Danny Looking for a Center?

[gouki88]

My target would be Mo Bamba. His advanced stats are awesome this season. Obviously, we have a very small sample size.

BPM: +9.7 (3rd best in the league)
WS/48: .254 (8th best in the league)
BLK%: 9.1 (10th best in the league)
TS%: 67.5
TRB%: 24.9 (9th best in the league)
PER: 34.3 (2nd best in the league)
Total RAPTOR: +4.7

I bet the Magic are willing to part ways with him.

https://twitter.com/BQRMagic/status/1358916557741707264?s=20

I'd also be happy with Khem Birch. He's a mobile big man who can play D on the perimeter, hence he'd be a terrific fit in our defensive system.

Insanely easy for stats to be totally misleading when your example is playing six and a half MPG. Feel like you're being blind to simple analysis in favour of advanced metrics for the sake of advanced metrics here.

Where is this type of common sense for Timelord?!

Ha, good point. I do like Timelord more this year (his rebounding has taken a leap), but his persistent conditioning issues from Covid have really been disruptive. His FT shooting and foul tendencies have improved so far this year too (turnovers however, not so much).

I'm a fan of Birch like both of you though. I like G-League success stories too

[Jvalin]

My target would be Mo Bamba. His advanced stats are awesome this season. Obviously, we have a very small sample size.

BPM: +9.7 (3rd best in the league)
WS/48: .254 (8th best in the league)
BLK%: 9.1 (10th best in the league)
TS%: 67.5
TRB%: 24.9 (9th best in the league)
PER: 34.3 (2nd best in the league)
Total RAPTOR: +4.7

I bet the Magic are willing to part ways with him.

https://twitter.com/BQRMagic/status/1358916557741707264?s=20

I'd also be happy with Khem Birch. He's a mobile big man who can play D on the perimeter, hence he'd be a terrific fit in our defensive system.

Insanely easy for stats to be totally misleading when your example is playing six and a half MPG. Feel like you're being blind to simple analysis in favour of advanced metrics for the sake of advanced metrics here.

What's the simple analysis then? I'm the first one to admit that we got a small sample size.

Here are his totals thus far this season. It seems like plenty of Magic fans are perplexed as to why he ain't getting more minutes.

https://twitter.com/RGeezyNBA/status/1358242436481392640?s=20

Bamba is younger than Timelord. Imo, he has a higher upside, plus he'd be a better fit in our system. Only reason he ain't playing is cause the Magic are super deep at the Center position. Vucevic is an all-star caliber player. Birch is a terrific small-ball Center. I'd be happy with Birch instead of Bamba as well.



The Magic could have a use for a wing prospect. I bet they'd at least consider this deal. I'd then trade Timelord in a separate deal. Let's say for future pick(s) + salary filler/cap relief.

The simple analysis is to accept that there isn't a large enough sample size for his stats to stabilise as well as get a good idea of his skills/style of play/ability with the eye test. I will say that the moment he starts playing Robert Williams type of minutes while still looking good will probably make him very difficult to pry from the Magic when you consider his insane physical tools (he's taller, longer and more mobile than Williams).

Btw I'd love Birch, he's a very good big man who blends in old school banging and offensive rebounding with modern day quickness and athleticism.

Exactly. Now is the time to buy low on Bamba. Obviously, it would be a risky move. If it weren't a risky move, there's zero chance the Magic would ever consider a lowball offer for him.

Danny tried to buy low on Christian Wood at last season's trade deadline. Unfortunately, the Pistons turned down our offers. It's way too early to tell whether Bamba is this season's Christian Wood, but I'd happily trade for him. Imo, it's worth the risk.

[Somebody]

My target would be Mo Bamba. His advanced stats are awesome this season. Obviously, we have a very small sample size.

BPM: +9.7 (3rd best in the league)
WS/48: .254 (8th best in the league)
BLK%: 9.1 (10th best in the league)
TS%: 67.5
TRB%: 24.9 (9th best in the league)
PER: 34.3 (2nd best in the league)
Total RAPTOR: +4.7

I bet the Magic are willing to part ways with him.

https://twitter.com/BQRMagic/status/1358916557741707264?s=20

I'd also be happy with Khem Birch. He's a mobile big man who can play D on the perimeter, hence he'd be a terrific fit in our defensive system.

Insanely easy for stats to be totally misleading when your example is playing six and a half MPG. Feel like you're being blind to simple analysis in favour of advanced metrics for the sake of advanced metrics here.

