Danny Ainge CAN NOT split this group

[D Dub]

don't know about 'split up', but we should let Ray go.

if KG is willing to take a team friendly deal, we could retool on the fly & remain a top 5 team.

2 names:

Javale McGee & James Harden

think we'll have enough space to sign both, depending on KG's desired salary...

[PACelts22]

I think the fact that this free agent class is so weak will be a highly motivating factor for Danny to keep this group together.  And that's not even counting the other benefits, like what KG and Ray can teach young players and how much more money Wyc will make keeping them together, rather than going into pseudo-rebuilding mode. 

Plus, I really like what Bradley and Green could bring to this team with the Big Three.  With Bradley and Green in tow, this team really could keep KG, Ray, and PP all around 30 mpg without going into terrible scoring droughts. 

I am stoked at what a Rondo/Green/Bradley trio would be like running wild

I am still getting over the loss, but, like many others, was not totally surprised after the game 6 blow out.

Honestly, with Bradley, Green, and [even] Wilcox our team would have gotten so many more easy transition baskets and the defense would have been much more energetic. I am totally in line with those that want to bring back this group, even for two more years [as that is when Pierce will be up]. Unless there is a guarantee at a Howard/Williams FA signing, I don't see any reason to fall into 7-10 range in draft position.

Plus, what if KG, Ray, and Green come back on very reasonable contracts? For KG/Ray, are they really playing for money at this point and Green does have something to prove. It would be even more exciting to add a guy like J. Smith. What a way to move on to the next generation.

So if we're operating under the assumption that Green, Bradley, and Wilcox are all healthy, are we also saying all this under the assumption that Rose isn't injured, and that the Magic didn't lose Dwight for the playoffs?

I love this team, and I love what happened this post season as far as overachieving, but the truth is, we didn't have to play a STRONG Bulls team, and we didn't have to play a potentially dangerous Magic team.  We had almost everything go our way this post season up until the 8 minute mark of the fourth quarter last night.  No Rose, No Dwight, and No Bosh up until the last few games...  We still couldn't do it though.  It's going to get HARDER as the Heat get BETTER, and we get SLOWER.  Face reality.

Best post of the thread.  A lot of things broke for us (can't forget Horford missing most of the round 1 series as well).  This was my favorite team to watch in years just based on their heart and effort, but I'm a realist.  

If we went through the Hawks at full strength, the Bulls with Rose and the Heat with Bosh to 7 games, totally different story.  In 2010, it was clear these guys were better than everyone else.  This team, i felt like every possession was a grind and was so difficult on both ends and on the boards.

I still think Danny's end game is Dwight Howard (and then in turn Deron Williams).  And it will take Rondo and pieces to get it done.  I'm probably Rondo's biggest fan but we have to do this (if Dwight can convince Deron to come).  Get it done Danny

[wahz]

Sigh.

One of these days you guys are going to realize 40 year olds cant compete in this league.

KG averaged 20PPG and 10RPG this playoff Run...that puts him as one of the best big men in the league still..

he cant do it for 40minutes a game anymore...but he can still compete.

Id go so far as to say that KG starting at center and being limited to 28-30 mpg and having an excellent back up young big behind him, THAT KG would have as big an impact next year during those minutes as any other player in the NBA. He is still that good and that is the right place for him to play.

[RajonRondo9Dime]

The team will not win a championship without a major overhaul, period.

I'd bet everything I own.

KG and Paul are no longer a legit 1-2. Ray goes without saying.

Separate your emotions from reality.

[hpantazo]

I think the fact that this free agent class is so weak will be a highly motivating factor for Danny to keep this group together.  And that's not even counting the other benefits, like what KG and Ray can teach young players and how much more money Wyc will make keeping them together, rather than going into pseudo-rebuilding mode. 

Plus, I really like what Bradley and Green could bring to this team with the Big Three.  With Bradley and Green in tow, this team really could keep KG, Ray, and PP all around 30 mpg without going into terrible scoring droughts. 

I am stoked at what a Rondo/Green/Bradley trio would be like running wild

I am still getting over the loss, but, like many others, was not totally surprised after the game 6 blow out.

Honestly, with Bradley, Green, and [even] Wilcox our team would have gotten so many more easy transition baskets and the defense would have been much more energetic. I am totally in line with those that want to bring back this group, even for two more years [as that is when Pierce will be up]. Unless there is a guarantee at a Howard/Williams FA signing, I don't see any reason to fall into 7-10 range in draft position.

Plus, what if KG, Ray, and Green come back on very reasonable contracts? For KG/Ray, are they really playing for money at this point and Green does have something to prove. It would be even more exciting to add a guy like J. Smith. What a way to move on to the next generation.

