Which center should we sign?

[Vermont Green]

Weird thought - Semi Ojeleye

I saw his name mentioned elsewhere to bring back.  I'd rather pass on him, seems he's just another GWill, another Danny wasted later pick with other players on the board. 

I think Danny tried too hard, at times, to replicate Draymond.

If you think Semi = Grant then you’re a lost cause.

They're not as far off as you would think.  But then again, I didn't compare the two, I said another wasted pick.  First Danny tried Yabusele, then Semi, now GWill.  All, basically the same type of player.

About GWill:  "Boston has searched for this type of versatile, low-usage stretch forward for years dating back to the Jae Crowder days. The Celtics drafted Semi Ojeleye and added Marcus Morris, but neither of those moves worked out. Ex-president of basketball operations Danny Ainge publicly said he was looking to add "shooting with size" at the 2021 trade deadline. "

That said, if you want to see a comparison, here it is, and they're closer than I even thought.

https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Grant-Williams/Comparison/89395/Semi-Ojeleye/41446

You are lumping some things into this that don't help your argument.  Morris was on the Celtics as an integral starter for 2017/18 and 2018/19.  The team made it to the ECF one year and the Semifinal the next.  He had a pretty successful run with the Celtics.

But keeping that out of the discussion, Semi and Grant had very similar production up until this past season where Grant developed a much bettert 3 point shot.  Grant is now better based on that.  But they are both undersized PF's who are useful, versatile bench players.  Grant just a little more useful at this point.

Just note, I copied that quote that spoke of Morris from a story.  I should have id'd it, but I didn't, I just wrapped it in quotes.  Basketballnews.com is where I took that quote from.  It actually thinks GWill may have turned the corner.

https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/stats-notebook-grant-williams-boston-celtics

Maybe I don't understand.  You started with the bold statement that "Grant Williams is another wasted pick" and then cherry pick some quotes from an article that is very favorable towards Grant.  They applaud his new found offense and his versatility, all of which I agree with.

I think the article is just wrong to try and say that Semi and Marcus Morris are two failed attempts to find a PF.  Morris was actually very productive on a couple of winning teams and Semi is a second round pick.

[celts55]

Back on subject, I would be happy if they took a shot at Howard. Still a better than average defender and can rebound. Has the size to bang around with guys like Embiid and Bam. He could still give them 15-20 minutes of productive basketball in my opinion

[Roy H.]

Back on subject, I would be happy if they took a shot at Howard. Still a better than average defender and can rebound. Has the size to bang around with guys like Embiid and Bam. He could still give them 15-20 minutes of productive basketball in my opinion

I think Whiteside may be a better defender at this stage.  He’s certainly a better shot blocker.

https://stathead.com/basketball/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1=whiteha01&p1yrfrom=2022&player_id2=howardw01&p2yrfrom=2022

[Neurotic Guy]

Back on subject, I would be happy if they took a shot at Howard. Still a better than average defender and can rebound. Has the size to bang around with guys like Embiid and Bam. He could still give them 15-20 minutes of productive basketball in my opinion

A good bench has players who have the ability to come in and change a game -- not always, but once in a while.  That's different from players who chew up minutes, give up fouls, or who you hope won't provide the other team with momentum and hope.   Eddie House, James Posey, PJ Brown, Leon Powe come to mind from the last championship team as bench players who could make a difference.   I agree that Dwight Howard could be a guy like that.
 

[Celtics2021]

Back on subject, I would be happy if they took a shot at Howard. Still a better than average defender and can rebound. Has the size to bang around with guys like Embiid and Bam. He could still give them 15-20 minutes of productive basketball in my opinion

I think Whiteside may be a better defender at this stage.  He’s certainly a better shot blocker.

https://stathead.com/basketball/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1=whiteha01&p1yrfrom=2022&player_id2=howardw01&p2yrfrom=2022

I’m personally indifferent to either.  I think the bigger issue is that neither are likely to play on night when Horford and Rob are available.  I’m not sure either would sign up for 15-20 minutes a night for 30 games and emergency duty the rest of the games.

[MarcusSmartFanClub]

Back on subject, I would be happy if they took a shot at Howard. Still a better than average defender and can rebound. Has the size to bang around with guys like Embiid and Bam. He could still give them 15-20 minutes of productive basketball in my opinion

I think Whiteside may be a better defender at this stage.  He’s certainly a better shot blocker.

https://stathead.com/basketball/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1=whiteha01&p1yrfrom=2022&player_id2=howardw01&p2yrfrom=2022

I’m personally indifferent to either.  I think the bigger issue is that neither are likely to play on night when Horford and Rob are available.  I’m not sure either would sign up for 15-20 minutes a night for 30 games and emergency duty the rest of the games.

I would think that Brad isn’t too picky with a backup center. Signing them on to a cheap deal would be the biggest factor, IMO.

[Roy H.]

