Hoopsworld: Rondo for Gasol?

[birdbrady]

Unless we were fleecing the Lakers, I certainly wouldn't do any trade with them that was remotely close. I certainly wouldn't give them the better, younger player.

Younger player, yes.  Better player, no.  Gasol is better this year, next and probably the year after than Rondo ever will be.

Still wouldn't do the trade though.  But let's not kid ourselves and call Rondo a better player than a Hall of Fame bigman, Pau Gasol.

Gasol would make us contenders this year. The Lakers, if they want to continue to look relevant, need to make a deal. Gasol has certainly proved he is still capable of getting it done on a nightly basis, but I'd think he'd be getting tired of being Kobe's sidekick in LA, where Bynum wants to be the second option on offense.

We play for championships, not to be 'contenders' in a single season.  This move doesn't even guarantee an ECF appearance, let alone a title.

I hope Danny sees Rondo as a chip to bring in a major star in the next year or two, like he was going to do with Chris Paul.  Gasol is awesome, but he's 31.

[LooseCannon]

I would not want to make this trade now, but I would like to re-visit the idea in the off-season.

[Tradetime]

Unless we were fleecing the Lakers, I certainly wouldn't do any trade with them that was remotely close. I certainly wouldn't give them the better, younger player.

Younger player, yes.  Better player, no.  Gasol is better this year, next and probably the year after than Rondo ever will be.

Still wouldn't do the trade though.  But let's not kid ourselves and call Rondo a better player than a Hall of Fame bigman, Pau Gasol.

Gasol would make us contenders this year. The Lakers, if they want to continue to look relevant, need to make a deal. Gasol has certainly proved he is still capable of getting it done on a nightly basis, but I'd think he'd be getting tired of being Kobe's sidekick in LA, where Bynum wants to be the second option on offense.

We play for championships, not to be 'contenders' in a single season.  This move doesn't even guarantee an ECF appearance, let alone a title.

I hope Danny sees Rondo as a chip to bring in a major star in the next year or two, like he was going to do with Chris Paul.  Gasol is awesome, but he's 31.

The basis behind my statement is that I don't think (and as others have stated) that Rondo is the future to this team. I'm not sure whether you're talking about dealing Rondo for a CP3 caliber player, or hanging on to him as the future of our franchise. Ultimately, I think with the way the team has been playing, Ainge would like to make one more legitimate swipe at a title.

With a guy like Gasol, who can step out and hit the 15 foot jumper like Garnett, or play in the post, you don't believe would cause matchup issues with teams like Miami or Chicago in the playoffs?

[Tai]

Unless we were fleecing the Lakers, I certainly wouldn't do any trade with them that was remotely close. I certainly wouldn't give them the better, younger player.

Younger player, yes.  Better player, no.  Gasol is better this year, next and probably the year after than Rondo ever will be.

Still wouldn't do the trade though.  But let's not kid ourselves and call Rondo a better player than a Hall of Fame bigman, Pau Gasol.

Gasol would make us contenders this year. The Lakers, if they want to continue to look relevant, need to make a deal. Gasol has certainly proved he is still capable of getting it done on a nightly basis, but I'd think he'd be getting tired of being Kobe's sidekick in LA, where Bynum wants to be the second option on offense.

We play for championships, not to be 'contenders' in a single season.  This move doesn't even guarantee an ECF appearance, let alone a title.

I hope Danny sees Rondo as a chip to bring in a major star in the next year or two, like he was going to do with Chris Paul.  Gasol is awesome, but he's 31.

Isn't that what contenders do, play for a championship? And Gasol would be signed for as long as Pierce, so this wouldn't be a "single season". I'm not sure why you'd put it like that if you don't think this move makes us a championship contender, no matter how long Danny would think the move would extend the window for.

[BballTim]

Unless we were fleecing the Lakers, I certainly wouldn't do any trade with them that was remotely close. I certainly wouldn't give them the better, younger player.

Younger player, yes.  Better player, no.  Gasol is better this year, next and probably the year after than Rondo ever will be.

Still wouldn't do the trade though.  But let's not kid ourselves and call Rondo a better player than a Hall of Fame bigman, Pau Gasol.

Gasol would make us contenders this year. The Lakers, if they want to continue to look relevant, need to make a deal. Gasol has certainly proved he is still capable of getting it done on a nightly basis, but I'd think he'd be getting tired of being Kobe's sidekick in LA, where Bynum wants to be the second option on offense.

We play for championships, not to be 'contenders' in a single season.  This move doesn't even guarantee an ECF appearance, let alone a title.

