Nate wants to re-sign in Boston

[Roy Hobbs]

Nate Robinson has played sparingly during Boston's postseason run, but that hasn't changed his desire to re-sign with the team this summer.

He will be an unrestricted free-agent for the first time in his five-year career.

"Of course," Robinson said when asked by FanHouse whether he'd like to re-sign with the Celtics.

"I feel wanted here," said Robinson.

"This group of guys, this team, this organization is good for me. They're high class, man. They keep it 100 percent (real) with you. Doc (Rivers, the coach) keeps it 100 percent. He tells you straight forward what he wants. I like that."

Link.

This could be Nate just being diplomatic, or trying to keep his free agent options open, but what do you think?

[Jon]

I feel that might be both diplomacy and the current feeling of being wanted now that he played in the last game of the Orlando series and last game. 

I also think it might be his attempt to drive up his value by talking like a winner. 

When push comes to shove, I don't know if he really wants to come back though.  While I think he's a nice asset for the C's, it doesn't exactly benefit Robinson to play behind a young stud who plays better than 40 mpg in meaningful games.

[wiley]

I was a huge Robinson fan when he came out of college, but more recently I've been thinking we should look elsewhere this season.....

But, based on the his quotes I wanna say okay come back as long as Doc's back too......sinc with another coach everything would be very different....

The fact that he's said this after hardly playing is a good sign.....If he learns to play "the right way" (which in this case is Doc's way) then the Celtics could end up with one heck of a talent...

[Jon]

I think one thing we do need to realize is that it's going to be very tough to find a good backup PG.  First, there aren't a lot of good backups to begin with.  Second, no up and coming player is going to want to backup Rondo, where he'll get little playing time and no chance of ever winning the starting job.

Because of that, our best bet is likely to explore a combo guard backup who could get some PT at the 2 or a wiley vet looking for a ring who would be content with 10 mpg. 

But, while I don't think Robinson is the world's greatest fit here (for us and him), he's probably better than most other options. 

[WeMadeIt17]

At the right price. I really wish Nate would play a little more and be more for scoring. When he comes in sometime Like in game 1. I feel he over-thinks. He dribbles dribbles dribbles then he will dish it off last second. I want him to come in and be agressive like he was in game 6. If he says I am gunna bring it like that everynight then awsome. I know he always brings his heart and energy. But he needs to be for agressive. I really want nate here in Boston. He can be a perfect scoring punch off the bench that we need. I mean the little man has gone off for 40 a few times. So here is to Nate! Hope you stay and I would love to keep you in green. Go out and have a good game 2 now Nate! We need YA!

[Drucci]

I like these quotes and this mentality by Nate. Hopefully it's not just "diplomatic talk".

I would love to see him re-sign with us and play more during the regular season, learning the systems with more time and practices.

[celticinorlando]

i would have no problem with keeping nate and resigning ray allen. then get 2 guys in the draft that can help right away.

[Who]

I think Nate is just reacting enthusiastically to his new found role off the bench.

Nate is finally playing minutes and he is on a contender. Why in the world wouldn't he want to stay? As long as he minutes and as long as the finances are competitive, Boston is a terrific situation for Nate Robinson.

[celticsclay]

Nate Robinson has played sparingly during Boston's postseason run, but that hasn't changed his desire to re-sign with the team this summer.

He will be an unrestricted free-agent for the first time in his five-year career.

"Of course," Robinson said when asked by FanHouse whether he'd like to re-sign with the Celtics.

"I feel wanted here," said Robinson.

"This group of guys, this team, this organization is good for me. They're high class, man. They keep it 100 percent (real) with you. Doc (Rivers, the coach) keeps it 100 percent. He tells you straight forward what he wants. I like that."

Link.

This could be Nate just being diplomatic, or trying to keep his free agent options open, but what do you think?

This kind of sounds a lot like what Marbury said last year around the end of the season. I would not be surprised to see a similar result. We offer a polite contract, he refuses. Although I do think he will find another gig and not head to china.

[More Banners]

I think Nate is just reacting enthusiastically to his new found role off the bench.

Nate is finally playing minutes and he is on a contender. Why in the world wouldn't he want to stay? As long as he minutes and as long as the finances are competitive, Boston is a terrific situation for Nate Robinson.

I do think he likes winning, but the finances might be the thing...  The highest I could see DA/Wyc offering is $3 mil/year, and that might be pushing it.  Would another team offer him more than that?

[Jon]

I think Nate is just reacting enthusiastically to his new found role off the bench.

Nate is finally playing minutes and he is on a contender. Why in the world wouldn't he want to stay? As long as he minutes and as long as the finances are competitive, Boston is a terrific situation for Nate Robinson.

  

I do think he likes winning, but the finances might be the thing...  The highest I could see DA/Wyc offering is $3 mil/year, and that might be pushing it.  Would another team offer him more than that?

Maybe a crappy team just looking to fill some seats. 

I think the question is whether Nate is content playing a small role off the bench or whether he still has aspirations to be a starter (and the accompanying contract). 

While he may improve his reputation with another year or two here, will he do as much damage with the dramatic drop-off in stats that will likely come in only 10-15 mpg? 

[SCBirdman]

I could go for a similar deal to what we gave BBD last year, but not more than 3 mill per for 2-3 years max.

[makaveli]

If things work out for him, he might be our 6th player next year, but I think we'll draft someone at that position and Nate will be a 10 min guy if we get a good player

[moiso]

I'd love to have him back.  I think it would be great for Nate's development too.  He is not the same player he was before he came here.  A couple years learning on the C's and he could earn a much bigger role somewhere else.

[Bankshot]

I feel that might be both diplomacy and the current feeling of being wanted now that he played in the last game of the Orlando series and last game. 

I also think it might be his attempt to drive up his value by talking like a winner. 

When push comes to shove, I don't know if he really wants to come back though.  While I think he's a nice asset for the C's, it doesn't exactly benefit Robinson to play behind a young stud who plays better than 40 mpg in meaningful games.

I think Rondo only plays 40 mpg because we need him to, as he doesn't have a viable backup.  I believe Doc made a mistake in taking Nate out of the rotation, because now he's needed in the Finals and should have been getting playing time to prepare for this.