Which center should we sign?

[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

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

Yeah but Howard is a better Free throw shooter. 😀
Seriously, looks like you are correct here plus he’s 4 years younger. I just didn’t really think about him for some reason. He gets my seal of approval.
Of course, I still like Cousins, so what do I know?

[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.

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.

I think both Jerome and Maledon have been big disappointments.

https://stathead.com/basketball/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1=maledth01&p1yrfrom=2022&player_id2=jeromty01&p2yrfrom=2022

They've both been equally bad, but at least with Maledon you can argue that he's in his second year and is only 20 years old.  I wouldn't want to spend a roster spot on either guy; we can do better than 37% FG% / 29% 3PT% with no real point guard skills.  Regarding Jerome, he was seen as a great defender coming into the draft, but to date has been pretty bad on that end.

[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.

I think both Jerome and Maledon have been big disappointments.

https://stathead.com/basketball/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1=maledth01&p1yrfrom=2022&player_id2=jeromty01&p2yrfrom=2022

They've both been equally bad, but at least with Maledon you can argue that he's in his second year and is only 20 years old.  I wouldn't want to spend a roster spot on either guy; we can do better than 37% FG% / 29% 3PT% with no real point guard skills.  Regarding Jerome, he was seen as a great defender coming into the draft, but to date has been pretty bad on that end.

All I can say is the numbers point to him having a positive impact on the floor.  Both years in OKC the Thunder are better when he’s on the court than off.  You may question his defense, but OKC was 11 points better at that end when he played.  Obviously there’s a lot of noise in that stat, but it probably doesn’t happen if he’s been “pretty bad”.  Last year he even had a positive net rating through the All-Star break, which is saying something for an actively tanking team.

I don’t think he’s great.  Grant is obviously better way better.  But we could do a lot worse than Jerome as the 12th or 13th man on a minimum deal for a couple of seasons.  And he’s better than Maledon, so I don’t expect him to be cut.  That’s all I was trying to argue.

[No Nickname]

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.

Agreed. Jerome was coming off ankle surgery too.  So he was still trying to get stronger.

He did well in limited minutes.  He’s savvy when wiggling into the lane to get a floater up.  And he’s an excellent passer.

He’s also got deep range. Very similar to Pritchard in that regard.  And at 6’5” he’s got some size to defend and is excellent with that Tony Bennett “stay between your man and the basket” defense.

[Vermont Green]

I think both Jerome and Maledon have been big disappointments.

https://stathead.com/basketball/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1=maledth01&p1yrfrom=2022&player_id2=jeromty01&p2yrfrom=2022

They've both been equally bad, but at least with Maledon you can argue that he's in his second year and is only 20 years old.  I wouldn't want to spend a roster spot on either guy; we can do better than 37% FG% / 29% 3PT% with no real point guard skills.  Regarding Jerome, he was seen as a great defender coming into the draft, but to date has been pretty bad on that end.

All I can say is the numbers point to him having a positive impact on the floor.  Both years in OKC the Thunder are better when he’s on the court than off.  You may question his defense, but OKC was 11 points better at that end when he played.  Obviously there’s a lot of noise in that stat, but it probably doesn’t happen if he’s been “pretty bad”.  Last year he even had a positive net rating through the All-Star break, which is saying something for an actively tanking team.

I don’t think he’s great.  Grant is obviously better way better.  But we could do a lot worse than Jerome as the 12th or 13th man on a minimum deal for a couple of seasons.  And he’s better than Maledon, so I don’t expect him to be cut.  That’s all I was trying to argue.

I was not familiar with Ty Jerome but after looking him up, no way you trade Grant for him.  I think you look at Jerome as someone that is more game ready than say Brodric Thomas or some one else that you may consider for the third unit.  His contract is $4.2M, then RFA, so that is pretty favorable terms for the Celtics.  I don't see him being cut and even if he was, can't see the Celtics as high on his list but he could be useful to trade a second for just to add some flexibility.

