PP: "I really see KG and Ray playing past this year"

[rondohondo]

“I really see Kevin [Garnett] and Ray [Allen] playing past this year, hopefully with the Boston Celtics even  though they’re contracts are up,” Pierce said. “But if Doc [Rivers] wants to use that as motivation, then I will.”

http://greenstreet.weei.com/sports/boston/basketball/celtics/2011/12/13/paul-pierce-i-see-kevin-and-ray-playing-past-this-year/

The only way I see KG coming back is if we land a superstar for Rondo. I can definitely  see Ray playing another 2 or 3 years .

[jambr380]

I see this happening, as well. And really, who out there (other than Dwight) is a better pick up than either of these two? I know the end is near, but I don't want it to be this year.

[4THQTR]

I think Ray is likely to be in the league for another 2-3yrs
Not so likely scenario for KG, but I certainly wouldn't mind having them back in green next season, as long as it's for a reasonable price.

[Jon]

I see this happening, as well. And really, who out there (other than Dwight) is a better pick up than either of these two? I know the end is near, but I don't want it to be this year.

I agree.

And regardless of when you want them to leave, unless this year is an utter disaster, I can't see management letting either of them go unless they really think they have a shot a Dwight Howard or Chris Paul.

Otherwise, there's really no point in not extending them another year. 

[Celtkicks.com]

Ray will definitely play past this year.....KG should go out on high note.  Either way, I think if they do continue to play in the NBA, it should be elsewhere.  2012-2013 will be about the future.  It has always been planned to end this year.

[PosImpos]

I think our team would really have to be rebuilt in a special way for KG to come back after this year (likely in a reserve, 15-20 minutes a night role).

I don't think most of us realize the extent to which KG plays through pain, especially by the end of each season.


I'm a huge fan of Ray Ray, and I'd love to see him retire in green, but if he wants to spend the last few years of his career competing for a title in a bench sharpshooter role, he should probably go to a different team (again, barring some crazy unforeseen rebuild).  Any contender could use a guy with Ray's talents.

[pearljammer10]

I could easily see Ray playing a few more years ala Reggie. Garnett should put everything he has into this one last year. Id like to see him go out on a high note. As an older slow mileage used big man I would hate to see his career take a turn for the worst just because he wants to linger around.

[dark_lord]

I could easily see Ray playing a few more years ala Reggie

exactly how i see it.



as for kg, i think he could play for a couple more years, but in a reduced role.  they only issue would be if he can swallow his pride and fulfill a role. he wants to win so bad, i think he can do it.

[LooseCannon]

If the Celtics are unable to make a major acquisition in 2012 with all that cap space, I could easily see the Ainge signing Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett signing a one-year contract to meet the salary floor and preserve cap space for 2013.  If Ainge does find another franchise player to come to Boston in either summer, I can see Ray Allen or KG potentially coming back on a smaller contract, depending on their ability.

Basketball has been so much of KG's life that I think he should stick with it as long as he can because I'm not sure if he has something else to occupy his time.  I can't really see him sticking around the game in a coaching or front office job.  Ray and Paul seem better prepared for life after basketball, while KG seems like a guy who could use a few years of declining playing time so that he can pick up a few hobbies.  I think he's still going to be a borderline All-Star power forward and one of the best defensive big men this season.

[guava_wrench]

I don't see KG coming back. If he does, he would have to sign right away or we need to renounce his rights immediately, because the cap hold would be ridiculous for KG.

We would have to be reasonably successful this season for him to even consider returning. A first round knockout and I don't see him signing up for the frustration.

I also expect his body to tell him that he should retire throughout the season.

I see no reason why Ray couldn't play for a reduced contract.

[bfrombleacher]

If they come back in green, won't they come back for cheap and for a lesser role? Isn't that enticing to other superstars?

[LooseCannon]

I don't see KG coming back. If he does, he would have to sign right away or we need to renounce his rights immediately, because the cap hold would be ridiculous for KG.

You don't renounce a free agent until you actually use the cap space.  As in, pretty much not until you have a contract signed by a new player coming in.  The Celtics should still have a cap hold on the books for Dana Barros, for example.

[Kane3387]

I see us moving Jeff or jermaine during the season for a guy who will give us a better chance of winning this year and on. There won't be anything to spend that cap space on next year.

Next year could be Pierce's last year with the way his contract is. Thus I see both of those guys coming back for like five mill on a one year deal.

I doubt we use much cap space for free agents next year because there will not be any. I think all that money will taken up through trades.

[jc3celticsphan]

i say 2 more seasons including this one. kg and ray sign for cheap next year we bring in dwight or some other young talent and they got out with a bang!

[Kane3387]

i say 2 more seasons including this one. kg and ray sign for cheap next year we bring in dwight or some other young talent and they got out with a bang!

We lost any chance of signing Dwight when we lost out on getting cp3.