No Center Help From Draft, What FA Big Man Can We Get?

[PRIDE]

We just added a considerable amount of depth to the wing positions so I'm guessing we don't go after any FA wings other than resigning Posey.

If we resign House and Posey, sign Walker and Giddens, that leaves us with 2 roster spots. One of these has to be a legit backup CENTER.

I'm assuming PJ Brown retires, but leaves open the chance of coming back later in the year, just like this season.

DeSagana Diop is probably the best FA center available. He will likely sign for the full MLE with Dallas. Our MLE will be used to tie up James Posey, making Diop unattainable.

Alonzo Mourning says he might play again but it would be for Miami so he wont be here.

Who else is out there?

Jamaal Magloire?
Lorenzen Wright?
Robert Swift?
Randolph Morris?
Ronny Turiaf?
David Harrison?
Theo Ratliff?

None of these guys really seem to interest me. I wonder what DA is planning to do about getting some backup Center help?

[hpantazo]

Danny is going all out to fulfill his fantasies, so here we come Robert Swift!

[ucn33]

With Powe and Big Baby already on the roster (and with an added year of an experience), I really don't see the NEED to add a center to the roster for opening night. Would it be the absolute ideal situation? I guess, but this team was winning games at a ridiculous rate before the signing of PJ Brown.

The focus should be on re-signing Posey and, to a lesser extent, finding a veteran backup point guard--a Kevin Ollie type who can sorta take Pruitt under his wing a bit but who Gabe may hopefully be able to beat out for playing time. There's always the possibly of a quality veteran big becoming available during the season, either as a trade, a guy being bought out/released, or even a repeat of the PJ Brown type situation.

[jackson_34]

I like the idea of Turiaf tbh, he's big and has a very big frame. But it wouldn't happen since he is Kobe's home-boy.

I'd ideally like to take the chance on Swift, however the risk would be too much having three injury-prone centers on a team (Perk, Pollard and Swift).

I think alot of people on the blog were mentioning a player like Jeff Foster (through trade), and I could live with that.

looking at ESPN's FA list: (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=2008freeagents)  

[guava_wrench]

I like the idea of Turiaf tbh, he's big and has a very big frame. But it wouldn't happen since he is Kobe's home-boy.

I'd ideally like to take the chance on Swift, however the risk would be too much having three injury-prone centers on a team (Perk, Pollard and Swift).

I think alot of people on the blog were mentioning a player like Jeff Foster (through trade), and I could live with that.

looking at ESPN's FA list: (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=2008freeagents)

Pollard? Wasn't he only signed for 1 year?

[bucknersrevenge]

francisco elson?

jackie butler??

maybe one of those. i suppose if pollard is actually healthy he could bean option.

[PRIDE]

I dont expect to see Pollard here. His body cant handle the NBA anymore. I'm sure he'll sucker someone into giving him 1 mil this year though.

[Zarex]

With "Tony Allen 2.0" on the Celtics roster and Robert Swift seemingly reduntant on a Sonics roster filled with big men to develop, a sign and trade involving the two restricted free agents would appear to make some sense.  A former OSU Cowboy, Allen would appear to have more value to the on-the-move Sonics than to any other team, and Swift has been long coveted by Ainge.  The Celts would probably have to sweeten the deal to make it work, but it could be a win-win for the two prior trade partners.

[Gant]

Scot Pollard. 

He had anklitis.  They are repaired.  He can play.

[wdleehi]

Since the MLE is for Psey, I like Elson.

[Barnabas]

Scot Pollard. 

He had anklitis.  They are repaired.  He can play.

A healthy Pollard would not be a bad backup Center.  He's a little bit different from PJ Brown, but he's pretty good on defense.  But the key point here is if the Boss thinks he can stay healthy for an entire season.

[Green Mountain]

Realistically the C's can attact aging vets who want to sign on for a shot at a title. They need to be serviceable defenders. They need to play for short dollars.

Kurt Thomas would be ideal but likely will command to many $.

My guess would be a short list of

Elson
Foyle
Ruffin
Barron
Voskuhl
Doleac
Skinner

[Jon]

I don't think Pollard is Ainge's #1 choice, but I wouldn't rule him out if they can't get someone better.  Ainge liked him enough to sign him the first time and he obviously is familiar with the team and the playbook. 

[Barnabas]

What do you guys think of Krstic?  I know very little about this player, so I would defer to your opinion.  How much do you think he can command in the free agent market?  The report on him at hoopshype is that he is a good offensive player.  Do you think an excellent team defense system like the Celtics have can accomodate this guy?  His size and offensive potential can really bring a new dimension to the Celtics. 

[LeeGenius]

Scott Pollard SUUUUUUCKS.