Celts-Hornets-Nuggets 3 team trade idea

[Finkelskyhook]

If Melo buys into the defense (which I believe he would on a team like the Celtics) the defense will still be a strength

That would be about as likely as Nash buying into anybody's defense.

And would have been the same thing said about Pierce and Ray Allen before they all joined forces on the Celtics. 
Do we still say that? 

Pierce was an above average defender prior to Rivers coming on board.  Prior to Garnett coming on board, Pierce, under Rivers, acted like he didn't care about defense because it was obvious that coaching didn't.

I don't think anybody can say that George Karl's teams are not usually defense-oriented.

[wdleehi]

If Melo buys into the defense (which I believe he would on a team like the Celtics) the defense will still be a strength

That would be about as likely as Nash buying into anybody's defense.

And would have been the same thing said about Pierce and Ray Allen before they all joined forces on the Celtics. 
Do we still say that? 

Pierce was an above average defender prior to Rivers coming on board.  Prior to Garnett coming on board, Pierce, under Rivers, acted like he didn't care about defense because it was obvious that coaching didn't.

I don't think anybody can say that George Karl's teams are not usually defense-oriented.

According to his defensive PER, he is pretty good.

http://www.82games.com/1011/10DEN6.HTM

[Celtics18]

Celts have Pierce and Rondo for many years. They will resign Perkins, sign Love, and draft a starting SG. Ray off the bench! Celtics have a fine future.

This sounds great! Only problem is, this isn't NBA Live we're talkin' bout here.  

2nd problem, unless this SG is a top 5 NBA stud, that Celtics team is not a title contender.  


Love is a good player, but he is no KG.  I think he is a borderline all-star on a good team.  On a bad team, he will put up strong all-star numbers.  Pierce will be that much older.  A very good roll player likely. Perk is a starting defensive C.  



If you are the Celtics, you almost have to make this trade.  The SG position will become split between West/Daniels/Wafer.  The Celtics would still have all the size and offensive punch needed to be a favorite to win a title.  Paul is a strong defensive player.  If Melo buys into the defense (which I believe he would on a team like the Celtics) the defense will still be a strength.


With that said, NO says no.

I think the Celtics will be able to find a starting SG that is better than West, Daniels, or Wafer over the next couple of years (although, I wouldn't count Delonte out as having the potential to start alongside Rondo going forward.  Wouldn't that be slightly ironic?)

They won't necessarily need a shooting guard who is a top 5 player in the league, though.

[Mazingerz]

I don't like this idea, why would you trade Pierce (who has been a celtic all his career), or Rondo (who is a true blue celtic - who I think will also retire a celtic), or allen, or KG for those mercenaries?

I'd rather we develop or find other talents. Let these guys retire with us. They gave us a ring (and I believe another ring this year).

The proposal stinks IMHO

[TheAuerbach]

I'm too emotionally attached to these players to have them leave... is that weird?

[action781]

Definitely pull the trigger.  I wouldn't mind having Daniels as our starting 2 since CP3 and 'Melo both have deep range.  But, I'd rather see if we could maybe get Afflalo in the trade to be our starting 2.  What if we sent D-West and a future first to NO in the deal?  Does that net us Afflalo and also make NO more likely to say yes?

[Celtics18]

There's absolutely no way that I would condone this trade.

  Firstly, I feel that making a trade this significant would considerably lower our chances at a title this season.  Even if you say that our point guard and small forward positions are not significantly downgraded, our shooting guard position would be.  Also, you can't underestimate the chemistry factor.  These guys have been playing together for 4 years and keep getting better at playing with each other as a team.  4 months probably wouldn't be enough time to pull this unit together as a champion caliber squad.

Secondly, I understand how a trade like this extends our future some by trading a 33 year old small forward for a 26 year old one.  'Melo's still got his prime years ahead of him.  However, there's no guarantee that he will fit in with the Celtic way like our beloved captain has grown to over the years.  And, it's simply too mercenary a move for my liking.  Paul's signed for three years beyond this one and I somewhat optimistically expect him to earn his money through his play and his presence for every one of those seasons.  To just throw away a Celtic legend for someone who's a few years younger doesn't sit well with my sense of what's right.  Plus, it would add a significant amount of pressure on Carmelo.  It would be really easy for him to not be liked by the faithful and set up for failure and derision if the team didn't get a title very quickly.  

So, nice effort on the concept, but a resounding no from me.

[britalent]

absurd. you would change the whole dynamics of this team. Boston don't get anywhere without Pierce.