What's the simple analysis then? I'm the first one to admit that we got a small sample size.

Here are his totals thus far this season. It seems like plenty of Magic fans are perplexed as to why he ain't getting more minutes.

https://twitter.com/RGeezyNBA/status/1358242436481392640?s=20

Bamba is younger than Timelord. Imo, he has a higher upside, plus he'd be a better fit in our system. Only reason he ain't playing is cause the Magic are super deep at the Center position. Vucevic is an all-star caliber player. Birch is a terrific small-ball Center. I'd be happy with Birch instead of Bamba as well.



The Magic could have a use for a wing prospect. I bet they'd at least consider this deal. I'd then trade Timelord in a separate deal. Let's say for future pick(s) + salary filler/cap relief.

The simple analysis is to accept that there isn't a large enough sample size for his stats to stabilise as well as get a good idea of his skills/style of play/ability with the eye test. I will say that the moment he starts playing Robert Williams type of minutes while still looking good will probably make him very difficult to pry from the Magic when you consider his insane physical tools (he's taller, longer and more mobile than Williams).

Btw I'd love Birch, he's a very good big man who blends in old school banging and offensive rebounding with modern day quickness and athleticism.

Exactly. Now is the time to buy low on Bamba. Obviously, it would be a risky move. If it weren't a risky move, there's zero chance the Magic would ever consider a lowball offer for him.

Danny tried to buy low on Christian Wood at last season's trade deadline. Unfortunately, the Pistons turned down our offers. It's way too early to tell whether Bamba is the next Wood, but I'd happily trade for him. Imo, it's worth the risk.

Yeah I'd definitely try to buy him if the price is right. I would try to send out Timelord though - I don't want two project big men on the squad.

[Jvalin]

My target would be Mo Bamba. His advanced stats are awesome this season. Obviously, we have a very small sample size.

BPM: +9.7 (3rd best in the league)
WS/48: .254 (8th best in the league)
BLK%: 9.1 (10th best in the league)
TS%: 67.5
TRB%: 24.9 (9th best in the league)
PER: 34.3 (2nd best in the league)
Total RAPTOR: +4.7

I bet the Magic are willing to part ways with him.

https://twitter.com/BQRMagic/status/1358916557741707264?s=20

I'd also be happy with Khem Birch. He's a mobile big man who can play D on the perimeter, hence he'd be a terrific fit in our defensive system.

Insanely easy for stats to be totally misleading when your example is playing six and a half MPG. Feel like you're being blind to simple analysis in favour of advanced metrics for the sake of advanced metrics here.

What's the simple analysis then? I'm the first one to admit that we got a small sample size.

Here are his totals thus far this season. It seems like plenty of Magic fans are perplexed as to why he ain't getting more minutes.

https://twitter.com/RGeezyNBA/status/1358242436481392640?s=20

Bamba is younger than Timelord. Imo, he has a higher upside, plus he'd be a better fit in our system. Only reason he ain't playing is cause the Magic are super deep at the Center position. Vucevic is an all-star caliber player. Birch is a terrific small-ball Center. I'd be happy with Birch instead of Bamba as well.



The Magic could have a use for a wing prospect. I bet they'd at least consider this deal. I'd then trade Timelord in a separate deal. Let's say for future pick(s) + salary filler/cap relief.

The simple analysis is to accept that there isn't a large enough sample size for his stats to stabilise as well as get a good idea of his skills/style of play/ability with the eye test. I will say that the moment he starts playing Robert Williams type of minutes while still looking good will probably make him very difficult to pry from the Magic when you consider his insane physical tools (he's taller, longer and more mobile than Williams).

Btw I'd love Birch, he's a very good big man who blends in old school banging and offensive rebounding with modern day quickness and athleticism.

Exactly. Now is the time to buy low on Bamba. Obviously, it would be a risky move. If it weren't a risky move, there's zero chance the Magic would ever consider a lowball offer for him.

Danny tried to buy low on Christian Wood at last season's trade deadline. Unfortunately, the Pistons turned down our offers. It's way too early to tell whether Bamba is the next Wood, but I'd happily trade for him. Imo, it's worth the risk.

Yeah I'd definitely try to buy him if the price is right. I would try to send out Timelord though - I don't want two project big men on the squad.

I know mate. I proposed a trade like that yesterday. Nobody liked it. I'd happily trade Timelord for Bamba straight up. Not sure why the Magic would do it though. They need wings, not bigs.

[Somebody]

My target would be Mo Bamba. His advanced stats are awesome this season. Obviously, we have a very small sample size.