I hope Danny sees Rondo as a chip to bring in a major star in the next year or two, like he was going to do with Chris Paul.  Gasol is awesome, but he's 31.

The basis behind my statement is that I don't think (and as others have stated) that Rondo is the future to this team. I'm not sure whether you're talking about dealing Rondo for a CP3 caliber player, or hanging on to him as the future of our franchise. Ultimately, I think with the way the team has been playing, Ainge would like to make one more legitimate swipe at a title.

With a guy like Gasol, who can step out and hit the 15 foot jumper like Garnett, or play in the post, you don't believe would cause matchup issues with teams like Miami or Chicago in the playoffs?

  I don't agree with the sentiment that if the Celts keep Rondo after this year that they somehow declare him their franchise player and try and build the team in such a way that all of the players are complementary to him and he's expected to carry the team on his shoulders going forward. Paul Pierce was never able to fill the role that people are claiming that Rondo needs to slot into. That didn't mean that the Celts needed to unload Paul 6-7 years ago when it was clear he wasn't going to be a franchise player.

[OsirusCeltics]

I'm suprised that the support for this prospective trade is in the minority
Who wouldn't love this trade?

1) If Rondo is traded, we have plenty of capable ball handlers to run the offense
- Moore, Bradley, Daniels, Pierce, Ray Allen
And while Rondo was injured and not playing, the combo of those players did as well, or even better what Rondo does

2) The combination of Gasol and KG in the post would be the most skilled big man combo in the league by far. Defense, both mobile big man, length, post scoring, proficient jump shooters, incredible passers.. just imagine!

3) Celtics won the title with only one offensive big man, if this trade happens, they would have two. And Gasol is only 31. His sub-par play is not an age-factor, its because he has to move out of his comfort zone because of Bynum. And Bynum has said himself (quoted many times) that he feels crowded in the paint with Gasol there. And now that Mike Brown is the coach and runs his offense more through Bynum, Gasol is pushed to the wayside

Celtics would be the favorites to win the title if Gasol comes here. Make that trade Danny!

[heyvik]

I'm suprised that the support for this prospective trade is in the minority
Who wouldn't love this trade?

1) If Rondo is traded, we have plenty of capable ball handlers to run the offense
- Moore, Bradley, Daniels, Pierce, Ray Allen
And while Rondo was injured and not playing, the combo of those players did as well, or even better what Rondo does

2) The combination of Gasol and KG in the post would be the most skilled big man combo in the league by far. Defense, both mobile big man, length, post scoring, proficient jump shooters, incredible passers.. just imagine!

3) Celtics won the title with only one offensive big man, if this trade happens, they would have two. And Gasol is only 31. His sub-par play is not an age-factor, its because he has to move out of his comfort zone because of Bynum. And Bynum has said himself (quoted many times) that he feels crowded in the paint with Gasol there. And now that Mike Brown is the coach and runs his offense more through Bynum, Gasol is pushed to the wayside

Celtics would be the favorites to win the title if Gasol comes here. Make that trade Danny!

But remember during that stretch, we didn't play an elite teams. We didn't play a CHI or MIA, or LAC. these teams have good to great point guard play. Yeah, but if we are relying on AB/Moore/Dooling to play guard, i think we are asking for it. I have a little faith in Moore because of his 4 years in College and his outside shot, but to rely heavily on that trio would be scary.... I could easily see DWade, CPaul or DRose eating these guys for breakfast, lunch AND dinner.

[BballTim]

I'm suprised that the support for this prospective trade is in the minority
Who wouldn't love this trade?

1) If Rondo is traded, we have plenty of capable ball handlers to run the offense
- Moore, Bradley, Daniels, Pierce, Ray Allen
And while Rondo was injured and not playing, the combo of those players did as well, or even better what Rondo does

  That combo didn't do as well as Rondo does in spite of greatly improved play from KG and PP and generally playing against bad defenses.

[Eddie20]

I think the problem that most fans have with the deal is that there are no names associated with the #1 pick(s) we could receive along with Gasol. As I mentioned in another thread, according to Draft Express, Austin RIvers currently projects as going #20 in this year's loaded draft. I'm fairly certain a lot more C's fans would be onboard if the trade read Gasol & Rivers for Rondo & JO. Now imagine if we are able to get both their #1 picks.

[OsirusCeltics]

I'm suprised that the support for this prospective trade is in the minority
Who wouldn't love this trade?

1) If Rondo is traded, we have plenty of capable ball handlers to run the offense
- Moore, Bradley, Daniels, Pierce, Ray Allen
And while Rondo was injured and not playing, the combo of those players did as well, or even better what Rondo does

2) The combination of Gasol and KG in the post would be the most skilled big man combo in the league by far. Defense, both mobile big man, length, post scoring, proficient jump shooters, incredible passers.. just imagine!

