Dikembe Declines Boston...but

[yupitsme]

Mutomobo Decides Not To Join Celtics
Posted: 12/27/2008 3:14:00 AM
Source: Boston Herald

But as the Boston Celtics continue to search for some length to complement Leon Powe and Glen Davis off the bench, there was nothing encouraging on the Dikembe Mutombo front. The free agent said he’d be making a decision on a team soon, but the Celts may be holding off for someone with a more balanced game as they mainly see Mutombo as a contributor on the defensive end.
“No, I don’t think we’re going to get him,” said Rivers. “We talked to David (Falk, Mutombo’s agent) and I would say it’s a no
We would love him, but we’re going to wait it out.”
The Celts haven’t given up on P.J. Brown coming back, but at this point Danny Ainge believes Brown’s not coming out of retirement. Then again, Ainge thought the same thing at this time last year.
Alonzo Mourning’s name is still being floated, but an even more intriguing property could be available soon. There is talk Oklahoma City may buy out Joe Smith’s contract, and that the club is at least serious about trading him.
The Celtics can’t and won’t discuss him publicly, but at a lanky 6-foot-10, Smith would seem to fit the club’s need.
Said one NBA scout, “Are you kidding me? Joe Smith would be perfect for the Celtics.”

Smith would be the best pickup. Man would it be great to get him.

[Chief]

How is Smith's defense? I think we need an interior defensive stopper, but I'm not sure if there is one available. Is Mourning's knee ok?

[Andy Jick]

i'll bet that danny ends up doing nothing and that this is the roster he'll go to the playoffs with.

and it will be a mistake.

[Chief]

i'll bet that danny ends up doing nothing and that this is the roster he'll go to the playoffs with.

and it will be a mistake.

I hope not.

[ManUp]

Can Joe Smith fill in at center?

 I don't think he's such a great fit if he can only play at the power forward position.

 I'm very comfortable with Leon at the 4.

[rondohondo]

i'll bet that danny ends up doing nothing and that this is the roster he'll go to the playoffs with.

and it will be a mistake.

Yea because Danny never upgrades the team when he has the chance.....

You have got to be kidding me. Did he not add Sam Cassell and PJ Brown last year for the stretch run? Be patient, there will be a a handful of players that will be bought out around the trade deadline like there is every year and players available in trades. Danny will fill any weakness this team might have by the playoffs.

[Andy Jick]

i'll bet that danny ends up doing nothing and that this is the roster he'll go to the playoffs with.

and it will be a mistake.

Yea because Danny never upgrades the team when he has the chance.....

You have got to be kidding me. Did he not add Sam Cassell and PJ Brown last year for the stretch run? Be patient, there will be a a handful of players that will be bought out around the trade deadline like there is every year and players available in trades. Danny will fill any weakness this team might have by the playoffs.

i was only making a guess...it's not fact.  but it only works if the players want to come here, and so far posey took the money and ran...and mutombo and mcdyess have said no thanks.

[coco]

I guess I am having a "senior moment".  Is this the same JSmith that played for the Cavs last season?

[EJPLAYA]

I would prefer Alonzo over Mutombo if he is considering coming out anyway. I think the real answer though is Joe Smith. He would be a perfect fit for this team. PJ would be nice as well. Mutombo would sadly have been an upgrade over BBD, but he really has long since lost most of his value. We need offense out there on the 2nd unit!

[CoachBo]

Joe Smith would be a marked improvement over "No Outside Shooting Small Ball" - but I don't know that he fills the massive void at the 5. Perhaps PJ can be coaxed out of retirement.

Doesn't solve the lack of outside shooting and defense on the bench mess, though.

[Steve Weinman]

I guess I am having a "senior moment".  Is this the same JSmith that played for the Cavs last season?

No worries, coco - and yes, it is that same guy.   

-sw

[tenn_smoothie]

Joe Smith would be a marked improvement over "No Outside Shooting Small Ball" - but I don't know that he fills the massive void at the 5. Perhaps PJ can be coaxed out of retirement.

Doesn't solve the lack of outside shooting and defense on the bench mess, though.

you are correct CoachBo - an inside player does not address the need for a perimeter scoring punch off the bench.
you know who does ??

james posey - but danny came to the foolish conclusion, somehow, that a healthy tony allen and improved powe/davis combo would make up for posey's absence. i could have told him that thinking was wrong back in july.

[Steve Weinman]

Joe Smith would be a marked improvement over "No Outside Shooting Small Ball" - but I don't know that he fills the massive void at the 5. Perhaps PJ can be coaxed out of retirement.

Doesn't solve the lack of outside shooting and defense on the bench mess, though.

Also, chalk me up for being on board with CoachBo's analysis.  Again.

-sw

[D Dub]

Joe Smith would be a marked improvement over "No Outside Shooting Small Ball" - but I don't know that he fills the massive void at the 5. Perhaps PJ can be coaxed out of retirement.

Doesn't solve the lack of outside shooting and defense on the bench mess, though.

Ya know, I have come to respect your basketball knowledge - you are usually right on.  I gotta say this though, if we win the title this year, I am totally calling you out for your repeated beating of the dead horse that is James Posey. 

I for one think there are some holes on the bench (namely backup center) but I am certainly not ready to write off our title chances because of them.  As for defense and shooting off the bench I still think that House and Allen will provide what is needed there.  Both are above average defenders (TA being a great defender) and as for the outside shooting, we have Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Eddie House -- 3 of the best 3pt shooters in the L.  When it counts, 2 out of 3 will be in the game.

Losing James Posey did not drive the stake into our teams heart.  And I hope you admit you were wrong about him when we raise banner 18, given your repeated condemnation of the team for letting him walk.  The backup C situation is different, I will agree with you that that does need to be addressed.

[RebusRankin]

Smith can play the 4 and the 5 although he is more of a 4. He has a nice low post offensive game, is a solid rebounder and can defend. He'd be a great bench addition. He take BBD's minutes imo which is a good thing and is capable of stepping up on a night like yesterday when Perkins is out or is in foul trouble.

Then all we need is a larger 3.