Doc: "We could really use" Delfino

[bfrombleacher]

Getting Delfino would let our rooks develop at their own pace, especially Sully as we can shift JG to the 4 and we'd have more bigs to play center.

But we'd be letting go of Christmas. KJ43 is younger and bigger (don't get why people are saying we're getting rid of him, we spent a pick on him and he's cheap as dirt).

Though the 2 is not something we need, at all. Decent role player 2s aren't exactly hard to find either.

Like everyone else said, I'm fine with KJ and Christmas. Hell, I'd be happy. Only a handful of players signed to decent contracts would be better in my opinion. Delfino is one of them.

[Professor of Rondology]

The reasonable solution would be to fill the 15th slot with a guard or wing on a contract that is not fully guaranteed, so you can easily cut him if you need to get more depth at a different position when Bradley is healthy.

Good luck finding someone who can play under these conditions.

Might I introduce you to Dionte Christmas?

Yes, in Summer League he has proven he can but I think the poster is talking about someone you KNOW has done it in actual NBA games...

A proven NBA player who would be willing to sign a non-guaranteed vet min contract to be injury-insurance on a team that already has its rotation set in stone??  I'm fairly certain that even guys like Marquis Daniels would require a guaranteed deal.

If Christmas gives us any indication in camp that he can transition to the NBA game, I think we'll give him a chance as our injury-insurance guard.  He has played at a high level in college, overseas, and now in summer league- give him some time to work with Pierce, Jet, Dooling and Rondo and he might turn into a decent pro.

On the other hand, if Christmas doesn't show Doc enough, I would be fine with using our last roster spot on Marquis.  He can play the 2 or 3 spots with ease and can even play PG in a  pinch.  He knows the system, knows his role, and is a team player.  Are their any other vet min swingmen out there who can contribute as much as Marquis can?

Obviously, Delfino would be an upgrade, but he is out of our price range.

[gar]

Joseph & Christmas are quality bargain basement rookies.

Any of these guys (Delfino, Pietrus, Marquis) at the vet min. is a bargain basement vet

Tough choice.

I go with Joseph and Christmas to make the point that the celtics need to be able to run with younger teams. These a rookies with solid backgrounds who can run with Rondo and Bradley. I think it could also revitalize the vets and the fans to have some young players to get behind.

[Professor of Rondology]

Joseph & Christmas are quality bargain basement rookies.

Any of these guys (Delfino, Pietrus, Marquis) at the vet min. is a bargain basement vet

Tough choice.

I go with Joseph and Christmas to make the point that the celtics need to be able to run with younger teams. These a rookies with solid backgrounds who can run with Rondo and Bradley. I think it could also revitalize the vets and the fans to have some young players to get behind.

Unfortunately, Delfino and Peaches aren't playing for the vet min. 

Joseph and Christmas might revitalize the vets, run with rondo, and all that.  They also might spend the whole season fighting for garbage time and trying to get out of Doc's doghouse. 

Last year we had a young, athletic combo-guard who could score off the bench, but E'Twaun barely saw meaningful minutes all year.  Maybe Dionte and KJ are more NBA-ready, but maybe not.

Tough choice is right.

[Jon]

Joseph & Christmas are quality bargain basement rookies.

Any of these guys (Delfino, Pietrus, Marquis) at the vet min. is a bargain basement vet

Tough choice.

I go with Joseph and Christmas to make the point that the celtics need to be able to run with younger teams. These a rookies with solid backgrounds who can run with Rondo and Bradley. I think it could also revitalize the vets and the fans to have some young players to get behind.

The only problem with this line of thinking is that they'll never get a chance to "run" with Bradley and Rondo. 

If everyone stays healthy, they'll likely never sniff the active roster, let alone floor time.  The only real scenario where they would play is when injuries occur.  And when that happens, one of them will likely see 10-15 mpg.  But it's not like the C's are going to change things up for one of them and start running. 

The far bigger need at the end of our bench is having someone who can step in and essentially fill in for whoever is out.  Most importantly, someone who can deal with not playing for half or more of the whole season, and then step in and not miss a beat. 

I personally have doubts about a rookie being able to do that.  I think someone like Marquis Daniels is a perfect fit.  He essentially did that last year: he rarely played and then in the playoffs had some strong games when the team needed him because of injuries. 

Is it in the end of the world if we keep Joseph and Christmas?  No.  But I'd rather cut one of them (preferably Christmas, since he can't play the 3 as easily as Joseph can) and then bring in another vet.  We already have one project in Melo and as polished as Sullinger seems, he's still just 20 years old.  Given that fact, I'd rather keep our rookie numbers at 3 and go with a vet. 

[Professor of Rondology]

The far bigger need at the end of our bench is having someone who can step in and essentially fill in for whoever is out.  Most importantly, someone who can deal with not playing for half or more of the whole season, and then step in and not miss a beat. 

I personally have doubts about a rookie being able to do that. I think someone like Marquis Daniels is a perfect fit.  He essentially did that last year: he rarely played and then in the playoffs had some strong games when the team needed him because of injuries. 

