Offseason plan of attack

[LooseCannon]

We need at least 2 bigs, preferably a veteran and a youngster in the draft like alabi or orton. We are in desperate need of an athletic wing who can slash and play above the rim. We have one of the worst fast breaks in the NBA. It consist of rondo waiting for pierce or ray to spot up for 3's. We need a serious finsher on the break. Danny must build this team around rondo, period.

I think you have it wrong.  Rondo needs an athletic wing who can make catch-and-shoot perimeter shots and hit a transition three.  On the other hand,, he could definitely use a big man who can finish and play above the rim.

[mcshane41]

I think the Perkins issue is a good point. Don't over-react though. Think start of 2011 playoffs, not start of 2011 season. Would we really be that poor off if we followed that plan I laid out and add a serviceable backup big who'd play for the Vet min until Perkins got back? Ideal? No. Could we still make the playoffs? Yes.

Once KP is back we'd be a deep team. Especially if we use our MLE to add a 6th man like Outlaw, or a SG like Morrow instead of using it to add a Center. My whole focus is youth & athleticism and players who can be groomed for starting jobs. We don't need our future starting PG or C so we should focus on positions 2,3 & 4 now.

Deal with backups and young guys at C until Perk comes back to hold down the fort. Then be a unstoppable force at playoff time of tenacious team D combined with a lightening quick fast break and rested stars ready to hit big shots when we need them.

[snively]

I think the Perkins issue is a good point. Don't over-react though. Think start of 2011 playoffs, not start of 2011 season. Would we really be that poor off if we followed that plan I laid out and add a serviceable backup big who'd play for the Vet min until Perkins got back? Ideal? No. Could we still make the playoffs? Yes.

Once KP is back we'd be a deep team. Especially if we use our MLE to add a 6th man like Outlaw, or a SG like Morrow instead of using it to add a Center. My whole focus is youth & athleticism and players who can be groomed for starting jobs. We don't need our future starting PG or C so we should focus on positions 2,3 & 4 now.

Deal with backups and young guys at C until Perk comes back to hold down the fort. Then be a unstoppable force at playoff time of tenacious team D combined with a lightening quick fast break and rested stars ready to hit big shots when we need them.

It's more of an issue if Sheed retires.  Perk/KG/Baby isn't enough to get us back to the finals.

I do like your idea of Tyrus Thomas.  Thomas and Baby are a bit undersized off the bench, but Baby's girth/lower body strength makes him a capable post defender while Thomas' length and athleticism helps protect the rim.

Unfortunately I don't think Thomas will be available for the MLE.  Charlotte would seem likely to match (they did after all give up a first rounder for him) and we don't really have anything to offer in a sign & trade.

Louis Amundson might be a bargain alternative that allows us to pursue someone on the wing with a bit more green.

[JBcat]

I would take a look at these centers for the vet minimum or cheap money to help hold the fort until Perk comes back and with Wallace's uncertain status.   

Jason Collins, Theo Ratliff, Brian Skinner, Tony Battie, Earn Barron, Johan Petro, those type of guys that way you can still use the full MLE however you want to.

If we are going to use part or all of our full MLE on a big especially if Wallace retires I would look at some of these guys.

Joe Smith, Nazr Mohammed if he opts out, Brad Miller, even Shaq, Brendan Haywood, Ben Wallace, Jermaine O'Neal, Kurt Thomas, Rasho Nestervic, and Channing Frye.  I don't think we will be able to pry Tyrus Thomas away. 

If we could somehow split the MLE with someone like Haywood, B Miller, Shaq, or O'Neal and maybe upgrade Daniels with someone from this list.

Outlaw,  McGrady if he is healthy, Mike Miller (He might have to take big paycut as he is 30 now), Kyle Korver, that would be a good start to the offseason.   Daniels was a disappointment and I wouldn't mind someone who can shoot the 3 taking his place if we keep Tony as our slasher/defensive wing off the bench. 

