If not Marcus Camby, then who else?...

[Who]

Wilcox on the cheap wouldn't be a bad option.

so you're starting wilcox?

I would start Brandon Bass.

I liked Wilcox over Bass as a starter last year (in a 18-24mpg starting role with Bass playing 26-28mpg as the main backup big man) but I don't think Wilcox can be relied for that coming off of heart surgery. Only willing to depend on Wilcox to be a third string big.

I would also start Brandon Bass ahead of Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman. I prefer both guys as backup centers behind Garnett (with some playing time alongside KG in the second unit) rather than as starters.

I don't want to get old and slow again. I liked having some quickness in that starting unit last year. I would only go away from that if there is a large upgrade available. Otherwise, I am keeping the Bass-Garnett combo.

Then you're sticking KG back where he's not comfortable? You really think he can stay healthy banging with centers for 82 games? I have serious doubts...

Yes, I am very happy with Garnett at the center position. He was the second best center in the league last year. I have long wanted him to play the five. I'd like to keep him there. It's my first preference.

Health wise, I prefer him at the five. Playing the four puts more pressure on his knees. Spending more time away from the rim against quicker more agile attackers who force Kevin to get low and make lots of sharp turns.

In terms of injuries, I think KG is more likely to pickup injuries at PF than C.

[CelticG1]

I think we end up with Krstic.

I thought he fit in pretty well for us until a couple of those injuries.

Id feel comfortable alright with Krstic, Bass and Wilcox.

[vgulab]

S.Williams , G.Stiemsma , C.Wilcox

[relja]

Krstic would be the best fit for us.. He isn't old, has good defense and is far more offensive minded that perk.. Besides, last season he played 2 months with a broken foot at a top level..

[the_Bird]

Camby's rebounding last year was pretty spectacular, looking both at the raw numbers and his rebounding rate (offensive and defensive).  He's always an injury concern, but he played 59 games last season.  He's another old guy, but he's still an effective player and he shouldn't command more than the MLE.  BUT, it'll probably take at least a good chunk of the MLE to procure his services...  but I'm OK with that.  I'd rather push hard to get Ray Allen back in the fold and forgo JET Terry, and have Camby to help out at the 5.

[Professor of Rondology]

I think we end up with Krstic.

I thought he fit in pretty well for us until a couple of those injuries.

Id feel comfortable alright with Krstic, Bass and Wilcox.

That was the honeymoon period.  Beware the honeymoon period.  It deceives you. [Krstic was fantastic for us when he first got here, but then people realized he was a poor defender and rebounder and then his shot stopped falling- his play came back down to earth quickly]

Camby is an option we MUST consider b/c of his elite rebounding rate, but also one we MUST leave on the table b/c of his age and injury possibilities. I really want to stay away from the "if he can just stay healthy we'll be in great shape!"-type veterans.  I've had quite enough of them.

I've said it before and I'll say it again- our best options for big men have been staring us in the face for awhile now, their names are Brandon Bass, Chris Wilcox, and Greg Stiemsma.  Most importantly, they all know the system.  Almost as important, Doc knows them- and loves them.  They all improved their team-defense considerably over the course of a year, and should only continue improve if they stay within the same system. Bass might bolt for a big payday but we should cross that bridge when we get to it, Danny seems confident that we can get him back.