Balkman will be bought out by the Knicks

[Chris]

If we are going to cut someone to bring in a free agent, from guys who are already available, I would take all of these guys before even considering Balkman (and I won't even include Przybilla, since he is biding his time):

1. Al Thornton
2. Jamario Moon
3. Julian Wright
4. Leon Powe
5. Kyrylo Fesenko
6. Kelenna Azuibuke
7. Either of the Graham brothers

In other words, there are a lot of NBA players that are not on rosters right now.  The only reason Balkman was over them was because someone signed him to a dumb contract a couple years ago. 

1.  Thornton: Balkman's the better rebounder, defender and role-player.
2.  Moon: Not the rebounder/stat sheet stuffer he once was.  Past his prime.  Balkman more likely to able to contribute.
3.  Wright: Fascinating player.  I'd like him.
4. Powe: no longer an NBA quality player after the injuries.
5.  Fesenko: more of a Stiemsma replacement.
6.  Azuibuke: Didn't he suffer a career-ending injury?
7. Graham brothers: dumber players than Balkman.  I think he'd play a small role better.

In his first 3 years, Balkman produced in rotation minutes.  I think he's well worth a roster spot.

I guess we just have to agree to disagree on Balkman's abilities.  I think he is a guy who can be effective for one or two games before the other teams realize he is completely useless for anything other than loose balls and rebounds, and adjust accordingly.  There is a reason he has not been able to hold down a job in the NBA. 

[j804]

Seeing that list has me wondering why not Fesenko over JO? I mean he couldn't be worse could he, way more reliable than JO that's for sure

[LooseCannon]

Balkman? Is this what our world has come to now?

We haven't hit rock bottom.  (That would be another blooming of bring back 'Toine and other ex-Celtics worse than Antoine Walker threads).

[Who]

eww, no thanks.  I am not a Balkman fan. 

Why not?

I would love, love, love Balkman's addition to this team. 

This team does not have a physically powerful wing after Pierce: Ray, Pietrus, Sasha, Marquis and Dooling are all smaller, lighter and weaker than garden variety NBA SFs.  None of them can rebound like a forward either.

Balkman is very powerfully built, very tenacious, a good rebounder and defender.  Capable of filling in as a small-ball 4 without killing us on the boards.  Capable of playing alongside Pierce at the wing to physically maul softer opposing wing combos.

Sure he can't shoot, but he can play off-ball pretty well, hits the offensive glass (a huge need on this team) and can be very effective in transition.

I'd cut Sasha or Daniels to bring in Balkman.

Agreed -- Balkman would be a valuable role player to have.

I'd be very happy if Boston managed to sign him.

[bfrombleacher]

Seeing that list has me wondering why not Fesenko over JO? I mean he couldn't be worse could he, way more reliable than JO that's for sure

I hope Ainge goes in that direction. The multi-center thing was working somewhat until we went away from it last year.

[greenpride32]

Seeing that list has me wondering why not Fesenko over JO? I mean he couldn't be worse could he, way more reliable than JO that's for sure

I'm starting to think the C's are really throwing in the towel this year.  Last year we were after any serviceable guy to strengthen our bench.  This year any experienced guy is rumored to have interest from MIA NYK LAC CHI DAL etc; all the contenders.  You just don't hear about BOS trying to pursue anyone.

[kg is king]

Seeing that list has me wondering why not Fesenko over JO? I mean he couldn't be worse could he, way more reliable than JO that's for sure

I'm starting to think the C's are really throwing in the towel this year.  Last year we were after any serviceable guy to strengthen our bench.  This year any experienced guy is rumored to have interest from MIA NYK LAC CHI DAL etc; all the contenders.  You just don't hear about BOS trying to pursue anyone.

That's only one side of the picture. Imagine you are a player, is there a reason why you would want to come to Boston over those teams you mentioned? Celtics are not considered contenders anymore by the league public. Sure they can try to pursue but the number and the caliber of players that are interested will not be at the same levels as previous years.