Everyone has a different take on the depth chart but here is where I see Jerome fitting in:

Smart,       Brown,      Tatum,     Horford,       RWilliams
White,       Brogdon,    _____,    Grant,          Gallinari
Pritchard,  Jerome,    Hauser,    ______,       Kornet

Is that worth $4.2M and a second round pick?

He would be insurance at best as far as the rotation but he is another puzzle piece for a trade at the deadline.  Maybe he gives you more confidence to trade White.  Or maybe he plays well enough that another team sees some value.  Of course this is all predicated on assuming OKC would actually trade him which I don't know but probably unlikely.

[Roy H.]

I think both Jerome and Maledon have been big disappointments.

https://stathead.com/basketball/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&player_id1=maledth01&p1yrfrom=2022&player_id2=jeromty01&p2yrfrom=2022

They've both been equally bad, but at least with Maledon you can argue that he's in his second year and is only 20 years old.  I wouldn't want to spend a roster spot on either guy; we can do better than 37% FG% / 29% 3PT% with no real point guard skills.  Regarding Jerome, he was seen as a great defender coming into the draft, but to date has been pretty bad on that end.

All I can say is the numbers point to him having a positive impact on the floor.  Both years in OKC the Thunder are better when he’s on the court than off.  You may question his defense, but OKC was 11 points better at that end when he played.  Obviously there’s a lot of noise in that stat, but it probably doesn’t happen if he’s been “pretty bad”.  Last year he even had a positive net rating through the All-Star break, which is saying something for an actively tanking team.

I don’t think he’s great.  Grant is obviously better way better.  But we could do a lot worse than Jerome as the 12th or 13th man on a minimum deal for a couple of seasons.  And he’s better than Maledon, so I don’t expect him to be cut.  That’s all I was trying to argue.

I was not familiar with Ty Jerome but after looking him up, no way you trade Grant for him.  I think you look at Jerome as someone that is more game ready than say Brodric Thomas or some one else that you may consider for the third unit.  His contract is $4.2M, then RFA, so that is pretty favorable terms for the Celtics.  I don't see him being cut and even if he was, can't see the Celtics as high on his list but he could be useful to trade a second for just to add some flexibility.

Everyone has a different take on the depth chart but here is where I see Jerome fitting in:

Smart,       Brown,      Tatum,     Horford,       RWilliams
White,       Brogdon,    _____,    Grant,          Gallinari
Pritchard,  Jerome,    Hauser,    ______,       Kornet

Is that worth $4.2M and a second round pick?

He would be insurance at best as far as the rotation but he is another puzzle piece for a trade at the deadline.  Maybe he gives you more confidence to trade White.  Or maybe he plays well enough that another team sees some value.  Of course this is all predicated on assuming OKC would actually trade him which I don't know but probably unlikely.

He's a fairly garbage player to date.  A minimum salary offer if he's released, maybe, although I agree he'd have better options.  But paying his salary and the associated luxury tax penalties, no way.

[Roy H.]

This article throws out some ideas:

https://www.si.com/nba/celtics/top-stories/whether-a-free-agent-signing-or-utilizing-a-remaining-tpe-exploring-celtics-remaining-options-for-a-backup-center#gid=ci02a6a1420000269b&pid=xavier-tillman

Trade:

Xavier Tillman
Naz Reid
Willy Hernangomez
Alex Len

Free agency:

Hassan Whiteside
Dwight Howard
Blake Griffin
Tristan Thompson

[Vermont Green]

This article throws out some ideas:

https://www.si.com/nba/celtics/top-stories/whether-a-free-agent-signing-or-utilizing-a-remaining-tpe-exploring-celtics-remaining-options-for-a-backup-center#gid=ci02a6a1420000269b&pid=xavier-tillman

Trade:

Xavier Tillman
Naz Reid
Willy Hernangomez
Alex Len

Free agency:

Hassan Whiteside
Dwight Howard
Blake Griffin
Tristan Thompson

Interesting information, I don't think I want to trade Pritchard for anyone on this list, at least not now, maybe at the trade deadline if our big rotation is actually a problem.  And for the FA list, I can't see any of them making much difference.  Whiteside should be able to do more than what he has done the last few seasons.  Maybe on a contending team, he would be more inspired. 

