Whos going to backup JO?

[Goldstar88]

Should be interesting to see who the Celtics try to target for a backup/possible starter once the lockout ends. It would be great if they could get Deandre Jordan from the clippers but he is Restricted so that may be difficult. Nene is going to demand too much money. Chris Wilcox maybe?

[xmuscularghandix]

Jeff Foster maybe? I really feel like KG will basically handle backup center when Jeff Green and Jajuan Johnson come in at PF.

[Jon]

Jeff Foster maybe? I really feel like KG will basically handle backup center when Jeff Green and Jajuan Johnson come in at PF.

Yes.  I think this will happen.  And for those of you who balk at this idea, it's also what essentially has happened over the past 3-4 years everytime BBD played with the starters. 

Jeff Foster would be nice, but it's not worth getting some 7-foot stiff who will be a detriment on both sides of the floor just to say we have one.  I'd rather go small with more talent. 

[xmuscularghandix]

Jeff Foster maybe? I really feel like KG will basically handle backup center when Jeff Green and Jajuan Johnson come in at PF.

Yes.  I think this will happen.  And for those of you who balk at this idea, it's also what essentially has happened over the past 3-4 years everytime BBD played with the starters. 

Jeff Foster would be nice, but it's not worth getting some 7-foot stiff who will be a detriment on both sides of the floor just to say we have one.  I'd rather go small with more talent. 

Exactly, go small with talent.

But i really liked what i saw out of Jeff Foster last year in the Bulls series.

[Celtics4ever]

Foster can rebound which is the biggest need we have from bigs.  He can also block a shot here or there too.  He would be excellent.

However, I am of the opinion that JO is naturally a backup at this point.  I still harbor hope that we will relegate him to this role and sign someone who can play without injury being an issue ever other week.

[Marcus13]

You mean who is going to replace JO when he undoubtedly goes down for the season?

This is exactly why we have no chance at contention this year.  The worst part of our team (the bigs) are going to be even worse and less deep this year

[Inside-Out]

Would it be worth throwing the full MLE at a Dalembert-or-better option to start at C with JO backing up, while locking up JGreen long term as well, IF you know that Ray and KG (and perhaps JO as well) are all willing to stick around for another couple of years in low-money backup roles?

Could a super-deep team that complements each other perfectly and has great chemistry with a solid coach remain a contender for a long time, or is this the path to a Pistons-esque close-but-never-win it-again sort of stuck?

Would it still be worth risking it all for a small chance at Dwight Howard?

[youcanthandlethetruth113]

How about we go overboard with the luxury tax and sign Tyson Chandler, and JO can back HIM up!

[Finkelskyhook]

Whos going to backup JO?

What is the definition of a Jermaine O'Neal backup?  Is it somebody who tweets from the bench instead of his recliner how bad he wants to play?

[mc34]

If Kurt Thomas doesn't retire we should give him a look... Offensive liability but he can still rebound and play tough D. He did a good job filling in for the Bulls when Noah went down. Desperate times, desperate measures.

[Finkelskyhook]

If Kurt Thomas doesn't retire we should give him a look... Offensive liability but he can still rebound and play tough D. He did a good job filling in for the Bulls when Noah went down. Desperate times, desperate measures.

And unlike either O'Neal, Thomas will at least show up and be in shape.

[Marcus13]

If Kurt Thomas doesn't retire we should give him a look... Offensive liability but he can still rebound and play tough D. He did a good job filling in for the Bulls when Noah went down. Desperate times, desperate measures.

Completely agree - he'd play the PJ Brown role excellent for us

[Neurotic Guy]

Isn't it conventional wisdom at this point that the C's won't risk post-2012 cap-flex by spending multi-year $$ now (unless it's a mill or 2).  Therefore a trade for long contract or even a full MLE multi-year deal seems unlikely.  I believe the signings will fall in the same general place as Shaq -- old, cheap and risky.   Unfortunately, I don't think we have any chance this year if the 5 ends up to be JO, an old back-up or 2, and KG filling in when we go small (and when they all are hurt). I'd love to see KG never have to muscle with opposing centers this year.

Depressing, but I think I could get excited easily if next off-season DA is swinging for the fences again.   

[Neurotic Guy]

Jeff Foster maybe? I really feel like KG will basically handle backup center when Jeff Green and Jajuan Johnson come in at PF.

A lot on this site seem to have faith that Jajuan Johnson will get some play this year -- which is certainly not a lock prediction for most 27th picks.

Please let me know why so many like the idea of him contributing. I get that he is 6'10" and I get that he is a 4-year college guy -- but 26 teams passed on him.  Highlight reels mean nothing to me -- tell me why he projects to being in an NBA rotation as a rookie.

[xmuscularghandix]

Jeff Foster maybe? I really feel like KG will basically handle backup center when Jeff Green and Jajuan Johnson come in at PF.

A lot on this site seem to have faith that Jajuan Johnson will get some play this year -- which is certainly not a lock prediction for most 27th picks.

Please let me know why so many like the idea of him contributing. I get that he is 6'10" and I get that he is a 4-year college guy -- but 26 teams passed on him.  Highlight reels mean nothing to me -- tell me why he projects to being in an NBA rotation as a rookie.

Because he has a consistent jump shot AND was the defensive player of the year in his conference. Big men get minutes from Doc as rookies. Glen Davis got minutes and I look at him as Boston's MAJOR upgrade to Davis.