. Shows great intensity and effort on the defensive end. Displays tremendous lateral quickness and fast hands. Plays physically, but doesn’t foul. Very intelligent in that way. Does a good job reading passers off the ball and jumping in front of telegraphed passes. Doesn’t do a whole lot of rebounding. Very sound on the defensive end.
Daniels would be a good pick up for the Celtics. He is athletic and agile. He can play anywhere from point guard to small forward in the NBA. He scores well driving to the hoop and is good at dishing off to teammates. He also is a solid defender. His shot selection could be better and he isn't much of an outside shooter but at 6'6" he has good size and would be a solid back up for Paul Pierce. Also if the Celtics get him via sign and trade, it wouldn't necessarily add to their payroll, thus making it possible to still re-sign Big Baby. And the Pacers could use a glue guy like Scal. I like it.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/17
The Window
Thursday, July 16, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 9:06 PM
There has been a lot of talk about the Celtics window of opportunity with this team. Much has been made of the ages of Pierce who will turn 32 in October, Ray Allen who will turn 34 on July 20, Kevin Garnett who turned 33 in May, and now Rasheed Wallace who will turn 35 in September. Do we have a brief window in which to win a championship with these guys? I've read some articles that give this team a one year window, believing that it is now or never for this team. Is that the most we can expect?
First, let's look at the condition that these three guys are in. They are all very conscientious about their conditioning and their health. When Ray came to the Celtics he was coming off a double ankle surgery but he has had 2 fairly healthy seasons, playing in 73 games in '07-08 and 79 games this past season. Pierce played in 80 games in '07-08 and 81 games last season. Kevin Garnett has missed time with injuries in both his seasons with the Celtics as he missed 9 games with the abdominal strain in the '07-08 season and then missed the entire second half of the season with the knee injury this past season. Reports are that he is ahead of schedule in his rehab from knee surgery and is raring to get back to playing basketball. All 3 of these guys know how to take care of themselves and how to stay in the very best condition. Add a very motivated Sheed to this mix and I imagine that he is already working out and excited for this upcoming season also. I can see all four of them coming into camp in the best shape of their careers.
Last season, KG averaged 15 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in just over 31 minutes per game. Pierce played 37.5 minutes per game and averaged 20.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Ray Allen played 36 minutes per game and averaged 18.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Sheed averaged 12 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 32 minutes per game. They are capable of playing this kind of minutes again this season, but with a stronger bench, their minutes should go down, which will make them fresher for the playoffs and help to extend their careers.
I would say that with this group of players we easily have a 3-4 year window of opportunity. In 4 years, Rasheed Wallace, who is the oldest will be 39. Ray Allen will be 38, KG will be 37 and Pierce, the baby of the group will be 36. There is ample evidence that a player who takes care of himself can play at a high level to the age of 40.
To back this up, I did some research on players who played very well at 37-40 years of age. First, is Robert Parish. He played until he was 44 years old. At 40 years of age, Parish was averaging 12.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 27 minutes per game. At 37, he averaged 18.6 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks in 30.3 minutes per game. Not too shabby.
Another player who took good care of himself and played very well at 40 years of age was Reggie Miller. At 40, he averaged 14.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 31.9 minutes per game. At 37, he averaged 16.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists,and 1.s steals in 36.6 minutes per game.
Kareem Abdul Jabbar played until he was 42. At 40 he played 31 minutes per game and averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.24 blocks. At 37, he averaged 21.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.7 and 3.7 assists in 35.9 minutes per game.
Karl "the Mailman" Malone played until he was 41 years old. At 40, he averaged 20.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 36.2 minutes per game. At 37, Malone averaged 25.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 35.9 minutes per game.
At 37, Charles Barkley played 31 minutes per game and averaged 14.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
Finally, Michael Jordan played until he was 40 and averaged 20 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 37 minutes per game. At 37, Jordan played 38.8 minutes per game and averaged 28.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.7 steals. I am sure that there are more players who played well into their late 30s and early 40s, but these are the ones that readily came to mind.