[DefenseWinsChamps]

Blake Griffin is a name I hadn’t thought of and one of the favorite low cost options I’ve considered. He’s a bit switchable, good passer, and can shoot a little. If healthy he could be a great option as a 10th man. I wish that guy could have a bit more size, but I much rather him in the lockerroom than Whiteside or Howard.

The only other guy from that article I’m interested in is Reid, but I think the Wolves want him as their third big man.

[Celtics2021]

This article throws out some ideas:

https://www.si.com/nba/celtics/top-stories/whether-a-free-agent-signing-or-utilizing-a-remaining-tpe-exploring-celtics-remaining-options-for-a-backup-center#gid=ci02a6a1420000269b&pid=xavier-tillman

Trade:

Xavier Tillman
Naz Reid
Willy Hernangomez
Alex Len

Free agency:

Hassan Whiteside
Dwight Howard
Blake Griffin
Tristan Thompson

I mentioned both Tillman and Reid many pages ago in this thread.  Tillman specifically I think has a very good chance of becoming available for cheap (protected 2nd).

I’ve thought about Len, but Sacramento probably thinks they’re a competitor and needs Len to be their star backup center, so I dropped him from my list.

And no thank you, I don’t need to relive the Tristan Thompson experience.

[tonydelk]

This article throws out some ideas:

https://www.si.com/nba/celtics/top-stories/whether-a-free-agent-signing-or-utilizing-a-remaining-tpe-exploring-celtics-remaining-options-for-a-backup-center#gid=ci02a6a1420000269b&pid=xavier-tillman

Trade:

Xavier Tillman
Naz Reid
Willy Hernangomez
Alex Len

Free agency:

Hassan Whiteside
Dwight Howard
Blake Griffin
Tristan Thompson

Interesting information, I don't think I want to trade Pritchard for anyone on this list, at least not now, maybe at the trade deadline if our big rotation is actually a problem.  And for the FA list, I can't see any of them making much difference.  Whiteside should be able to do more than what he has done the last few seasons.  Maybe on a contending team, he would be more inspired.

No one on this list inspires.  Dwight would be my choice because he can still rebound and defend.  Wily would add some scoring and would be my 2nd option but no way I'm trading PP for him.  PP is worth a late 1st or a decent vet. 

[celts55]

Just wondering, when do the Celtics decide to add this extra center? I’m guessing at some point, Howard, Cousins, and Whiteside will sign with some team.
Is there a particular time that teams tend to sign these guys. I don’t really understand the financial end of the game, so I’m curious why wait, if they are indeed interested in any of these players?

[Celtics2021]

Just wondering, when do the Celtics decide to add this extra center? I’m guessing at some point, Howard, Cousins, and Whiteside will sign with some team.
Is there a particular time that teams tend to sign these guys. I don’t really understand the financial end of the game, so I’m curious why wait, if they are indeed interested in any of these players?

Signing a player is a two-way street.  The Celtics may or may not have reached out to any or all of them, but with a lot of contenders still having an open roster spot or two, some of whom can offer more than the minimum, and with a few big trades yet to come that may move players around, I suspect that those three are waiting to see how things shake out before signing somewhere.  If Bam gets moved in a deal for Durant, for example, those three would be pretty upset at themselves to have signed as a third stringer in Boston when instead they could have had a chance to start in Miami.

[Surferdad]

Just wondering, when do the Celtics decide to add this extra center? I’m guessing at some point, Howard, Cousins, and Whiteside will sign with some team.
Is there a particular time that teams tend to sign these guys. I don’t really understand the financial end of the game, so I’m curious why wait, if they are indeed interested in any of these players?

You are asking about the cutoff after which an added player (either via trade or signing) is not eligible for the playoffs.  I assume that date in somewhere after the trade deadline.

[Roy H.]

Scoop B on Spotify Live: “I reached out to Dwight (Howard) directly and I’ll tell you that there is mutual interest between him and the Brooklyn Nets.”