Back on subject, I would be happy if they took a shot at Howard. Still a better than average defender and can rebound. Has the size to bang around with guys like Embiid and Bam. He could still give them 15-20 minutes of productive basketball in my opinion

I think Whiteside may be a better defender at this stage.  He’s certainly a better shot blocker.

https://stathead.com/basketball/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1=whiteha01&p1yrfrom=2022&player_id2=howardw01&p2yrfrom=2022

I’m personally indifferent to either.  I think the bigger issue is that neither are likely to play on night when Horford and Rob are available.  I’m not sure either would sign up for 15-20 minutes a night for 30 games and emergency duty the rest of the games.

I don’t think that’s right.  Theis played in 21 out of the 24 games he was here for.  I think we’ll use whatever backup center we sign.

[Celtics2021]

Back on subject, I would be happy if they took a shot at Howard. Still a better than average defender and can rebound. Has the size to bang around with guys like Embiid and Bam. He could still give them 15-20 minutes of productive basketball in my opinion

I think Whiteside may be a better defender at this stage.  He’s certainly a better shot blocker.

https://stathead.com/basketball/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1=whiteha01&p1yrfrom=2022&player_id2=howardw01&p2yrfrom=2022

I’m personally indifferent to either.  I think the bigger issue is that neither are likely to play on night when Horford and Rob are available.  I’m not sure either would sign up for 15-20 minutes a night for 30 games and emergency duty the rest of the games.

I don’t think that’s right.  Theis played in 21 out of the 24 games he was here for.  I think we’ll use whatever backup center we sign.

Gallinari wasn’t here to take PF minutes, however.  There are fewer spare minutes to go to another big.  And Theis could play next to Horford in a way that I don’t think either Howard or Whiteside could.

[Neurotic Guy]

Back on subject, I would be happy if they took a shot at Howard. Still a better than average defender and can rebound. Has the size to bang around with guys like Embiid and Bam. He could still give them 15-20 minutes of productive basketball in my opinion

A good bench has players who have the ability to come in and change a game -- not always, but once in a while.  That's different from players who chew up minutes, give up fouls, or who you hope won't provide the other team with momentum and hope.   Eddie House, James Posey, PJ Brown, Leon Powe come to mind from the last championship team as bench players who could make a difference.   I agree that Dwight Howard could be a guy like that.

To comment on my own comment, I think the current roster has a bunch of bench players who are possible difference-makers: Brogdon, Gallo, DW, Grant, PP -- I think each one can have a big game occasionally and at least one will have a big game frequently.

[gouki88]

Weird thought - Semi Ojeleye

I saw his name mentioned elsewhere to bring back.  I'd rather pass on him, seems he's just another GWill, another Danny wasted later pick with other players on the board. 

I think Danny tried too hard, at times, to replicate Draymond.

If you think Semi = Grant then you’re a lost cause.

They're not as far off as you would think.  But then again, I didn't compare the two, I said another wasted pick.  First Danny tried Yabusele, then Semi, now GWill.  All, basically the same type of player.

About GWill:  "Boston has searched for this type of versatile, low-usage stretch forward for years dating back to the Jae Crowder days. The Celtics drafted Semi Ojeleye and added Marcus Morris, but neither of those moves worked out. Ex-president of basketball operations Danny Ainge publicly said he was looking to add "shooting with size" at the 2021 trade deadline. "

That said, if you want to see a comparison, here it is, and they're closer than I even thought.

https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Grant-Williams/Comparison/89395/Semi-Ojeleye/41446

How on earth were either Semi or Grant wasted picks?

[boscel33]

Weird thought - Semi Ojeleye

I saw his name mentioned elsewhere to bring back.  I'd rather pass on him, seems he's just another GWill, another Danny wasted later pick with other players on the board. 

I think Danny tried too hard, at times, to replicate Draymond.

If you think Semi = Grant then you’re a lost cause.

They're not as far off as you would think.  But then again, I didn't compare the two, I said another wasted pick.  First Danny tried Yabusele, then Semi, now GWill.  All, basically the same type of player.

About GWill:  "Boston has searched for this type of versatile, low-usage stretch forward for years dating back to the Jae Crowder days. The Celtics drafted Semi Ojeleye and added Marcus Morris, but neither of those moves worked out. Ex-president of basketball operations Danny Ainge publicly said he was looking to add "shooting with size" at the 2021 trade deadline. "

That said, if you want to see a comparison, here it is, and they're closer than I even thought.

https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Grant-Williams/Comparison/89395/Semi-Ojeleye/41446

How on earth were either Semi or Grant wasted picks?

Just like the article stated, because of players on the board at the time.  GWill, drafted in 2019 @#22.  They had an idea that Irving was a goner and Rozier, so maybe look at a PG, Ty Jerome sitting there.  Shooting was an issue, there's Jordan Poole too.  Again, Danny was fascinated by the ever elusive "low-usage stretch forward for years".  As for Semi, why not take Thomas Bryant, a try PF? 

Look, I've supported GWill on many other posts, I'm saying there were other options.  I've also supported Danny, but if someone were to analyze his drafts, I bet he missed more than he hit.

That's it, unless they sign a center, I'm done on this one....

[Roy H.]