There is absolutely no reason to believe that Pierce, Garnett and Allen won't be able to play at a high level until they are 38 or 39 years old, just as the players mentioned above did. I've seen comments about KG's injuries where people felt like KG is starting to break down because of the injury last season. But many players have had bone spurs or other injuries and then come back from them to play at a high level for many years.
Our other younger players are going to continue to get better. We have seen improvement each season from both Perk and Rondo. Big Baby made a leap in his play last season and it looks as though he will be returning next season. With a strong bench, no player will have to play too many minutes, which will lengthen the careers of the older players and will give the younger players a chance to grow. With a little luck, I see this team contending for several years to come.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/16
Boston/Milwaukee Trade in the Works?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 7:16 PM
Via Twitter:
Deal Being Discussed, Mil Send Bowen & Mbah a Moute to Bos For Pruitt & Scalabrine. According to NBA Rules: Bowen Can't be Dealt til Aug 23.
That would be a great deal if Danny can pull it off. Bruce Bowen is a player who is very hard for me to like because of how dirty he plays. I know that there are some hard feelings between Ray and Bowen because of a couple of dirty plays that Ray feels could have injured him. But, if he is a Celtic, I could learn to like him.
I really like Mbah a Moute, though. I'd almost consider Bowen a throw in if we got this kid. He is 6'8" and averaged 7.2 points, 5.90 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in his rookie season. He plays with a lot of energy and is a good defender. He is a prince in his native village of Bia Messe in Cameroon. Right off the screen of the movie "The Air up There."
And Also from Twitter
+ Heat's Moon to List That Dan "The Dealer" Would Like By Either Sign or Trade. Other Heat Possibilities, D-Wade, Haslem, Chalmers & Quinn.
Seeing the name D-Wade in the quote makes me wonder how valid the source is. We definitely aren't getting Wade and I doubt very much he is included in any talks. So, I take these rumors with a grain of salt but it's something to talk about while we wait for Danny to actually do something. We had already heard that Danny was trying to work something out for Moon. We also hear via the Star Ledger that Moon wants to be in Boston. I like the Milwaukee deal much better but Moon isn't a bad plan B.
Also in the rumor mill is the rumor that Orlando is close to a deal with Matt Barnes. Poor Cleveland can't seem to get anyone there. It was rumored that they were targeting Barnes.
Detroit really wants Big Baby but can only offer just over 3 million a year for him, which the Celtics are almost certain to match. New Orleans have Big Baby on their radar but would need to work out a sign and trade to get him. Not sure who they would offer.
Another thought. Danny has been saying to anyone who will listen that he expects Big Baby to be back next season. I think that is Danny's way of telling other teams not to bother making an offer because the Celtics plan on matching it. If other teams feel that their offer will be matched, why should they bother even making one and that gives Danny the upper hand. Antoine had one thing right. Danny really is a snake.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/15
Bid on Sheed's First Celtics Jersey
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 3:54 PM
Just in case you have some extra money laying around and want a souvenir from the Rasheed Wallace signing.
From the auction page on Celtics.com:
The Boston Celtics are poised to make another run for Banner 18 this season after the key off-season pickup of Rasheed Wallace! To celebrate the signing, the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation will be auctioning off an Autographed Authentic Rasheed Wallace Home Jersey. This is the first official jersey Rasheed was issued and wore as a Celtic.
The proceeds from the sale of this auction will benefit the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, the Boston-based charity committed to providing healthcare, shelter, and vital services for children in need.
You can see the auction HERE.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/14
by FLCeltsFan 11:08 AM
Globe Globe 10.0 - Sports video with Bob Ryan
Gortat staying in Orlando
LOY's Place So..... Are You Getting Excited?
