Alexis Ajinca?

[Rosco917]

If it looks like the C's aren't going to get a chance at name center, is Ajinca worth checking out?
I don't know what he will cost us, being a FA. (2 or 3 million a year)?

Besides the feeling that he isn't really a phisical type, he has some strong points to his game. Many think he has more upside remaining. He's 27. agile and very long  7'

Is he better than going into the season with Zeller being the man in the middle, with no backup?

[Denis998]

I won't be against signing him, he played great for NO.

[hpantazo]

I think Ajinca is an underrated option as a backup center, and a decent option as a starter if we can't get any top targets. He's 27, but his game is still developing. He spent a couple of seasons in Europe after washing out of the NBA because even though he was a big man he kept jacking up threes and had no post game. He developed his inside game in Europe and came back as a new player. He has some very good offensive tools and put up great numbers while Anthony Davis was out last season. He was regularly putting up double doubles and a few blocks per game while starting. If the price is right, I would add him, but NO is very interested in keeping him.

[Rosco917]

True, if we have no other options at the center position, or we sign a hot shot SF or PF. (fingers crossed)

Let him and Zeller compete for the start. At least we add some rim protection, and scoring.

[Rosco917]

I think Ajinca is an underrated option as a backup center, and a decent option as a starter if we can't get any top targets. He's 27, but his game is still developing. He spent a couple of seasons in Europe after washing out of the NBA because even though he was a big man he kept jacking up threes and had no post game. He developed his inside game in Europe and came back as a new player. He has some very good offensive tools and put up great numbers while Anthony Davis was out last season. He was regularly putting up double doubles and a few blocks per game while starting. If the price is right, I would add him, but NO is very interested in keeping him.

Isn't Asik there starting center? He is FA too, maybe they don't want both.

[hpantazo]

I think Ajinca is an underrated option as a backup center, and a decent option as a starter if we can't get any top targets. He's 27, but his game is still developing. He spent a couple of seasons in Europe after washing out of the NBA because even though he was a big man he kept jacking up threes and had no post game. He developed his inside game in Europe and came back as a new player. He has some very good offensive tools and put up great numbers while Anthony Davis was out last season. He was regularly putting up double doubles and a few blocks per game while starting. If the price is right, I would add him, but NO is very interested in keeping him.

Isn't Asik there starting center? He is FA too, maybe they don't want both.

Yeah, Asik was their starting C, but Ajinca filled in for Anthony Davis even though he was a backup C when Davis was healthy. On the NO fan boards, they had a poll on what to do with Asik and Ajinca. Most fans wanted to keep Ajinca and let Asik go.

[greece66]

Ajinca > Asik

Trouble is NOP knows this too.

[Birdman]

Im guessing Ajinca or Asik will be a Celtic

[SCeltic34]

Im guessing Ajinca or Asik will be a Celtic

I'd be happy with either at this point, especially Ajinca if we can get him cheap.  Center has been a position of need for far too long.

I'm impressed with the growth of Ajinca's game over the years.  He has one of the worst tattoos in the history of basketball mankind though.

[vjcsmoke]

I feel Ajinca would be a good rotation big.  Maybe not an ideal starter, but might be an upgrade over Zeller defensively.  Remember that the Bulls did very well by rotating 3 rather mediocre centers.  They key is that they don't hurt you while they are out there. 

Then again Bulls had transcendent talent in Jordan, Pippen, + 3rd star (Kukoc, Grant, etc.)
As long as he doesn't cost a lot, I'm in favor of adding Ajinca.  Perhaps our future starter at the 5 will arrive through the draft, but most likely he won't be ready to start as a rookie.

[Celts Fan 508]

Im guessing Ajinca or Asik will be a Celtic

Does your crystal ball give the amount of years and money for them?