Weird thought - Semi Ojeleye

I saw his name mentioned elsewhere to bring back.  I'd rather pass on him, seems he's just another GWill, another Danny wasted later pick with other players on the board. 

I think Danny tried too hard, at times, to replicate Draymond.

If you think Semi = Grant then you’re a lost cause.

They're not as far off as you would think.  But then again, I didn't compare the two, I said another wasted pick.  First Danny tried Yabusele, then Semi, now GWill.  All, basically the same type of player.

About GWill:  "Boston has searched for this type of versatile, low-usage stretch forward for years dating back to the Jae Crowder days. The Celtics drafted Semi Ojeleye and added Marcus Morris, but neither of those moves worked out. Ex-president of basketball operations Danny Ainge publicly said he was looking to add "shooting with size" at the 2021 trade deadline. "

That said, if you want to see a comparison, here it is, and they're closer than I even thought.

https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Grant-Williams/Comparison/89395/Semi-Ojeleye/41446

How on earth were either Semi or Grant wasted picks?

Just like the article stated, because of players on the board at the time.  GWill, drafted in 2019 @#22.  They had an idea that Irving was a goner and Rozier, so maybe look at a PG, Ty Jerome sitting there.  Shooting was an issue, there's Jordan Poole too.  Again, Danny was fascinated by the ever elusive "low-usage stretch forward for years".  As for Semi, why not take Thomas Bryant, a try PF? 

Look, I've supported GWill on many other posts, I'm saying there were other options.  I've also supported Danny, but if someone were to analyze his drafts, I bet he missed more than he hit.

That's it, unless they sign a center, I'm done on this one....

Would you rather have Grant or Ty Jerome?

Jerome is a pretty good candidate to hit the waiver wire in OKC before the season starts.  I don't think that we missed anything there.

[Birdman]

Love see a vet in here ( Cousins, Whiteside, Howard) to backup TimeLord..we all know he is injury prone so having one of these guys would help..plus I really like Kabengele and like see what he can do in preseason

[Surferdad]

Back on subject, I would be happy if they took a shot at Howard. Still a better than average defender and can rebound. Has the size to bang around with guys like Embiid and Bam. He could still give them 15-20 minutes of productive basketball in my opinion

I think Whiteside may be a better defender at this stage.  He’s certainly a better shot blocker.

https://stathead.com/basketball/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1=whiteha01&p1yrfrom=2022&player_id2=howardw01&p2yrfrom=2022

I’m personally indifferent to either.  I think the bigger issue is that neither are likely to play on night when Horford and Rob are available.  I’m not sure either would sign up for 15-20 minutes a night for 30 games and emergency duty the rest of the games.

I would think that Brad isn’t too picky with a backup center. Signing them on to a cheap deal would be the biggest factor, IMO.

I'm pretty sure that's what is happening now. Wyc opened the checkbook for Brogdon and Gallo to round out the regular rotation. Now it's back to being cheap for guys who may not play much.

[Celtics2021]

Weird thought - Semi Ojeleye

I saw his name mentioned elsewhere to bring back.  I'd rather pass on him, seems he's just another GWill, another Danny wasted later pick with other players on the board. 

I think Danny tried too hard, at times, to replicate Draymond.

If you think Semi = Grant then you’re a lost cause.

They're not as far off as you would think.  But then again, I didn't compare the two, I said another wasted pick.  First Danny tried Yabusele, then Semi, now GWill.  All, basically the same type of player.

About GWill:  "Boston has searched for this type of versatile, low-usage stretch forward for years dating back to the Jae Crowder days. The Celtics drafted Semi Ojeleye and added Marcus Morris, but neither of those moves worked out. Ex-president of basketball operations Danny Ainge publicly said he was looking to add "shooting with size" at the 2021 trade deadline. "

That said, if you want to see a comparison, here it is, and they're closer than I even thought.

https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Grant-Williams/Comparison/89395/Semi-Ojeleye/41446

How on earth were either Semi or Grant wasted picks?

Just like the article stated, because of players on the board at the time.  GWill, drafted in 2019 @#22.  They had an idea that Irving was a goner and Rozier, so maybe look at a PG, Ty Jerome sitting there.  Shooting was an issue, there's Jordan Poole too.  Again, Danny was fascinated by the ever elusive "low-usage stretch forward for years".  As for Semi, why not take Thomas Bryant, a try PF? 

Look, I've supported GWill on many other posts, I'm saying there were other options.  I've also supported Danny, but if someone were to analyze his drafts, I bet he missed more than he hit.

That's it, unless they sign a center, I'm done on this one....

Would you rather have Grant or Ty Jerome?

Jerome is a pretty good candidate to hit the waiver wire in OKC before the season starts.  I don't think that we missed anything there.

I’d obviously prefer Grant, but I’d be happy to sign Jerome if he hits the waiver wire and would hope the Celtics call his agent immediately.  I think he’s pretty underrated, and while I don’t expect OKC to extend him, I would be surprised if they kept Theo Maledon over him.  Jerome can be a solid backup NBA point, and at 6’5” can defend multiple positions.