BPM: +9.7 (3rd best in the league)
WS/48: .254 (8th best in the league)
BLK%: 9.1 (10th best in the league)
TS%: 67.5
TRB%: 24.9 (9th best in the league)
PER: 34.3 (2nd best in the league)
Total RAPTOR: +4.7

I bet the Magic are willing to part ways with him.

https://twitter.com/BQRMagic/status/1358916557741707264?s=20

I'd also be happy with Khem Birch. He's a mobile big man who can play D on the perimeter, hence he'd be a terrific fit in our defensive system.

Insanely easy for stats to be totally misleading when your example is playing six and a half MPG. Feel like you're being blind to simple analysis in favour of advanced metrics for the sake of advanced metrics here.

What's the simple analysis then? I'm the first one to admit that we got a small sample size.

Here are his totals thus far this season. It seems like plenty of Magic fans are perplexed as to why he ain't getting more minutes.

https://twitter.com/RGeezyNBA/status/1358242436481392640?s=20

Bamba is younger than Timelord. Imo, he has a higher upside, plus he'd be a better fit in our system. Only reason he ain't playing is cause the Magic are super deep at the Center position. Vucevic is an all-star caliber player. Birch is a terrific small-ball Center. I'd be happy with Birch instead of Bamba as well.



The Magic could have a use for a wing prospect. I bet they'd at least consider this deal. I'd then trade Timelord in a separate deal. Let's say for future pick(s) + salary filler/cap relief.

The simple analysis is to accept that there isn't a large enough sample size for his stats to stabilise as well as get a good idea of his skills/style of play/ability with the eye test. I will say that the moment he starts playing Robert Williams type of minutes while still looking good will probably make him very difficult to pry from the Magic when you consider his insane physical tools (he's taller, longer and more mobile than Williams).

Btw I'd love Birch, he's a very good big man who blends in old school banging and offensive rebounding with modern day quickness and athleticism.

Exactly. Now is the time to buy low on Bamba. Obviously, it would be a risky move. If it weren't a risky move, there's zero chance the Magic would ever consider a lowball offer for him.

Danny tried to buy low on Christian Wood at last season's trade deadline. Unfortunately, the Pistons turned down our offers. It's way too early to tell whether Bamba is the next Wood, but I'd happily trade for him. Imo, it's worth the risk.

Yeah I'd definitely try to buy him if the price is right. I would try to send out Timelord though - I don't want two project big men on the squad.

I know mate. I proposed a trade like that yesterday. Nobody liked it. I'd happily trade Bamba for Timelord straight up. Not sure why the Magic would do it though. They need wings, not bigs.

Count me in once Bamba has a larger sample size of these 6-10 minute cameos and still looks good.

[Vermont Green]

To me, it makes no sense to swap Bamba for RWilliams mid season.  Williams has finally gotten to the point where he can provide reliable minutes off the bench as the back up center.  Bamba would be a step back for the rest of the season.  Maybe some time in the future he is a slightly better back up center than Williams but I don't see the point of even thinking about this at this time.

And what we need is more of a PF player, not a center.  Although still not great, our center rotations/options are still better than our PF options.  You could argue that our best Center rotation would be Thompson, Theis, RWilliams.  Out of necessity, our PF rotation is Theis, GWilliams, Ojeleye.  If we were to find a way to get an actual starting level PF (and yes, those do still exist in the NBA), Theis could be used to back up both Center and PF, and both rotations get an upgrade.  Bamba does not upgrade either rotation.

[Roy H.]

And what we need is more of a PF player, not a center.

This is true. I’m actually not sure how the conversation was interpreted as Danny looking for a center.  The quote that began the thread referenced both wings and bigs, but nothing specifically about a center.

[dannyboy35]

And what we need is more of a PF player, not a center.

This is true. I’m actually not sure how the conversation was interpreted as Danny looking for a center.  The quote that began the thread referenced both wings and bigs, but nothing specifically about a center.

   Yeah. I also think he meant someone that can be paired with Theis of Thompdon basically . This sounds to me like Danny views Tatum as more a 3 in most lineups. If I’m interpreting that correctly , that’s kind of interesting. There’s varying opinions on whether Tatum is most effective. If I could choose I probably like Tatum as our 2nd biggest hit out there to take advantage of his quickness. Either way there’s gonna be less and less little hope guarding the guy anyways .
   I’m not sure if I think it’s my first pick but I wonder if Aaron Gordon is the FIT they like most. Barnes seems more the guy but I wonder if the Celtics think they have confidence they can make more out of his skill set at not TOO high a price. They’d probably have to believe his shot this year from 3 isn’t a fluke. His free throw percentage is brutal.