[LooseCannon]

Would we really be that poor off if we followed that plan I laid out and add a serviceable backup big who'd play for the Vet min until Perkins got back?

A lot people on this board talk as if such players grow on trees and are easy to find.  You're basically talking about Shelden Williams/Mikki Moore level talent, or else someone who is old and/or injury-prone.

Of the names JBCat mentioned, perhaps the best choice is Tony Battie, since Boston was reportedly interested in seeing him bought out so they could sign him for the playoffs, but he only played in 15 games last season for the Nets due to a host of injuries.

[twinbree]

Another thought I have looking at what happened to the Cavs and Magic is we need to build the best balanced team for us. Think more about how the new pieces will mesh and enhance the players we have rather than just targeting players for specific match-ups. Good luck Danny!

[celtics2]

Rondo & Perkins = our future. Ainge needs to surround Rondo with athletic players like Nash in Phoenix. Perkins D is our key to playing that 1on1 team D.

Yes, build around these 2 even if it takes a few years to develop. Forget about next season. We won't beat LA with this team or even get through the playoffs to get to them. The core is too old, broken down and worn out. Rondo will be a Super Star. Let's get what we can if anything for them now including Pierce.  Rondo needs a few players that can meet him downcourt timely instead of waiting for them to cross the halfcourt line. He made Garnett and Allen look good. He was constantly directing them where to go in the playoffs. If Perk is beyond repair then all bets are off and so are the Celts for years to come. We can have an entertaining couple of unproductive years or do what Jerry West might.

[mcshane41]

A lot people on this board talk as if such players grow on trees and are easy to find.  You're basically talking about Shelden Williams/Mikki Moore level talent, or else someone who is old and/or injury-prone.

Of the names JBCat mentioned, perhaps the best choice is Tony Battie, since Boston was reportedly interested in seeing him bought out so they could sign him for the playoffs, but he only played in 15 games last season for the Nets due to a host of injuries.

Capable fill in Centers who played for the Veteran Minimum last year: Ben Wallace, Theo Ratliff, Earl Barron. To name a few.


Celtics2, I don't think you'll get much by trading. No one is in the market for aging, expensive players. The Big 3 are worth more to us than anyone else. 1) b/c they can still win (See Finals, 2010). And 2) they can help impart their team play and Defensive mindset to our new additions. The most bang for the buck this offseason will be via the draft. So buy us another 1st rounder Danny!

[More Banners]

A lot people on this board talk as if such players grow on trees and are easy to find.  You're basically talking about Shelden Williams/Mikki Moore level talent, or else someone who is old and/or injury-prone.

Of the names JBCat mentioned, perhaps the best choice is Tony Battie, since Boston was reportedly interested in seeing him bought out so they could sign him for the playoffs, but he only played in 15 games last season for the Nets due to a host of injuries.

Capable fill in Centers who played for the Veteran Minimum last year: Ben Wallace, Theo Ratliff, Earl Barron. To name a few.


Celtics2, I don't think you'll get much by trading. No one is in the market for aging, expensive players. The Big 3 are worth more to us than anyone else. 1) b/c they can still win (See Finals, 2010). And 2) they can help impart their team play and Defensive mindset to our new additions. The most bang for the buck this offseason will be via the draft. So buy us another 1st rounder Danny!

I don't expect any rookie to be in the rotation of a title-bound team.  IF it happens, great, but I wouldn't count on it.  Too many adjustments in the NBA game to count on a rookie.  IF we contend next year, it will be due to our veterans and FA signings.

I do think a servicable regular-season Center will be available for the minimum, and I think there will be several guys available that would be glad to contribute to a run.  I wouldn't mind Tony Battie for 15-18 minutes/gm if he's healthy.

[Who]

Capable fill in Centers who played for the Veteran Minimum last year: Ben Wallace

Best suggestion yet for a temporary Perk replacement while Perk is out injured. Excellent idea.

[CoachBo]

Of course, the thought of Ben Wallace and Rondo on the floor at the same time shooting free throws makes my blood run cold.