Celtics want Kwame Brown?

[Bankshot]

If Shaq doesn't take the minimum, he's either going to play for a lousy team or Atlanta, who has no realistic shot at the title, imo.

[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.

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.

True.  And I agree that Shaq is the better player, even at this point of his career.  But I just do not see him accepting the role they need from him.  

If Perk comes back, do you think Shaq will happily become the 3rd center (because I think JO is a better player right now)?  I don't think he would.  

[Jon]

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.

I don't think the need for a post scorer can be overstated enough.  There were a ton of times last year when our jumpers weren't falling and we fell apart (see Game 7).  

As Roy notes, with Shaq, it's a different story.  

And the market for Sheed seems to be drying up.  What might be a nice compromise is to give Shaq something like 6 million per year, but only make it for one year.  That way if he doesn't fit or if he falls apart, we only have him around for one year.

As far as accepting his role, he barely played over 20 mpg last year, and scored barely over double digits.  If he accepted that, how won't he accept it here too, with even more talented players around? 

That said, I'd be OK with Kwame too.  I absolutely don't want to go into the season with either Erden or Hangarody as our 4th big.  

[Roy Hobbs]

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.

On the other hand, Shaq has the chance to go out a winner in Boston, which may have appeal to him.  The magical mystery tour of Phoenix, Cleveland, and possibly Atlanta might leave him feeling unsatisfied.

Regarding Kwame, the guy is just a bonehead.  Basically, he's the big man version of Tony Allen, in terms of how he plays.  I wouldn't mind him here -- he can fill a role -- but he's not much of a difference maker, whereas Shaq is.

[Roy Hobbs]

And the market for Sheed seems to be drying up.  What might be a nice compromise is to give Shaq something like 6 million per year, but only make it for one year.  That way if he doesn't fit or if he falls apart, we only have him around for one year.

Or, better still, make it a three year contract, with non-guaranteed years in years two and three.  That way, we could have Shaq for one year, and we'd have a large trade chip next off-season (basically rolling Sheed's value over for another year.)

[Change]

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?

He is the anti-Rondo. His hands are too small. True Story.

Whats Perk & Shelden excuse? Too much lotion pre-game.

Speaking of Kwame: This is the funniest clip of alltime  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq44jwL4BT0

[Roy Hobbs]

If Perk comes back, do you think Shaq will happily become the 3rd center (because I think JO is a better player right now)?  I don't think he would.  

If Perk comes back, I think we need to legitimately ask whether he deserves his starting position back by default.  If 100% recovered, with no rust, Perk is probably the better option for the team, but what if he's rusty?  Can he get fully back into shape in a couple months (max) of playing time?

Best case scenario, if Shaq and J.O. both play to their potential, I think you split time equally between Shaq and Perk at center (with Perk starting), and with KG and J.O. as your power forwards.  This would irritate BBD, but at this point, that four man big rotation would be as big and as deep as any in the league.

[Chris]

And the market for Sheed seems to be drying up.  What might be a nice compromise is to give Shaq something like 6 million per year, but only make it for one year.  That way if he doesn't fit or if he falls apart, we only have him around for one year.

Or, better still, make it a three year contract, with non-guaranteed years in years two and three.  That way, we could have Shaq for one year, and we'd have a large trade chip next off-season (basically rolling Sheed's value over for another year.)

Or better still, we could just hold on to Sheed until the trade deadline when the market will open right back up, and likely get someone significantly better than Shaq, who is also a better fit for the C's as a team, and then roll Sheed's contract over with that better player.

[Mencius]

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

Since Brown likely won't be playing PF at all, it's probably more accurate to think of where he fits in the center rotation, and in that case he's second behind Oneal.  But you're right about what we need from him on the court, defense and rebounding.

I bet Danny has minimum offers out to both of them, and whoever agrees first gets the deal (if either ever does agree to minimum).  I kind of think that Shaq thinks a minimum deal is beneath him and his pride won't allow him to take a minimum deal.  I'd rather take Kwame at the minimum than Shaq for Sheed's contract (if those are the choices).  Then I'd use Sheed's contract for a power 3 if possible.

[Chris]

If Perk comes back, do you think Shaq will happily become the 3rd center (because I think JO is a better player right now)?  I don't think he would.  

If Perk comes back, I think we need to legitimately ask whether he deserves his starting position back by default.  If 100% recovered, with no rust, Perk is probably the better option for the team, but what if he's rusty?  Can he get fully back into shape in a couple months (max) of playing time?

Best case scenario, if Shaq and J.O. both play to their potential, I think you split time equally between Shaq and Perk at center (with Perk starting), and with KG and J.O. as your power forwards.  This would irritate BBD, but at this point, that four man big rotation would be as big and as deep as any in the league.