3) Celtics won the title with only one offensive big man, if this trade happens, they would have two. And Gasol is only 31. His sub-par play is not an age-factor, its because he has to move out of his comfort zone because of Bynum. And Bynum has said himself (quoted many times) that he feels crowded in the paint with Gasol there. And now that Mike Brown is the coach and runs his offense more through Bynum, Gasol is pushed to the wayside

Celtics would be the favorites to win the title if Gasol comes here. Make that trade Danny!

But remember during that stretch, we didn't play an elite teams. We didn't play a CHI or MIA, or LAC. these teams have good to great point guard play. Yeah, but if we are relying on AB/Moore/Dooling to play guard, i think we are asking for it. I have a little faith in Moore because of his 4 years in College and his outside shot, but to rely heavily on that trio would be scary.... I could easily see DWade, CPaul or DRose eating these guys for breakfast, lunch AND dinner.

But during that Championship year, Rondo was relegated to the bench when he wasn't playing well. Cassell and Eddie House took his place, and that combo is not as good as Dooling, Moore, Bradely, and Pierce

[BballTim]

I'm suprised that the support for this prospective trade is in the minority
Who wouldn't love this trade?

1) If Rondo is traded, we have plenty of capable ball handlers to run the offense
- Moore, Bradley, Daniels, Pierce, Ray Allen
And while Rondo was injured and not playing, the combo of those players did as well, or even better what Rondo does

2) The combination of Gasol and KG in the post would be the most skilled big man combo in the league by far. Defense, both mobile big man, length, post scoring, proficient jump shooters, incredible passers.. just imagine!

3) Celtics won the title with only one offensive big man, if this trade happens, they would have two. And Gasol is only 31. His sub-par play is not an age-factor, its because he has to move out of his comfort zone because of Bynum. And Bynum has said himself (quoted many times) that he feels crowded in the paint with Gasol there. And now that Mike Brown is the coach and runs his offense more through Bynum, Gasol is pushed to the wayside

Celtics would be the favorites to win the title if Gasol comes here. Make that trade Danny!

But remember during that stretch, we didn't play an elite teams. We didn't play a CHI or MIA, or LAC. these teams have good to great point guard play. Yeah, but if we are relying on AB/Moore/Dooling to play guard, i think we are asking for it. I have a little faith in Moore because of his 4 years in College and his outside shot, but to rely heavily on that trio would be scary.... I could easily see DWade, CPaul or DRose eating these guys for breakfast, lunch AND dinner.

But during that Championship year, Rondo was relegated to the bench when he wasn't playing well. Cassell and Eddie House took his place, and that combo is not as good as Dooling, Moore, Bradely, and Pierce

  He played fewer minutes in a couple of the Cavs games, but the big three were much more capable of playing well without him 3-4 years ago.

[PAOBoston]

i think this trade would be a lot more palatable if DA goes and gets a semi-decent pg to start like a calderon/brooks/sessions for example. not sure what it would take to get one of those types of players but they just need a ball handler to chip in b/c bradley/dooling/etc arent very good ball handlers. you dont need an elite pg to contend, just a solid one.

if that was the case, then i'd do the trade (especially if LA includes a pick or both picks). otherwise, NO DEAL.

[LooseCannon]

I'm suprised that the support for this prospective trade is in the minority
Who wouldn't love this trade?

People who love Rondo and think he is a franchise point guard.  People who hate any Laker.

I wonder how people would feel if it was the expiring contracts of Ray Allen and Jermaine O'Neal, plus multiple first round picks, for Pau Gasol.

[xmuscularghandix]

Pau Gasol next to KG and Pierce would easily form the best front court in the NBA... the shooting, defense, passing, and rebounding would be through the roof.

This is the type of deal that could make the Celtics contenders RIGHT NOW.

You've seen how the team plays without Rondo and it's just as effective as it was in 07 without RR handling ALL ball handling duties. Any defensive oriented PG could start in the back court as long as you had a better shooting PG to finish games for floor spacing.

[BballTim]

Pau Gasol next to KG and Pierce would easily form the best front court in the NBA... the shooting, defense, passing, and rebounding would be through the roof.

This is the type of deal that could make the Celtics contenders RIGHT NOW.

You've seen how the team plays without Rondo and it's just as effective as it was in 07 without RR handling ALL ball handling duties. Any defensive oriented PG could start in the back court as long as you had a better shooting PG to finish games for floor spacing.

  You seriously don't see a difference between how the Celts played while Rondo was out and how the team looked in 07-08?