Celtics want Kwame Brown?

[Tai]

Shaquille O’Neal and Kwame Brown.

Those two haven’t shown up in the same sentence too often over the years, but they’re linked on this occasion because they both remain on the radar of the Boston Celtics.

The East champs, even after the recent signing of Jermaine O’Neal, still want one more big man after inching to the brink of a full roster with Thursday’s signing of guard Von Wafer.

The problem? The Celtics only have minimum money left. Sources say they’re having trouble getting Brown to accept those wages, so you can imagine where Shaq stands on the idea.

Word persists that Shaq still hopes to be sign-and-traded somewhere by Cleveland that will allow him to secure a salary next season above the $5.8 million mid-level exception. Our old friend Howard Beck of the New York Times did a comprehensive piece last weekend spelling out just how unlikely landing that sort of contract would appear to be.

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/18672/latest-buzz-shaq-t-mac-more

Everyone wants so much money these days.

Must be the economy.

[Rashi]

If we can get Rudy or another wing w/out using Sheed's contract, then I guess we can use Sheed's contract to get Shaq (eventho he really isn't worth 5.8 mil).

[Chris]

I would much prefer Brown at the minimum rather than Shaq with Sheed's contract.  I really don't think Shaq is a good fit for this team.

[wdleehi]

I would much prefer Brown at the minimum rather than Shaq with Sheed's contract.  I really don't think Shaq is a good fit for this team.

Agreed.  Brown will play the defense and rebound.  That's what the Celtics need from the 4 big man.  (5th when Perk returns)

[Roy Hobbs]

I would much prefer Brown at the minimum rather than Shaq with Sheed's contract.  I really don't think Shaq is a good fit for this team.

Agreed.  Brown will play the defense and rebound.  That's what the Celtics need from the 4 big man.  (5th when Perk returns)

On the other hand, Shaq will score in the post, rebound, and play post defense, which we also need.  There was too often last season when our offense stagnated because our jumpers weren't falling; Shaq can create offense for himself, and can get opposing bigs in foul trouble, which creates driving opportunities for Pierce and Rondo.

[Evantime34]

Neither of them is going to make more than the vet min. I predict one of them takes our offer before the season starts.

[LilRip]

the only reason we'd want Kwame over Shaq is if we're sure that Shaq can't accept being a role player. if they're on equal footing in terms of chemistry issues, then i don't see how anyone would want Kwame over Shaq. I mean, Kwame is pretty crappy. he's not much more agile than Shaq (if he is more agile than Shaq) and at times, it seems he can hardly catch the ball whether on passes or rebounds.



- LilRip

[CelticsWhat35]

Neither of them is going to make more than the vet min. I predict one of them takes our offer before the season starts.

No way Shaq is going to accept the minimum, and no way Kwame Brown has any reason to expect he should make more than the minimum.

[Assassin70]

I would much prefer Brown at the minimum rather than Shaq with Sheed's contract.  I really don't think Shaq is a good fit for this team.

Agreed.  Brown will play the defense and rebound.  That's what the Celtics need from the 4 big man.  (5th when Perk returns)

On the other hand, Shaq will score in the post, rebound, and play post defense, which we also need.  There was too often last season when our offense stagnated because our jumpers weren't falling; Shaq can create offense for himself, and can get opposing bigs in foul trouble, which creates driving opportunities for Pierce and Rondo.

Great points

[Change]

I would much prefer Brown at the minimum rather than Shaq with Sheed's contract.  I really don't think Shaq is a good fit for this team.

Agreed.  Brown will play the defense and rebound.  That's what the Celtics need from the 4 big man.  (5th when Perk returns)

Agreed.

At this point if ShaQ can't put his ego aside @ 40, Brown is the safer bet. He is much better defender, and can accept his role easier.

Might as Well convince Sheed to return. Offer him an incentive and give him a pass in regular season. PJ Brown type of role. Come playoff time, Celtics could use Sheed.

[Mr October]

I would much prefer Brown at the minimum rather than Shaq with Sheed's contract.  I really don't think Shaq is a good fit for this team.

Agreed.  Brown will play the defense and rebound.  That's what the Celtics need from the 4 big man.  (5th when Perk returns)

On the other hand, Shaq will score in the post, rebound, and play post defense, which we also need.  There was too often last season when our offense stagnated because our jumpers weren't falling; Shaq can create offense for himself, and can get opposing bigs in foul trouble, which creates driving opportunities for Pierce and Rondo.

Rebounding and post defense are legit strengths of Kwame Brown. His problem is that he can try to do too much, get lost in the team sets and has brick hands.

But I always thought he defended well one on one.

Anyway, if Shaq can accept a limited role.... or if Danny thinks Perk will not be 100 % by playoff time next year, Shaq is my pick.

[guava_wrench]

It might be tough for Shaq to swallow getting paid much less than JO, and for good reason.

I think any team in the league would love to have Shaq for a really small contract if he was willing to come off the bench and even accept some DNP-CDs. We can get a good idea of how GMs feel about him by the lack of offers.

[anthony83]

 For me Shaq is the first option before that Brown.

[Bankshot]

I wouldn't mind Kwame.  Pretty good defender, but he has hands as bad as Perk and Shelden.   Why do so many big men have terrible hands?

[Finkelskyhook]

Shaq has the Iverson allure without being the despicable character Iverson is.

Inexplicably, Iverson puts people in seats.

Shaq, even nearing the end of his career, can still put people in seats.  His value goes beyond his contributions in a place like Atlanta.    

Therefore I doubt Shaq would take the minimum for anybody.  It'd be nice if he did for us because he looked pretty good in the playoffs against us last year and could contribute a lot in a reduced role.  His pick and roll defense has diminished to joke status.  But everything else he does would help us a lot.