Celtics add Tony Gafney and Oliver Lafayette to their roster

[vinnie]

Interesting move.
Random thought - TA now has teammates who share both his first and last name.
And wow his wiki page has already been updated. How can I not be an insta-fan of someone whose wiki page provides up to the minute info? Hope there's space on the bandwagon 

Gaffney was a huge fan favorite at UMass. Not surprised his wikipedia page is already updated. Over at the www.umasshoops.com message board there is a 33-page thread about Gaffney that has followed him since he left UMass.

[jpd985]

He provides a sub so the rotation players can rest the last 2 games and provides an extra practice body.

[jgod213]

Wonder if Gaffney has aquired an NBA body yet.  What is he about 125lbs soaking wet?

Obviously you know nothing about Tony Gaffney. The guys goes 6-8 and weighs close to 210 pounds. You must have him mixed up with someone else.

mmmm, it's called hyperbole my friend.

i'm well aware of who mr. gaffney is, we both were at umass at the same time and i saw him play at the mullins a few times.

at 210 pounds (listed) he is lighter than everybody on the roster other than rondo, robinson, daniels, and just a touch heavier than ray allen.  This would qualify him as an undersized power forward, to say the least. Think i'll stick by my comment that he doesn't have an nba body.

He also has limited range so he won't be playing the 3 anytime soon.

[Chris]

So, he is an undersized PF? Does he at least have 3 point range?

Is he the new Scal?

No 3-point range to speak of, although I hear his shooting touch has improved. Definitely an undersized power forward, but a guy who works incredibly hard. He may never make it in the NBA, but he will go out working his butt off. Was a tremendous shot blocker at UMass and also a solid rebounder.

Any idea if he can cover SF's?  From the descriptions I have read, he has sounded like a heck of an athlete.  Sounded a lot like a homeless man's Tyrus Thomas, without the attitude.

[vinnie]

FYI -- here is what David Thorpe had to say about Gaffney prior to the draft: "If he's not an NBA player I might just quit and become a shepherd. He's almost Tyrus-like as an athlete with a 7'2" wingspan with skills and a super hot motor that never stops."

Thorpe thought Gaffney would be drafted, but he wasn't, so he may never make it in the NBA. Just thought his quote would be of interest.

[Chris]

FYI -- here is what David Thorpe had to say about Gaffney prior to the draft: "If he's not an NBA player I might just quit and become a shepherd. He's almost Tyrus-like as an athlete with a 7'2" wingspan with skills and a super hot motor that never stops."

Thorpe thought Gaffney would be drafted, but he wasn't, so he may never make it in the NBA. Just thought his quote would be of interest.

Well, I believe Thorpe also swears the Orien Greene should be a rotation player in the league, so I am not sure he is the person I would be listening to on this.  But it can't hurt.

[vinnie]

And here is what Hoopsworld had to say about him before the draft. Again, they were wrong about him being drafted:

The Legend Of Tony Gaffney: In the draft process you occasionally come across a player that is easy to root for, in this year's class UMASS' Tony Gaffney is that guy. Underestimated at every level of play and told he could not achieve success Gaffney keeps plugging along and surprising people. Gaffney has had the flu for the past few days which has not stopped him from training with a low grade fever, stopping periodically to take trips to the nearby garbage can. Gaffney still gave a 100% effort in a recent workout, shooting the ball incredibly well and playing with energy. In an era when players sit with sand in their shoe, Gaffney refuses to quit for any reason. If he's breathing, he's playing; likely why he was a stand out for both the Pacers and Bucks in recent team workouts, drawing considerable interest from the Milwaukee Bucks. Gaffney is a 2nd rounder for sure, but if you're looking for this year's Luc Mbah a Moute it may be Tony Gaffney, a steal in the second round that you say "Where did this kid come from?". Gaffney is scheduled to see the Portland Trail Blazers in the next week so do not be surprised to hear his name mentioned in connection to one of Portland's three second rounders, he'd fit in nicely with the Blazers and be a fan favorite for sure.

[Roy Hobbs]

If this team could use any skill set in particular, it's a "motor".  Hopefully this kid shows some hustle in practice and embarrasses the vets.

[jdpapa3]

If this team could use any skill set in particular, it's a "motor".  Hopefully this kid shows some hustle in practice and embarrasses the vets.

Yea, definitely. We've seen Sheed's game speed. I don't want to know what his practice effort looks like. 

[Kuberski33]

He's got a motor and his shot blocking ability makes him an intriguing fit if they can put together a 2nd unit next year that can press and hustle.

If I were in Danny's shoes, I'd be looking at a 2nd unit featuring Robinson, Tony Allen, and some players not currently on the roster who can get up and down the floor.  Gaffney, if he has the skills to play at this level, would fit in that group with his game because if you're going to press, it's nice to have a shot blocker who can move on the back end.

[Chris]

I really would be surprised if we see this guy this season.  I think he will dress in one of the next two games, but I doubt he sees the floor unless its a blowout.

The more I think about it, and read up on this guy, the more I think Danny was trying to beat teams to the punch on signing him for next year.  It will be very interesting to see the type of contract he signed, whether it is a 10 day, or whether it is a deal for next season as well. 

He did this back when the C's were bottom dwellers as well with some center from the D-league (who ended up not making the team the next season).  Basically, sign him right now to a non-guaranteed 2-year deal, and have the summer to work with him, bring him to camp, and let him try to earn a spot.

[rondofan1255]

He did this back when the C's were bottom dwellers as well with some center from the D-league (who ended up not making the team the next season).  Basically, sign him right now to a non-guaranteed 2-year deal, and have the summer to work with him, bring him to camp, and let him try to earn a spot.

I think that was Kevin Pinckney in 06-07!   If so, I remember him having a good game or two (including several dunks in a game?). Just thought I'd throw that out there; I don't know anything about Gafney.

[Tai]

http://www.wggb.com/Global/story.asp?S=12299603

According to Fox 6, Former UMass forward Tony Gaffney has signed with the Boston Celtics. The team will make the announcement official Tuesday at noon. He may join the team in Chicago for tonight's game. Gaffney was originally invited to join the team's summer camp in Orlando. He most recently played in the Laker's training camp and was their final cut before the season. He has been playing in Israel but left the team with a foot injury. He has agreed to sign with the Celtics for their final 2 games and the playoff run.

Wait, he can't play during the playoffs, right?  It's gotta be too late for that. 

Never heard of the guy one way or another, but I'm guessing this means not much Paul/KG these next 2 days.

Since he was a free agent, and never had a contract with any NBA team this season, I believe he in eligible for the playoffs.  Only players who were waived after March 1 are ineligible, I believe.

It's like in the case of Bison Dele, who was signed by the Bulls nine games before the end of the regular season and became a playoff contributor.

Really? Hmm...

[jdpapa3]

Looks like we have also signed guard Oliver Lafayette.

So sorry to those who have a personalized Tyronn Lue jersey on ice.

[lon3lytoaster]

Looks like we have also signed guard Oliver Lafayette.

So sorry to those who have a personalized Tyronn Lue jersey on ice.

Well this is interesting. Why would we sign two guys with two games left in the season, when there's almost zero chance they see the floor? Did Danny get bored?