Why do elite players NOT want to play for the Celtics?

[GreenFaith1819]

Many good points here.

I think the "too old" excuse, while a concern, is just not a good one. I think the bright lights of LA appeal to CP3 and Dwight.

The funny thing with the Lakers is that they did IMO a crippling move with the Odom thing. That trade will come back and be a thorn in their sides. And with an aging Kobe I'm not sure why CP3 would want to go there.

And for the Clips? A lineup of CP3, Grif, DeAndre and Butler would make the playoffs, but they are NOT getting by either DAL, OKC or MEM.

Again - not sure why the Clips would appeal to CP3 here. After the highlight shows are over, he'd find a team in need of experience, and Butler - while a very good player, is just not enough.

But if either of them did the research on the Celtics team and look at the quality coach that Doc is and the job that Danny has done, it's hard for me to fathom why they wouldn't want to come here.

After the CP3 fiasco last week, though - I'm not too sure if I'd even want him here. He's immensely talented, but it takes more than talent to win a Banner.

[MBz]

What I don't get is how free agents die to come here for the Red Sox, but no one wants to come here for the Celtics.  I understand the Celtics are probably #4 on the list in terms of sports now, the Bruins seriously took advantage of the lock out, but still.  They are not irrelevant like certain teams in the league to their cities.

[jdz101]

People get given the label "superstar" too easily these days aswell. Carmelo Anthony hasn't done anything near significant enough for an NBA team to be labelled a "superstar". A very good player yes. Superstar....no.

[2short]

some really good points, gave out a fair amount of tps on this subject
would like to add to the spoiled brat aspect that i think many of these elite players wouldn't want to be put under a microscope of intelligent fans, a team that knows what it takes to win, a coach and defense that makes you work beyond dunks and jacking shots

[footey]

The fact that Chris Paul would rather go to the Clippers than the Celtics speaks volumes.  Players today have no appreciation for the tradition of success in Boston, and what an awesome place it is for a professional athlete, until they get here.  KG pretty much said as much.

[Who]

The fact that Chris Paul would rather go to the Clippers than the Celtics speaks volumes.  Players today have no appreciation for the tradition of success in Boston, and what an awesome place it is for a professional athlete, until they get here.  KG pretty much said as much.

It's amazing what a Blake Griffin will do for you. People want to go there now.

[Phil125]

Its simple

Too old and Rondo has a bad rep around the league*.

(Being hard to play with)

[jpk2000]

I'm not buying that 'too old' argument, I think it's a passive and lame excuse that today's players use as well as the media. The 'too old' argument is weak, because the Mavs were able to out play Miami in the finals.

The Mavs used experience against Miami's star power and athleticism. Last season, Celtics fans were not complaining about age when the Celtics jumped out to early start becoming the second best team in the league behind the Spurs. It's not until Perkins was traded and this team started going through a slump Celtics fans jumped off the wagon and started complaining.

The Celtics were extremely fortunate to have players like Garnett, Allen, Pierce, Rondo, Jermaine and Shaq O'Neal. Celtics fans need to stop with 'break the core up' talk, because u guys want star players that don't want to be here.

Understand that today's generation of players want to be play in lavish cities like Miami, New York, LA or Dallas. Also, I think free agents are reluctant to play for the Celts, because of Boston's history and it's location.

 
   

[CelticG1]

What I don't get is how free agents die to come here for the Red Sox, but no one wants to come here for the Celtics.  I understand the Celtics are probably #4 on the list in terms of sports now, the Bruins seriously took advantage of the lock out, but still.  They are not irrelevant like certain teams in the league to their cities.

Don't forget the sox can pay more money to free agents than any other team in the league plus they play in the summer so weather isn't a factor.

A better analogy may be the Pats. People want to play for them and they play in Foxboro. Having a legendary QB and coach prob does make a huge difference in that sport however

[Who]

What I don't get is how free agents die to come here for the Red Sox, but no one wants to come here for the Celtics.  I understand the Celtics are probably #4 on the list in terms of sports now, the Bruins seriously took advantage of the lock out, but still.  They are not irrelevant like certain teams in the league to their cities.