[nickagneta]

And what we need is more of a PF player, not a center.

This is true. I’m actually not sure how the conversation was interpreted as Danny looking for a center.  The quote that began the thread referenced both wings and bigs, but nothing specifically about a center.

   Yeah. I also think he meant someone that can be paired with Theis of Thompdon basically . This sounds to me like Danny views Tatum as more a 3 in most lineups. If I’m interpreting that correctly , that’s kind of interesting. There’s varying opinions on whether Tatum is most effective. If I could choose I probably like Tatum as our 2nd biggest hit out there to take advantage of his quickness. Either way there’s gonna be less and less little hope guarding the guy anyways .
   I’m not sure if I think it’s my first pick but I wonder if Aaron Gordon is the FIT they like most. Barnes seems more the guy but I wonder if the Celtics think they have confidence they can make more out of his skill set at not TOO high a price. They’d probably have to believe his shot this year from 3 isn’t a fluke. His free throw percentage is brutal.

Gordon isn't expected back from a severe ankle sprain until about mid-March. Will Ainge trade for someone who is injured? I don't think so.

[Vermont Green]

And what we need is more of a PF player, not a center.

This is true. I’m actually not sure how the conversation was interpreted as Danny looking for a center.  The quote that began the thread referenced both wings and bigs, but nothing specifically about a center.

   Yeah. I also think he meant someone that can be paired with Theis of Thompdon basically . This sounds to me like Danny views Tatum as more a 3 in most lineups. If I’m interpreting that correctly , that’s kind of interesting. There’s varying opinions on whether Tatum is most effective. If I could choose I probably like Tatum as our 2nd biggest hit out there to take advantage of his quickness. Either way there’s gonna be less and less little hope guarding the guy anyways .
   I’m not sure if I think it’s my first pick but I wonder if Aaron Gordon is the FIT they like most. Barnes seems more the guy but I wonder if the Celtics think they have confidence they can make more out of his skill set at not TOO high a price. They’d probably have to believe his shot this year from 3 isn’t a fluke. His free throw percentage is brutal.

See, I have a bit of a different take on this.  I see the varying opinions as to whether the team is best suited to play with one big or two bigs but I don't think there should be any question that Tatum is most effective as a wing.  As a wing, he might be one of the top 10 players in the league, all star, all NBA.  As a PF?, not even top 10 at the position.  I feel he is as much a PF as he is a point guard.  Would there be any question about whether he was more effective as an individual player as a PG over a wing?  You could argue he would use his size and post up those other PGs, which to me does not make any more sense than trying to make him a PF where he can take advantage of his quickness.

If you go back to the quotes, it is pretty clear.  Shooting with Size, a PF who can shoot.  There is no ambiguity here.   They don't want Tatum to be the PF who can shoot.  They want Tatum to be the wing who can take over a game.

Danny Ainge said that the Celtics want to add "shooting with size" prior to the trade deadline.

Pagliuca said that Boston wants to add a power forward who can shoot

[Jvalin]

I'm a fan of Birch like both of you though. I like G-League success stories too

I thought you considered him a downgrade compared to Timelord or Thompson.

Personally speaking, I'd rather have Birch over Thompson. Birch would fit our defensive system like a glove! He's basically Theis without 3pt range, but 1 inch taller.

[mrceltics2013]

Enough of looking at big bums. Give me KAT or Markkenen as they actually resolve something. At this point I can’t even argue anymore about Turner as long as we can get a playmaker with him.

The Celtics in my opinion have same issue as I said before the season started. They need a big and a playmaker to run the crappy
Offense. The starting lineup is far more important than their trash bench.

Kemba does not work, idc if he’s back at 100% he is only useful if he scores and a major liability on defense just like he was in the bubble. He fits best on a non contending team, it’s just the truth.

[Roy H.]

And what we need is more of a PF player, not a center.

This is true. I’m actually not sure how the conversation was interpreted as Danny looking for a center.  The quote that began the thread referenced both wings and bigs, but nothing specifically about a center.