I guess I just don't think Shaq is that good any more. 

[Roy Hobbs]

And the market for Sheed seems to be drying up.  What might be a nice compromise is to give Shaq something like 6 million per year, but only make it for one year.  That way if he doesn't fit or if he falls apart, we only have him around for one year.

Or, better still, make it a three year contract, with non-guaranteed years in years two and three.  That way, we could have Shaq for one year, and we'd have a large trade chip next off-season (basically rolling Sheed's value over for another year.)

Or better still, we could just hold on to Sheed until the trade deadline when the market will open right back up, and likely get someone significantly better than Shaq, who is also a better fit for the C's as a team, and then roll Sheed's contract over with that better player.

I'm not sure that the league would allow us to trade Sheed, and then have him immediately file for retirement with the league, clearing his salary from the other team.  Right now, he can hold off on his retirement all he wants, but once the season starts, I think the retirement option is off the table.  That means that the value of Sheed's deal goes down, as he'd have to agree to a buyout, rather than a retirement.

Also, I'm not sure that there will be a ton of guys available who are significantly better than Shaq, who is still a legitimate force in the league.

[Mencius]

Or, better still, make it a three year contract, with non-guaranteed years in years two and three.  That way, we could have Shaq for one year, and we'd have a large trade chip next off-season (basically rolling Sheed's value over for another year.)

That's really good and creative thinking right there.  Well done.

[SCBirdman]

And the market for Sheed seems to be drying up.  What might be a nice compromise is to give Shaq something like 6 million per year, but only make it for one year.  That way if he doesn't fit or if he falls apart, we only have him around for one year.

Or, better still, make it a three year contract, with non-guaranteed years in years two and three.  That way, we could have Shaq for one year, and we'd have a large trade chip next off-season (basically rolling Sheed's value over for another year.)

TP Roy.

I totally agree. If we can't swing a deal that nets us Rudy and Pryzbilla or another deal that nets us a legit wing, then I am for acquiring Shaq.

Shaq would really help our team on the court and I think he would conform in the locker room. Shaq is one of my all time favorite personalities. I think he got a bad rap in Cleavland because Brown could not handle the locker room, and now we know that LeBron couldn't handle his own locker room either.

That will not be the case in Boston. KG, PP, Ray, Doc, and Rondo give us a strong locker room. Shaq will be a great addition and help us winner Banner 18. You know defeating Kobe will drive Shaq in the playoffs.

Shaq is also a bigtime insurance for Perks injury. Who knows how long it will be before he is fully back? It may not be until next season before he is back to form.

I don't mind if we acquire Shaq. In fact, if Perk comes back healthy, BBD may end up being the 5th Big at that point.

PF- KG/JO
 C- Shaq or Perk

[Roy Hobbs]

If Perk comes back, do you think Shaq will happily become the 3rd center (because I think JO is a better player right now)?  I don't think he would.  

If Perk comes back, I think we need to legitimately ask whether he deserves his starting position back by default.  If 100% recovered, with no rust, Perk is probably the better option for the team, but what if he's rusty?  Can he get fully back into shape in a couple months (max) of playing time?

Best case scenario, if Shaq and J.O. both play to their potential, I think you split time equally between Shaq and Perk at center (with Perk starting), and with KG and J.O. as your power forwards.  This would irritate BBD, but at this point, that four man big rotation would be as big and as deep as any in the league.

I guess I just don't think Shaq is that good any more.  

I think people assume Shaq isn't that good, because he's declined so much from what he was.  

Of all centers playing 20+ minutes per game, Shaq ranked 8th in points per minute, and 14th in rebounds per minute (along with 15th in blocks per minute, 14th in assists per minute, and top ten in FG%).  He's legitimately in the top half of all centers, despite his limited mobility away from the hoop.

[Mencius]

If Perk comes back, I think we need to legitimately ask whether he deserves his starting position back by default.  If 100% recovered, with no rust, Perk is probably the better option for the team, but what if he's rusty?  Can he get fully back into shape in a couple months (max) of playing time?

Best case scenario, if Shaq and J.O. both play to their potential, I think you split time equally between Shaq and Perk at center (with Perk starting), and with KG and J.O. as your power forwards.  This would irritate BBD, but at this point, that four man big rotation would be as big and as deep as any in the league.

Much as I'd like Perk to be all the way back by the playoffs, I just think it's unlikely in the extreme.  He might be able to return to the court, but I don't think he'll be anywhere near 100% until the following season.  Not to put a damper on everyone's enthusiasm, but I expect he'll be back about like Leon was back last year.  I hope I'm wrong.