Because it has zero to do with the Celtics organization and everything to do with their current situation.

It's not the Celtics that they are concerned about.

It's an old roster that will likely be broken up next summer and the team faces a very real threat of a rebuilding process. Too much uncertainty facing this team at this moment in time.

[Who]

I'm not buying that 'too old' argument, I think it's a passive and lame excuse that today's players use as well as the media. The 'too old' argument is weak, because the Mavs were able to out play Miami in the finals.

The Mavs used experience against Miami's star power and athleticism. Last season, Celtics fans were not complaining about age when the Celtics jumped out to early start becoming the second best team in the league behind the Spurs. It's not until Perkins was traded and this team started going through a slump Celtics fans jumped off the wagon and started complaining.
   

It's not about this season. It's about the next five plus seasons.

A singular attempt isn't enough when other teams are offering a chance at multiple attempts at a title.

[jpk2000]

I'm not buying that 'too old' argument, I think it's a passive and lame excuse that today's players use as well as the media. The 'too old' argument is weak, because the Mavs were able to out play Miami in the finals.

The Mavs used experience against Miami's star power and athleticism. Last season, Celtics fans were not complaining about age when the Celtics jumped out to early start becoming the second best team in the league behind the Spurs. It's not until Perkins was traded and this team started going through a slump Celtics fans jumped off the wagon and started complaining.

The Celtics were extremely fortunate to have players like Garnett, Allen, Pierce, Rondo, Jermaine and Shaq O'Neal. Celtics fans need to stop with 'break the core up' talk, because u guys want star players that don't want to be here.

Understand that today's generation of players want to be play in lavish cities like Miami, New York, LA or Dallas. Also, I think free agents are reluctant to play for the Celts, because of Boston's history and it's location.

 
   

That's a poor excuse. Look at teams like Portland, Atlanta, Sacramento, Phoenix, New Jersey, Chicago, Houston, San Antonio, Milwaukee and NO all have problems attracting star players. So I don't buy that 'too old' argument.

As far as Rondo, teams are hesitant about Rondo, because he can't shoot jumpers or FT. The fact is today's generation don't want to play in cold, northeastern cities like Boston.

[clover]

What I don't get is how free agents die to come here for the Red Sox, but no one wants to come here for the Celtics.  I understand the Celtics are probably #4 on the list in terms of sports now, the Bruins seriously took advantage of the lock out, but still.  They are not irrelevant like certain teams in the league to their cities.

Because it has zero to do with the Celtics organization and everything to do with their current situation.

It's not the Celtics that they are concerned about.

It's an old roster that will likely be broken up next summer and the team faces a very real threat of a rebuilding process. Too much uncertainty facing this team at this moment in time.

I think that's partially right, though simply by going to the C's they'd be changing the situation.  I think another part of it is that it's more a matter of top players wanting to play with their buddies now, and the next generation here, whatever there is of it, doesn't have that much appeal to them on that count.  Rondo's a sneering, difficult personality.  Baby I bet has been whispering ugly things in Dwight Howard's ear about Doc and the situation in Boston.

Also, I'm really not sure why all the history in Boston should affect their choices.  In some ways, that makes it a little harder for them to make a name for themselves, and the league would be in greater trouble if teams without past glory couldn't attract current and future glory.

Danny almost got the situation improved this time around, and the question is whether he can get it done in the next twelve months.  He may be good enough a GM to keep them in the top third of the league, but not able to crack the near-dynasty to near-dynasty nut.

[CelticG1]

Stars want to join other stars-not replace them. Im sure free agents would have loves to come even in 08the but we prob would have had to trade one of the big 3

[jdz101]

I think the weather is a crap excuse too. Its not like you're in Boston all year round. More than half the season you're travelling to other places to play anyway.

And the big city thing is bull aswell...could you not get a sweet place in new York and travel to Boston when you have to train?