SI.com "ainge wants KG/RA around for the young players"

[Evantime34]

This is what Celtics pride is all about. The Celtics older players would stay on to mentor the younger players and usher in the new era.

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I think there's a lot of competition for Ray's spot as 4th wing next year, assuming Pierce, JGreen and Bradley are #1,2,&3.

Ray or Pietrus?  Quisy or Sasha as emergency, 5th wing?  Where do this year's picks fit in?

I'd say if Ray stays, it'll have to be for pretty short money...Eddie House money...$3M.  Or Danny calls Pietrus with the same offer.  If he doesn't answer quickly, I go to Sasha and Quisy with short-money, $2M, 1-2 year offers.  2 veterans (Pierce and one of Ray, Pietrus, Sasha, or Quisy) plus JGreen on the wing might be enough, plus a draft pick and minimum.

So I'm not so sure Ray is going to be comfortable with the role and contract he'll be offered for next year.

 

[Kane3387]

I think there's a lot of competition for Ray's spot as 4th wing next year, assuming Pierce, JGreen and Bradley are #1,2,&3.

Ray or Pietrus?  Quisy or Sasha as emergency, 5th wing?  Where do this year's picks fit in?

I'd say if Ray stays, it'll have to be for pretty short money...Eddie House money...$3M.  Or Danny calls Pietrus with the same offer.  If he doesn't answer quickly, I go to Sasha and Quisy with short-money, $2M, 1-2 year offers.  2 veterans (Pierce and one of Ray, Pietrus, Sasha, or Quisy) plus JGreen on the wing might be enough, plus a draft pick and minimum.

So I'm not so sure Ray is going to be comfortable with the role and contract he'll be offered for next year.

 

Rondo is a One. Pierce is a 3. Green is a 3 and will play some 4. Ray is a 2. Bradley is a 2 and will play some one.

[Bahku]

much appreciated

Not again ... * sigh * ... so original.

(reported, again) 

[LarBrd33]

The presence of KG and Ray on the locker room alone is worth another year. The winning mentality that they're gonna instill to the young guys, the mental aspects of the game and their work ethic will make these young guys prepared once their number gets called up.

On board.

I agree with everything about this.  One of the great things about the old Celtic teams was that they were able to continue the tradition from one generation to the next.  When John Havlicek was young he played with Bill Russell in the 60s.  In fact, when Havlichek was a 22 year old rookie, the Celtics had already won 5 titles... then when John Havlicek was older he continued that tradition into a championship teams with Dave Cowens in '74 and '76.  By that time Havlicek was the star vet in his mid 30s and passing the torch to a young Cowens...  Dave Cowens actually was still our role playing starting center during Larry Bird's rookie year when we won 61 games and lost in the ECF. 

I just like to think that matters a bit.  That transition matters.  Carrying on that tradition matters.  I feel like we lost that a bunch after Bird retired and Reggie Lewis died.  Reggie was supposed to be the guy to carry on that tradition into the next generation, but his death rocked us... and we really didn't recover for almost 20 years.   To me, Kevin Garnett really embodies the spirit of that Celtic tradition.  KEvin Garnett embodies that mentality.  Ray and Pierce are absolutely key as well, but KG more than anyone seems to get that concept... sacrifice, will to win... more than just making money, selling sneakers and being famous.  With KG, you always get the sense that the sport of basketball matters more than it really should... and I ****ing love that about him.  He gets what it means to put on that Celtic jersey... and the young players all seem to look up to him.   I love that Rondo has been able to learn from these legends (there is no way he'd be the player he is today without their influence).  Hopefully Rondo can carry on that tradition, but for as long as Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen can still play basketball... I want them on this team in some capacity spawning more future Rondos from their collective Celtic brilliance. ESPECIALLY Kevin Garnett.  His impact on the mentality of this team and their culture can't be understated.

[clover]

I don't think Danny thinks he needs all three so very badly, but if KG retires and/or Pierce gets traded, I don't think he all of a sudden wants zero of them around either.

KG and one of the others might be ideal.

And of course Danny wants to talk up their value for them, not only for their own benefit but potentially for a S&T too.

(No reason to convince everyone else that Ray is still a near All-Star if you simply want to sign a new deal with him.)

[arambone]

"I'd say if Ray stays, it'll have to be for pretty short money...Eddie House money...$3M."

He'd be insulted, with good reason. He's probably worth twice that, especially if it's only a one year deal and the C's gain that flexibility.

Allen is a great fit as the third guard along with Rondo and Bradley. Leadership, production, efficiency, pretty clutch, championship experience, team chemistry continuation.

[CFAN38]

I feel like a veteran presence in invaluable in developing young players.

In terms on pure talent every player drafted in the first round should be able to start in the NBA and every 2nd round pick should be able to give minutes off the bench. The other variables are what counter the talents ability to perform. Maturity, Mental preparation, and dedication. A great coach, great front office, and solid veteran leadership definitely raises the odds of young players making it and flourishing in the league.

[st.jimmy222]

when talking about a guard that can create his own shot and score, has everyone forgotten about Moore?? If ray doesn't come back, and i don't think he will, then we could Moore coming of the bench. Imagine that bench back court of Bradley, Moore, and Green. Plenty of offense there.

[wdleehi]

when talking about a guard that can create his own shot and score, has everyone forgotten about Moore?? If ray doesn't come back, and i don't think he will, then we could Moore coming of the bench. Imagine that bench back court of Bradley, Moore, and Green. Plenty of offense there.

No.  I put it less then 50% that he is back next year. 


two first rounders and a 2nd rounder.

[twinbree]

I am completely in favor of this. We have to keep the culture of team ball, defense and winning in Boston. I don't want to go back to the dark days. I like that Doc is committed to that cause. Seems like Danny and Wyc are to an extent.

[get_banners]

as others have pointed out, there aren't a ton of great free agents this year. it makes a lot of sense to bring ray and KG back on short-term deals (if they are up for it, obviously), and then have lots of space next year or the following year, when some impactful free agents might actually be available.