So if we're operating under the assumption that Green, Bradley, and Wilcox are all healthy, are we also saying all this under the assumption that Rose isn't injured, and that the Magic didn't lose Dwight for the playoffs?

I love this team, and I love what happened this post season as far as overachieving, but the truth is, we didn't have to play a STRONG Bulls team, and we didn't have to play a potentially dangerous Magic team.  We had almost everything go our way this post season up until the 8 minute mark of the fourth quarter last night.  No Rose, No Dwight, and No Bosh up until the last few games...  We still couldn't do it though.  It's going to get HARDER as the Heat get BETTER, and we get SLOWER.  Face reality.

Best post of the thread.  A lot of things broke for us (can't forget Horford missing most of the round 1 series as well).  This was my favorite team to watch in years just based on their heart and effort, but I'm a realist.  

If we went through the Hawks at full strength, the Bulls with Rose and the Heat with Bosh to 7 games, totally different story.  In 2010, it was clear these guys were better than everyone else.  This team, i felt like every possession was a grind and was so difficult on both ends and on the boards.

I still think Danny's end game is Dwight Howard (and then in turn Deron Williams).  And it will take Rondo and pieces to get it done.  I'm probably Rondo's biggest fan but we have to do this (if Dwight can convince Deron to come).  Get it done Danny

Dwight Howard is an immature, spoiled big man who has neither the work ethic or mental toughness to lead a championship team. Rondo has both of those things in spades plus a great relationship with the best coach in the business. I would never trade Rondo to get Howard or Deron Williams. Rondo is better than each of them imo. If you surround Rondo with smart, hard working guys who can run and defend, he will also take his game and the team to another level.

[Surferdad]

I really hope that he brings everyone back for one more year. A healthy lineup of:
Rondo/Dooling
Bradley/Allen
Pierce/Pietrus
Green/Bass
Garnett/Wilcox

could do major damage next year, especially with Rose out. With Chicago out of the picture I'll take our chances in a rematch with Miami, a team we took to 7 games this year.

We will not see this team.

1)  It will be really a bad idea to bring back two guy getting over heart conditions.

2)  Bass, Drooling and Pietrus will have to be willing to take a one year contract. 

3)  Green was not a good starting PF before he had a heart issue.

I think people forget that there are major advantages to bringing back your own players.  They know the system and they know each other. Additionally, the team can ign their own players and go above the cap.  As long as Green and Wilcox are given the green light b the doctors, that's good enough for me.  Green will play less PF here and will back up Pierce at the 3 mostly.

[wdleehi]

I think the fact that this free agent class is so weak will be a highly motivating factor for Danny to keep this group together.  And that's not even counting the other benefits, like what KG and Ray can teach young players and how much more money Wyc will make keeping them together, rather than going into pseudo-rebuilding mode. 

Plus, I really like what Bradley and Green could bring to this team with the Big Three.  With Bradley and Green in tow, this team really could keep KG, Ray, and PP all around 30 mpg without going into terrible scoring droughts. 

I am stoked at what a Rondo/Green/Bradley trio would be like running wild

I am still getting over the loss, but, like many others, was not totally surprised after the game 6 blow out.

Honestly, with Bradley, Green, and [even] Wilcox our team would have gotten so many more easy transition baskets and the defense would have been much more energetic. I am totally in line with those that want to bring back this group, even for two more years [as that is when Pierce will be up]. Unless there is a guarantee at a Howard/Williams FA signing, I don't see any reason to fall into 7-10 range in draft position.

Plus, what if KG, Ray, and Green come back on very reasonable contracts? For KG/Ray, are they really playing for money at this point and Green does have something to prove. It would be even more exciting to add a guy like J. Smith. What a way to move on to the next generation.

So if we're operating under the assumption that Green, Bradley, and Wilcox are all healthy, are we also saying all this under the assumption that Rose isn't injured, and that the Magic didn't lose Dwight for the playoffs?

I love this team, and I love what happened this post season as far as overachieving, but the truth is, we didn't have to play a STRONG Bulls team, and we didn't have to play a potentially dangerous Magic team.  We had almost everything go our way this post season up until the 8 minute mark of the fourth quarter last night.  No Rose, No Dwight, and No Bosh up until the last few games...  We still couldn't do it though.  It's going to get HARDER as the Heat get BETTER, and we get SLOWER.  Face reality.

Best post of the thread.  A lot of things broke for us (can't forget Horford missing most of the round 1 series as well).  This was my favorite team to watch in years just based on their heart and effort, but I'm a realist.  

