How much are “washed up” veterans worth?

[Roy H.]

I found myself agreeing with this article by Bill Plaske:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/column-lakers-failure-retain-jared-105533772.html

We have seen several teams employ a 10 year veteran who rarely if ever please. Jared Dudley, Udonis Haslem, James Jones, Juwan Howard.  Interestingly, each of those players played alongside Lebron.  The 76ers brought in Elton Brand for awhile to fill the same type of role, and I’m sure there have been others.

We haven’t really seen that on the Celtics. We have brought in both players, but we have expected them to contribute on the court.  We have chosen to fill our roster slots with guys still developing their talents, rather than players past their prime.

Kyrie famously lamented this approach, asking for a couple of 10 year veterans. Hi have also been a big fan of players that essentially serve a role as an assistant.  Vince Carter was my preferred option for years, and Dudley was another guy I pushed repeatedly.  So, that’s where I stand. I would have gladly Jeddah send Carsen Edwards for a chance to sign a guy like Dudley.

Where do you fall? 

[JSD]

I found myself agreeing with this article by Bill Plaske:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/column-lakers-failure-retain-jared-105533772.html

We have seen several teams employ a 10 year veteran who rarely if ever please. Jared Dudley, Udonis Haslem, James Jones, Juwan Howard.  Interestingly, each of those players played alongside Lebron.  The 76ers brought in Elton Brand for awhile to fill the same type of role, and I’m sure there have been others.

We haven’t really seen that on the Celtics. We have brought in both players, but we have expected them to contribute on the court.  We have chosen to fill our roster slots with guys still developing their talents, rather than players past their prime.

Kyrie famously lamented this approach, asking for a couple of 10 year veterans. Hi have also been a big fan of players that essentially serve a role as an assistant.  Vince Carter was my preferred option for years, and Dudley was another guy I pushed repeatedly.  So, that’s where I stand. I would have gladly Jeddah send Carsen Edwards for a chance to sign a guy like Dudley.

Where do you fall?

We get it Roy, you went to BC.


Jk. Actually thought of Dudley today, I love him, would love to see him Celtics green as a mentor. They kind of did this with Evan Turner didn’t they?

[Celtics2021]

I’ve made this argument as a reason to bring back IT, citing Haslem as an example.

[Roy H.]

They kind of did this with Evan Turner didn’t they?

To a degree, yes. I do think there is a difference when a player is part of the team, rather than the coaching staff. I’m sure it can become an us versus them type of thing, where players can’t fully embrace coaches the same way they do teammates.

[Moranis]

I have a hard time wasting a roster spot on a guy that isn't going to play (or play very little), but there is obviously value in having them around.  Seems like the assistant coach thing Dudley is doing in Dallas is the better way to go. 

[Who]

Neither. Sign the BPA. Someone like Meyers Leonard this summer. Bring in the best 3rd string talent you can find.

I don't like wasting roster spots on old fogies or young whipper snappers -- neither of whom who are ready to play. The young guys hardly ever amount to anything. Usually worthless. The old vets are just there to calm down the vets which is some small value so old vets over dumb youth. But BPA over both.

[nickagneta]

Doesn't All Horford count as that 10+ year vet that can give veteran stability and a bit of coaching to some of the younger guys? Only real difference is, Al isn't washed up and wasting a roster slot.

[Surferdad]

Javale McGee says hello.  NBA Champion!

[BitterJim]

I would put Teague in that category. The only other 10+ year vets we've had in the Stevens-Ainge era either played actual minutes (Horford, Amir Johnson, Gerald Wallace, David Lee sort of) or were shipped out quickly (Bogans, Jameer, Prince, David Lee sort of).  There's definitely some leadership from established vets that you won't find elsewhere, but I don't think there's any sort of cliff where <10 year vets can't provide it. Guys like Gerald Green, Enes Kanter, and Jabari Parker have provided/can provide it, too.

Obviously having people that can really contribute as your 11-15th men would be ideal, but you'll have a hard time finding guys that are both good enough to play real minutes and willing to take a role where they won't normally get any. May as well have a mix of young guys that could contribute at some point and vets that can spend the time mentoring them (especially if those guys have 1 good skill so they can fill a small role if needed)

[Csfan1984]

We have Kanter too. Good locker room guy and he always pumps guys up. Knows role and doesn't complain.

[Celtics4ever]

It depends on whether he has enough respect from the young guys to help. They might ignore him.  I am not sure all the guys we have brought in over the years had the respect factor aside from Al.

Amir Johnson, Gerald Wallace, David Lee

Maybe Amir did and Gerald a little, David Lee nope

Bogans, Jameer, Prince,

Prince maybe , Jameer and Bogan nope

Gerald Green, Enes Kanter, and Jabari Parker

All strong maybes, but I am skeptical too

[sgrogan]

I found myself agreeing with this article by Bill Plaske:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/column-lakers-failure-retain-jared-105533772.html

We have seen several teams employ a 10 year veteran who rarely if ever please. Jared Dudley, Udonis Haslem, James Jones, Juwan Howard.  Interestingly, each of those players played alongside Lebron.  The 76ers brought in Elton Brand for awhile to fill the same type of role, and I’m sure there have been others.

We haven’t really seen that on the Celtics. We have brought in both players, but we have expected them to contribute on the court.  We have chosen to fill our roster slots with guys still developing their talents, rather than players past their prime.

Kyrie famously lamented this approach, asking for a couple of 10 year veterans. Hi have also been a big fan of players that essentially serve a role as an assistant.  Vince Carter was my preferred option for years, and Dudley was another guy I pushed repeatedly.  So, that’s where I stand. I would have gladly Jeddah send Carsen Edwards for a chance to sign a guy like Dudley.

Where do you fall?

With you I guess. With 15 man rosters and the two-ways.
Giving one spot to a "respected veteran" is fine.

I don't mind having a guy like this on the coaching staff either, given the size of current staffs.

A buffer/player's coach doesn't get invited to players only meetings.

[pearljammer10]

I feel like this is one of the most underrated pieces of the game. I can’t understate the positive impact these types of roster additions make on any team.

I don’t think the Celtics have done a great job at picking the right guys to bring in. 08 had Cassell and PJ Brown. I think having a Tyson Chandler, Haslem, Carter, Dudley is such an enormous edge for young guys and playoff teams looking to get over the hump.

[#1P4P]

Having the right veterans on the roster is crucial to building a Championship roster. Veterans have less questions of what to do next and more answers. They can provide a presence of leadership, toughness, and chemistry.

Horford can provide a veteran presence and still play consistent starter minutes. I’m for adding another veteran to reinforce the message and understands his role regardless of playing time. Looking up unsigned UFA’s with 10+ years of experience, I’d bring in Millsap, Reddick, or Taj Gibson.

[nickagneta]

I would gladly cut and stretch Case Edwards to add vet min JJ Redick