Not sure what our personal rosters envision but I'm thinking Lee+ Pietrus+ another big before Dionte Christmas. If there's room then throw him in- he deserves it.
If it comes down to Pietrus vs Christmas Pietrus probably takes the veterans nod if Doc and Danny are choosing right?
Christmas then gets signed up someone like the Bulls ala Mike James.
I'd rather have 1 really good G and 1 really good C, which probably boils down to the last spot being Pietrus vs Christmas, where I'd rather have Christmas.
Another scenario is that we strike out on all sign and trade options and end up with Pietrus _and_ Christmas. In any case, I don't think we're in a position to pass on a 25 year old with some upside.
Personally I'd rather have Pietrus in a playoff run.
I've seen him defend the elite SF's and SG's in the NBA- he's made a career of getting down and dirty, whilst hitting that 3 point shot. (Although I hope he shoots better this season than last).
Doc and Danny know that in a playoff run we are coming up against Deng, Wade, Hamilton, Evan Turner etc...the guy they want coming in to defend those guys ain't Etwaun Moore, and it ain't even Kris Joseph- I really doubt it's going to be Christmas.
Pietrus has proven himself and proven himself while injured- he'll probably only contribute more this season after having time off to fix his knee and get over his head injury more.
It's just the reality of the situation for Dionte Christmas. He might scrape a camp invite-I hope he does- but probably no presents under his tree this season unfortunately.
Pietrus has had 2 procedures on his knee the last two offseasons. I love his grit and size, but other than experience, he has little goign for him at this stage -- his shot is disgustingly streaky, and while a capable defender, I don't see him as the guy you keep to be a defensive stopper.
While I understand that your logic, I see merit in choosing the younger guy who may be less experienced, but potentially a better piece for the future. That is, if we think it's at all possible -- sadly, I didn't have a chance to see any of the games, so going just on box scores here.
Also, Peaches would cost at least $1M more than either Xmas or Joseph. I can see a theme next year if they both make the team, with KG, PP and RR as the 'three kings', Bradley as the 'new Jesus'?
Anyway, that extra million could be needed elsewhere.
This makes sense, but again, who is Doc going to trust guarding Wade when Avery comes off? He'll have Jason Terry and Rondo to throw at Wade but doing that tires both of them on offense. I think the 1 million would be better spent getting Pietrus as a reliable lock down defender on Wade and the other two/three positions in the playoffs.
Who knows, Pietrus might not even make the roster and they'll give that job to Mayo and/or Courtney Lee.