If we went through the Hawks at full strength, the Bulls with Rose and the Heat with Bosh to 7 games, totally different story.  In 2010, it was clear these guys were better than everyone else.  This team, i felt like every possession was a grind and was so difficult on both ends and on the boards.

I still think Danny's end game is Dwight Howard (and then in turn Deron Williams).  And it will take Rondo and pieces to get it done.  I'm probably Rondo's biggest fan but we have to do this (if Dwight can convince Deron to come).  Get it done Danny

Dwight Howard is an immature, spoiled big man who has neither the work ethic or mental toughness to lead a championship team. Rondo has both of those things in spades plus a great relationship with the best coach in the business. I would never trade Rondo to get Howard or Deron Williams. Rondo is better than each of them imo. If you surround Rondo with smart, hard working guys who can run and defend, he will also take his game and the team to another level.

Howard carried a team to the NBA Finals.  Including beating a team with Rondo, Pierce and Ray Allen



Howard is the 2nd best player in the NBA.


If Orlando losses it's mind and wants to trade Howard for Rondo, you do it.  If you can then add Williams as a free agent right after that, the rest of the league will be whining the biggest whine of the year.  

[RajonRondo9Dime]

I think the fact that this free agent class is so weak will be a highly motivating factor for Danny to keep this group together.  And that's not even counting the other benefits, like what KG and Ray can teach young players and how much more money Wyc will make keeping them together, rather than going into pseudo-rebuilding mode. 

Plus, I really like what Bradley and Green could bring to this team with the Big Three.  With Bradley and Green in tow, this team really could keep KG, Ray, and PP all around 30 mpg without going into terrible scoring droughts. 

I am stoked at what a Rondo/Green/Bradley trio would be like running wild

I am still getting over the loss, but, like many others, was not totally surprised after the game 6 blow out.

Honestly, with Bradley, Green, and [even] Wilcox our team would have gotten so many more easy transition baskets and the defense would have been much more energetic. I am totally in line with those that want to bring back this group, even for two more years [as that is when Pierce will be up]. Unless there is a guarantee at a Howard/Williams FA signing, I don't see any reason to fall into 7-10 range in draft position.

Plus, what if KG, Ray, and Green come back on very reasonable contracts? For KG/Ray, are they really playing for money at this point and Green does have something to prove. It would be even more exciting to add a guy like J. Smith. What a way to move on to the next generation.

So if we're operating under the assumption that Green, Bradley, and Wilcox are all healthy, are we also saying all this under the assumption that Rose isn't injured, and that the Magic didn't lose Dwight for the playoffs?

I love this team, and I love what happened this post season as far as overachieving, but the truth is, we didn't have to play a STRONG Bulls team, and we didn't have to play a potentially dangerous Magic team.  We had almost everything go our way this post season up until the 8 minute mark of the fourth quarter last night.  No Rose, No Dwight, and No Bosh up until the last few games...  We still couldn't do it though.  It's going to get HARDER as the Heat get BETTER, and we get SLOWER.  Face reality.

Best post of the thread.  A lot of things broke for us (can't forget Horford missing most of the round 1 series as well).  This was my favorite team to watch in years just based on their heart and effort, but I'm a realist.  

If we went through the Hawks at full strength, the Bulls with Rose and the Heat with Bosh to 7 games, totally different story.  In 2010, it was clear these guys were better than everyone else.  This team, i felt like every possession was a grind and was so difficult on both ends and on the boards.

I still think Danny's end game is Dwight Howard (and then in turn Deron Williams).  And it will take Rondo and pieces to get it done.  I'm probably Rondo's biggest fan but we have to do this (if Dwight can convince Deron to come).  Get it done Danny

Dwight Howard is an immature, spoiled big man who has neither the work ethic or mental toughness to lead a championship team. Rondo has both of those things in spades plus a great relationship with the best coach in the business. I would never trade Rondo to get Howard or Deron Williams. Rondo is better than each of them imo. If you surround Rondo with smart, hard working guys who can run and defend, he will also take his game and the team to another level.

Howard carried a team to the NBA Finals.  Including beating a team with Rondo, Pierce and Ray Allen



Howard is the 2nd best player in the NBA.


If Orlando losses it's mind and wants to trade Howard for Rondo, you do it.  If you can then add Williams as a free agent right after that, the rest of the league will be whining the biggest whine of the year.  

Howard is the 2nd best player in the NBA?

Wow, uh no. He is the 2nd best center though.

[wdleehi]

Howard is the 2nd best player in the NBA?

Wow, uh no. He is the 2nd best center though.

Only Lebron is a better player. 

[cman88]

The team will not win a championship without a major overhaul, period.

I'd bet everything I own.

KG and Paul are no longer a legit 1-2. Ray goes without saying.