   Yeah. I also think he meant someone that can be paired with Theis of Thompdon basically . This sounds to me like Danny views Tatum as more a 3 in most lineups. If I’m interpreting that correctly , that’s kind of interesting. There’s varying opinions on whether Tatum is most effective. If I could choose I probably like Tatum as our 2nd biggest hit out there to take advantage of his quickness. Either way there’s gonna be less and less little hope guarding the guy anyways .
   I’m not sure if I think it’s my first pick but I wonder if Aaron Gordon is the FIT they like most. Barnes seems more the guy but I wonder if the Celtics think they have confidence they can make more out of his skill set at not TOO high a price. They’d probably have to believe his shot this year from 3 isn’t a fluke. His free throw percentage is brutal.

Gordon isn't expected back from a severe ankle sprain until about mid-March. Will Ainge trade for someone who is injured? I don't think so.

I think it depends. Does it bring the cost on Gordon down? If we could grab him without giving up a core piece, I expect the team would consider it

[kraidstar]

My target would be Mo Bamba. His advanced stats are awesome this season. Obviously, we have a very small sample size.

BPM: +9.7 (3rd best in the league)
WS/48: .254 (8th best in the league)
BLK%: 9.1 (10th best in the league)
TS%: 67.5
TRB%: 24.9 (9th best in the league)
PER: 34.3 (2nd best in the league)
Total RAPTOR: +4.7

I bet the Magic are willing to part ways with him.

https://twitter.com/BQRMagic/status/1358916557741707264?s=20

I'd also be happy with Khem Birch. He's a mobile big man who can play D on the perimeter, hence he'd be a terrific fit in our defensive system.

Insanely easy for stats to be totally misleading when your example is playing six and a half MPG. Feel like you're being blind to simple analysis in favour of advanced metrics for the sake of advanced metrics here.

What's the simple analysis then? I'm the first one to admit that we got a small sample size.

Here are his totals thus far this season. It seems like plenty of Magic fans are perplexed as to why he ain't getting more minutes.

https://twitter.com/RGeezyNBA/status/1358242436481392640?s=20

Bamba is younger than Timelord. Imo, he has a higher upside, plus he'd be a better fit in our system. Only reason he ain't playing is cause the Magic are super deep at the Center position. Vucevic is an all-star caliber player. Birch is a terrific small-ball Center. I'd be happy with Birch instead of Bamba as well.



The Magic could have a use for a wing prospect. I bet they'd at least consider this deal. I'd then trade Timelord in a separate deal. Let's say for future pick(s) + salary filler/cap relief.

The simple analysis is to accept that there isn't a large enough sample size for his stats to stabilise as well as get a good idea of his skills/style of play/ability with the eye test. I will say that the moment he starts playing Robert Williams type of minutes while still looking good will probably make him very difficult to pry from the Magic when you consider his insane physical tools (he's taller, longer and more mobile than Williams).

Btw I'd love Birch, he's a very good big man who blends in old school banging and offensive rebounding with modern day quickness and athleticism.

Exactly. Now is the time to buy low on Bamba. Obviously, it would be a risky move. If it weren't a risky move, there's zero chance the Magic would ever consider a lowball offer for him.

Danny tried to buy low on Christian Wood at last season's trade deadline. Unfortunately, the Pistons turned down our offers. It's way too early to tell whether Bamba is the next Wood, but I'd happily trade for him. Imo, it's worth the risk.

Yeah I'd definitely try to buy him if the price is right. I would try to send out Timelord though - I don't want two project big men on the squad.

I really don't get this take on Timelord. The kid is improving rapidly. He's finding ways to get himself open to score now, and his jumper looks to be much improved. His rebounding and passing instincts are good. Most importantly, he has generational athleticism for a big man.

IMO it is Bill Russell-level athleticism. He is a freak whose footspeed, leaping, and length allow him to block or alter almost any type of shot against almost any player. In the Clips game a few nights ago he wreaked all kinds of havoc late in the game. They just couldn't score when he was near the rim. This is invaluable in the playoffs against top-tier competition. You can't teach those skills, they are innate. He has had a bumpy road in his development, no doubt. But he has been playing hard, and should continue to mature and learn. The sky in the limit. Don't be shocked when the C's have to match some gaudy offer when he's a RFA 17 months from now.

Timelord could well emerge as the third-best player after Brown and Tatum, and a star in his own right. We just watched Jaylen Brown explode once he refined his game and gained some experience. This is another guy with that level of potential. I don't let him go unless it is for a superstar.

[Big333223]

It makes sense to be shopping for a center. The C's have 3 centers who are different from one another in their skillets but no one is clearly better than the other in a way that feels frustrating. They're all kind of C-level starters and upgrading to a B-level starter that would clear the logjam and make the pecking order clearer would be awesome.  I don't think Bamba is that guy, btw.