Perk is Still a Bargain
Antoine Has Fallen on Tough Times
Red's Army Tracy McGrady's noble gesture
The Clippers are such teases
Celtics 17 Long Live the King: Putting An End to the Nonsense Surrounding LeBron James
Celtics Circuit Pistons Clearing Cap Space; Still Interested in Davis
Celtics Hub How much is Big Baby Worth to You?
Celtics Town Sam Jones - The Sad Story Of An Overlooked Celtics Legend
Lex Nihil Novi Celtics Losing Grip on Fundamentals (81-82)
Gabe v. Tyronn
"Ball Don't Lie"
Hoopsworld NBA AM: Iverson To The Clippers?
Magic match offer from Mavs to retain Gortat
Green Street Role reversal for Gomes
NBA.com Bench may be biggest hurdle in Iverson-to-Clips deal
BULLS: Sam Smith: NBA deck reshuffled after offseason movesBULLS: Sam Smith: NBA deck reshuffled after offseason moves
Dime Mag Blake Griffin goes off in his Vegas debut, and Allen Iverson to L.A.
Shox Rivers, Bird succeeded as NBA coaches with no expe
Las Vegas Sun Casinos say former NBA star owes $822,500 in gambling debts
Sports Central NBA Free Agency Tweets
With Malice Celtics view: What is the RIGHT thing to do?
Daily Derelect Another brilliant Joe Dumars move
Fan Sided Top 5 Restricted Free Agents Left on the Market
NESN Wallace best serves Celtics off the bench
FanHouse Unlike LeBron, Kobe Will Not Be Dunked On at His Camp
Examiner Magical summer? Or land of confusion?
Bleacher Report Jerry Stackhouse: How the Boston Celtics Can Make It a Family Affair
2010 NBA Outlook: Cavs, Celtics Still The "Beasts" Of The East
Note to Celtics: With Rasheed, Proceed with Caution
Detroit Free Press Transcript of today's chat with Pistons rookie Austin Daye
Pistons clear cap space, send Afflalo, Sharpe to Denver
ESPN U.S. U-19 team captures gold in New Zealand
Yahoo League to begin gearing up for labor talks
No stars? No problem. USA's under-19 team wins world champs
Jess Pub Cousy’s Thoughts On Kobe, LeBron & Doc
MLive Detroit Piston cap space situation after Afflalo and Sharpe traded to Denver
SI.com Lakers, Spurs have helped themselves in NBA offseason
Midwest Sports Fans LeBron James, Jordan Crawford, and Dunktapegate
Slam Online 2009-’10: Mike Brown’s Toughest Season
Fox Sports ISIAH MAKING WAVES ON RECRUITING TRAIL; SECURES TALENTED PG
News OK Portland D-League team sells 1,000th season ticket
Chicago Tribune Bulls re-sign Hunter
National Post Lee, Odom among best NBA free agents remaining
CT News The Unique Kevin Ollie Story (part one) - Celtics Central
Bread City KNICKS VS. SUNS BRAWL, 1993
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Antoine Has Fallen on Tough Times
by FLCeltsFan 9:57 AM
I just ran across an article on Antoine Walker that shows that the former Celtic has fallen on some pretty tough times.
The district attorney’s office has filed a criminal complaint against former NBA all-star Antoine Walker alleging he failed to pay back $822,500 in gambling debts at three Las Vegas casinos.
The complaint charges Walker, 32, who wants to return to the NBA, with three felony counts in passing $1 million in bad checks while taking out the markers at Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood and Red Rock Resort. By law, gambling debts in Nevada are handled as bad check cases.
According to a copy of the complaint obtained by the Sun, Walker obtained gambling markers by writing 10 separate $100,000 checks with insufficient funds at the casinos from July 27 to Jan. 19.
Wow! How the mighty have fallen. Whenever I think of Antoine these days, I think about how after Antoine won his ring in Miami, he told Pierce that he needed to leave Boston if he ever wanted a ring. Let's see how that worked out.... Walker is scraping the bottom of the barrel after having moved from team to team and getting no playing time in the last couple of stops and he is now unemployed. And, of course, Pierce is sitting pretty in Boston with one ring and on a team that is considered the favorite for another ring this season.