Separate your emotions from reality.

Kg is still a 20ppg 10rpg. On 50% shooting. He had the highest per in the playoffs...that is bettr than a lot of pf/cs younger than him

[hpantazo]

Howard is the 2nd best player in the NBA?

Wow, uh no. He is the 2nd best center though.

Only Lebron is a better player. 

There are many better players than Howard, and the dude just had surgery for a bulging disc in his back. As young fit as he is, and as optimistic as the magic sound, that's often the kiss of death for a big man. Of course the magic will be optimistic about his long term health, they need to get top dollar for him in a trade.

[lon3lytoaster]

The team will not win a championship without a major overhaul, period.

I'd bet everything I own.

KG and Paul are no longer a legit 1-2. Ray goes without saying.

Separate your emotions from reality.

Kg is still a 20ppg 10rpg. On 50% shooting. He had the highest per in the playoffs...that is bettr than a lot of pf/cs younger than him

You're putting too much stock into stats. Kevin Garnett is not physically capable of carrying this team for 82 games and the playoffs.

His help defense, his most defining asset is declining significantly. If Kevin can't carry the defense at an almost otherworldly level, which he can't do for long stretches anymore, this team is not a contender next year.

[Smokeeye123]

Howard is the 2nd best player in the NBA?

Wow, uh no. He is the 2nd best center though.

Only Lebron is a better player. 

There are many better players than Howard, and the dude just had surgery for a bulging disc in his back. As young fit as he is, and as optimistic as the magic sound, that's often the kiss of death for a big man. Of course the magic will be optimistic about his long term health, they need to get top dollar for him in a trade.

Durant, Rose, CP3?

[j804]

I think the fact that this free agent class is so weak will be a highly motivating factor for Danny to keep this group together.  And that's not even counting the other benefits, like what KG and Ray can teach young players and how much more money Wyc will make keeping them together, rather than going into pseudo-rebuilding mode. 

Plus, I really like what Bradley and Green could bring to this team with the Big Three.  With Bradley and Green in tow, this team really could keep KG, Ray, and PP all around 30 mpg without going into terrible scoring droughts. 

I am stoked at what a Rondo/Green/Bradley trio would be like running wild

I am still getting over the loss, but, like many others, was not totally surprised after the game 6 blow out.

Honestly, with Bradley, Green, and [even] Wilcox our team would have gotten so many more easy transition baskets and the defense would have been much more energetic. I am totally in line with those that want to bring back this group, even for two more years [as that is when Pierce will be up]. Unless there is a guarantee at a Howard/Williams FA signing, I don't see any reason to fall into 7-10 range in draft position.

Plus, what if KG, Ray, and Green come back on very reasonable contracts? For KG/Ray, are they really playing for money at this point and Green does have something to prove. It would be even more exciting to add a guy like J. Smith. What a way to move on to the next generation.

So if we're operating under the assumption that Green, Bradley, and Wilcox are all healthy, are we also saying all this under the assumption that Rose isn't injured, and that the Magic didn't lose Dwight for the playoffs?

I love this team, and I love what happened this post season as far as overachieving, but the truth is, we didn't have to play a STRONG Bulls team, and we didn't have to play a potentially dangerous Magic team.  We had almost everything go our way this post season up until the 8 minute mark of the fourth quarter last night.  No Rose, No Dwight, and No Bosh up until the last few games...  We still couldn't do it though.  It's going to get HARDER as the Heat get BETTER, and we get SLOWER.  Face reality.

The same could be said for us we weren't at full strength either missing nearly our whole bench, Chicago isn't invincible and you are acting like Miami swept us. There was a point even with just Bradley we were playing some historic type lockdown defense.

[cman88]

The team will not win a championship without a major overhaul, period.

I'd bet everything I own.

KG and Paul are no longer a legit 1-2. Ray goes without saying.

Separate your emotions from reality.

Kg is still a 20ppg 10rpg. On 50% shooting. He had the highest per in the playoffs...that is bettr than a lot of pf/cs younger than him

You're putting too much stock into stats. Kevin Garnett is not physically capable of carrying this team for 82 games and the playoffs.

His help defense, his most defining asset is declining significantly. If Kevin can't carry the defense at an almost otherworldly level, which he can't do for long stretches anymore, this team is not a contender next year.

KG is still one of the top big-men in the league. obviously, he cant carry us by himself all those games..but, if we can get him down to 28-30minutes a night he can dominate for that portion

that's why we need depth and we need another quality Big man....the spurs contend every year because of their depth while limiting duncans minutes

I'm obviously not suggesting that kg carry the team all by himself

but, with Rose out likely all the way until next march...we can contend with the right moves