Dwight Howard is the only hope

[ScoobyDoo]

That's correct re KG being a trade, I meesed up on that statement.

My main point was that I feel it is the primary job of the GM, any Gm, to put themselves in a position to take a swing at the fences.

To me, Ainge has done and is doing exactly that:
* Very little on the books for 2012
* Ray & KG expiring contracts
* DWest, Baby, JO, Shaq, Wafer, Murphy, Krstic, Arroyo all free agents or will be after this year

Building a nice young core:
* Rondo, DWest, Jeff Green, Bradley, possibly Krstic
* Drat picks: Clipper's and our own
* Cap Flex

Depending on what Ainge can get done this off season and next as far as picks, trades or free agents, we could very well be back in the hunt before we know it.

And I agree, it will take some luck. But Ainge has us in a good position.

[ScoobyDoo]

What if:

1. We're able to get a nice young PF with our pick
2. A Nice young OG with the Clipper's pick next draft
3. Some second round picks added in
4. A mid level signing
5. Then we are able to sign Dwight?

6. A mid level combo Vet wing this year
7. A mid level combo Vet big man in the off season of 2012

Howard / Krstic
Mid Level guy (2011) / KG / our 1st this year - Leuer?
Pierce / Green / 2012 mid level combo wing
Mid level combo wing 2012 / Ray / Clip's 1st, 2012
Rondo / DWest / Bradley

That team going into the 2012/2013 season would be in serious, serious contention for a ring that season and for many seasons beyond.

Ainge will be shooting for that between now and 2012. If not Dwight, it will be with an eye on whoever else is coming avail. Meanwhile, putting pieces in place, getting in position to be attractive.

[scaryjerry]

Dwight Howard is a pipe dream
The only reference ive ever heard dwight say about leaving Orlando is he wouldnt ever want to play in a cold weather city....last i checked bostons pretty cold

[OHCeltic]

I believe if we are going to have a chance to sign Howard next summer we need some young experience players. We wouldn't have enough to trade for him so we use our picks this year and next years pick we can get a good young team to get more experience with our core players for a year.
I suggest we send our picks 2-1st and Cleve 2nd to Houston for SG C. Lee and PF J. Hill and sign C A. Gray off N.O.  and keep our starters and resign D.West N. Kristic J. Green V. Wafer along with A. Bradley
F/A signing T. McGrady he can play PG SG SF
            A. Ajinca PF/C
This way in 2012 our team would be this:
PG Rondo West Bradley
SG Lee Allen(resign)
SF Green Pierce
PF Hill Garnett(resign) Ajinca
C  Howard Gray Kristic (resign)