And this isn't the first brush with the law for Walker this year. He was charged with suspected drunken driving in Miami Beach in January. I have seen some people suggest Antoine as a back up for Pierce, but he hasn't played in over a year and is obviously a very troubled individual at this point. He is going to need to catch on with a team to pay off his debts now. I'm surprised that he isn't playing in summer league, trying to catch on with a team. I wish him well, but definitely not with the Celtics.
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Perk is Still a Bargain
Monday, July 13, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 11:43 PM
I was just reading the article about Orlando matching Dallas' offer for Gortat. Gortat's contract is for 5 years and $34 million over 5 years or roughly 6.8 million per year. Gortat has only been in the league 2 years. His first season he averaged 3.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and .2 blocks. His second season he improved somewhat to 3.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and .8 blocks.
Perk on the other hand, has been in the league 6 seasons. He has improved every season except one. Here are his stats.
Year 1: 2.0 points, 1.4 rebounds, .2 blocks (he only played a total of 19 minutes the entire season)
Year 2: 2.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, .6 blocks (in only 9 minutes per game)
Year 3: 5.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 blocks
Year 4: 4.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks (the only season he didn't improve. This was the season he battled plantar fasciitis most of the season)
Year 5: 6.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 blocks
Year 6: 8.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.0 blocks
Perk also stepped up his game as he broke out in the playoffs with 11.9 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks.
Both players will be 25 this season (Gortat was 25 in February and Perk won't be 25 until November). Gortat will be making 6.8 million or so as a back up center for the Magic, while Perk will be making just over 4 million as the starting center for the Celtics. Gortat's contract just shows how desperate this league is for true centers. The Celtics should realize what a bargain they have in Perk and hang on to him. His replacement could be very expensive.
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So..... Are You Getting Excited?
Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/13
Danny's Comfortable with JR and Bill
Sunday, July 12, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 11:41 PM
The Globe had this statement at the bottom of an article on Sunday:
Ainge said he was pleased with the way swingmen J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker played during the Orlando Pro Summer League, and saw them as potential backups for Paul Pierce. “J.R. and Billy have played well,’’ Ainge said. “I think they did a good job there. We see the impact. I’m very comfortable with them.’’
I really like Bill Walker. I like his work ethic and I like his energy on the court and I love the way he won't back down from anyone. I like Giddens' athleticism and the energy he brings to the game. But, I didn't think that either one of them dominated the competition enough to warrant putting them on the floor as Pierce's backup. They played well in summer league but in order to succeed in the NBA, they pretty much should have dominated in summer league, not just played well.
But then, this is Danny Ainge speaking, and in Danny doublespeak, saying that he is comfortable with them and that he sees their impact really means that he is shopping them while he tries to bring in a veteran back up for Pierce.
But, maybe he isn't happy with any of the options that he sees out there on the free agent market and the sign and trades aren't going like he hoped they would. He may really be seeing them as possible back-ups for Pierce by committee. Their games are very different and between the two of them, they might be effective against different players.
Both are very athletic. Giddens is a versatile scorer who has developed into a more well-rounded player as his career has progressed. He has good length and outstanding leaping ability and is a very effective rebounder from the guard position. Walker is a strong wing player who can, at times, be physically intimidating. He is good for at least one monster dunks per game. His perimeter shot still needs work. He won't won't give an inch even when playing much bigger players. He has an uncanny knack of getting under the opposing player's skin. Both players are good defenders.
Would back up small forward work with Giddens and Walker working the position together and pushing each other to improve? By the playoffs, would one or both of these guys be ready to take on Kobe or LeBron? I'm not sure, but I'm certainly willing to give them a try if Danny really thinks they can do it and is comfortable with them. But is he really comfortable with them or is he building them up for a trade to bring in a veteran? Lots of questions... Answers to come.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 7/12
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