This from Billups in yesterday's press conference regarding McDyess and his possibly not wanting to go to Denver:
"You don't come back to a city twice on your own will if you don't like that city," Billups said. "He loves Denver. He loves the organization and things like that. He's in a position where he has a decision to make. He's in the latter part of his career and he's tired of moving and tired of being in these kinds of situations. So, it's kind of up to him. I'm going to support him in any way he goes."
http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_10918927
Since I am guessing a longtime team mate of McDyess' would know better than anyone else, reading into what Chauncey said, it seems clear that McDyess' problem is uprooting at the moment:
"He's in the latter part of his career and he's tired of moving and tired of being in these kinds of situations."
If that is an accurate statement as is this about chasing titles:
"That will probably be it for me," McDyess said of likely retiring in 2010. "I don't know if I want to be a chaser (for a title)."
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/mar/28/tomasson-title-still-elusive-to-mcdyess/
I don't see Antonio McDyess coming to Boston for a couple of extra bucks when right now home and family is in Detroit. If he forces his way out of Denver, I would think based off the above quotes that McDyess will sit out a month and head back to Detroit. Chasing him will be the equivalent of chasing Brent Barry last season, talk all you want he is returning to his old team.
This is certainly the prevailing factor that may prevent Boston from getting him, but McDyess also has other priorities in his life.
Boston can offer him the remaining 2.3 mill from this year's MLE and the full MLE for next year if they wanted to. This represents nearly 8 million in total salary, which would likely more than replace his buyout money - in essence, he'd make money coming here beyond what his original 2-year deal was.
Secondly, McDyess would have a role here of significance. He'd be seeing at least 20 minutes a night behind Perk, and often more. This wouldn't be a "ring chaser" gig for him, but a legit opportunity to contribute to a title.
Third, McDyess is still going to take advice from his agent and Ainge is very persuasive when selling his perspective on the situation and opportunity the Celtics provide. Ainge will have a sit down and get a chance to paint the full picture - which gives him a distinct edge over most teams.
Which brings us to Boston's reputation. The field is clearly limited to contenders and McDyess would prefer not to up-root. Boston is probably going to hang-in the longest when it comes to options because of their success and Ainge's past history courting McDyess.
It may not be enough to convince him, but its certainly a powerful argument on all fronts and may be enough to tip the scales. Ainge can make a strong 2 year commitment, this year and next, because it is consistent with his short-term deal making. Ainge maintains flexibility for the FA market of 2010 and gets a productive vet big in the process, thus tipping the scales of power a little more Boston's way.
I think we have a legit shot at landing him, and the more that comes out the more it seems Ainge is going all-in to make it happen....3rd time's a charm? We'll see...
Topic: C's making the Loudest Noise for McDyess (Read 16499 times)