Is it in the end of the world if we keep Joseph and Christmas?  No.  But I'd rather cut one of them (preferably Christmas, since he can't play the 3 as easily as Joseph can) and then bring in another vet.  We already have one project in Melo and as polished as Sullinger seems, he's still just 20 years old.  Given that fact, I'd rather keep our rookie numbers at 3 and go with a vet. 

I agree completely [actually, not completely- I'd rather we keep Christmas instead of KJ, but that's another discussion entirely]. Marquis is a polarizing figure on this board, but I don't see any other attractive options out there. 

Qualities we look for in our end of the bench guys: team-first attitude, solid defense, high BBIQ (fast learners), versatility, poise.  For the vet min, at this point in free agency, I just don't see anyone who has those qualities who is any better than Quisy.

For the Quisy-haters out there: if we are going to get a veteran back-up guard as injury-insurance, as we should, who is going to be if not Marquis?

[Chris]

The far bigger need at the end of our bench is having someone who can step in and essentially fill in for whoever is out.  Most importantly, someone who can deal with not playing for half or more of the whole season, and then step in and not miss a beat. 

I personally have doubts about a rookie being able to do that. I think someone like Marquis Daniels is a perfect fit.  He essentially did that last year: he rarely played and then in the playoffs had some strong games when the team needed him because of injuries. 

Is it in the end of the world if we keep Joseph and Christmas?  No.  But I'd rather cut one of them (preferably Christmas, since he can't play the 3 as easily as Joseph can) and then bring in another vet.  We already have one project in Melo and as polished as Sullinger seems, he's still just 20 years old.  Given that fact, I'd rather keep our rookie numbers at 3 and go with a vet. 

I agree completely [actually, not completely- I'd rather we keep Christmas instead of KJ, but that's another discussion entirely]. Marquis is a polarizing figure on this board, but I don't see any other attractive options out there. 

Qualities we look for in our end of the bench guys: team-first attitude, solid defense, high BBIQ (fast learners), versatility, poise.  For the vet min, at this point in free agency, I just don't see anyone who has those qualities who is any better than Quisy.

For the Quisy-haters out there: if we are going to get a veteran back-up guard as injury-insurance, as we should, who is going to be if not Marquis?

Why are we in such a hurry?  Over the last few years, a lot of these guys have fallen through the cracks, and others have been cut loose midseason.

I see no problem with giving Christmas and Joseph a chance to prove they belong, and then, if/when they show they are not ready, you bring in a guy like Marquis at midseason, after you cut one of the young guys, for some extra security down the stretch and into the playoffs.

[Professor of Rondology]

Why are we in such a hurry?  Over the last few years, a lot of these guys have fallen through the cracks, and others have been cut loose midseason.

I see no problem with giving Christmas and Joseph a chance to prove they belong, and then, if/when they show they are not ready, you bring in a guy like Marquis at midseason, after you cut one of the young guys, for some extra security down the stretch and into the playoffs.

The hurry is that we need the injury-insurance NOW, while Avery Bradly is out.  Once he returns, the need will be much less pressing. 

[Celtics18]

The far bigger need at the end of our bench is having someone who can step in and essentially fill in for whoever is out.  Most importantly, someone who can deal with not playing for half or more of the whole season, and then step in and not miss a beat. 

I personally have doubts about a rookie being able to do that. I think someone like Marquis Daniels is a perfect fit.  He essentially did that last year: he rarely played and then in the playoffs had some strong games when the team needed him because of injuries. 

Is it in the end of the world if we keep Joseph and Christmas?  No.  But I'd rather cut one of them (preferably Christmas, since he can't play the 3 as easily as Joseph can) and then bring in another vet.  We already have one project in Melo and as polished as Sullinger seems, he's still just 20 years old.  Given that fact, I'd rather keep our rookie numbers at 3 and go with a vet. 

I agree completely [actually, not completely- I'd rather we keep Christmas instead of KJ, but that's another discussion entirely]. Marquis is a polarizing figure on this board, but I don't see any other attractive options out there. 

Qualities we look for in our end of the bench guys: team-first attitude, solid defense, high BBIQ (fast learners), versatility, poise.  For the vet min, at this point in free agency, I just don't see anyone who has those qualities who is any better than Quisy.

For the Quisy-haters out there: if we are going to get a veteran back-up guard as injury-insurance, as we should, who is going to be if not Marquis?

I'm not going to hate on 'Quis.  I love the guy, and think he's a great locker room guy, with a high basketball IQ.  On the other hand, I think you left out an important quality for an end of the bench guy, and that quality is durability.  I'm just not sure he has too much left in the tank. 

I wish Smokey all the best, but in this instance, I think I'd rather roll the dice on the rookies.

[Chris]

Why are we in such a hurry?  Over the last few years, a lot of these guys have fallen through the cracks, and others have been cut loose midseason.

I see no problem with giving Christmas and Joseph a chance to prove they belong, and then, if/when they show they are not ready, you bring in a guy like Marquis at midseason, after you cut one of the young guys, for some extra security down the stretch and into the playoffs.

The hurry is that we need the injury-insurance NOW, while Avery Bradly is out.  Once he returns, the need will be much less pressing.

Eh, games early in the season are easier to patch together with young players. 

I would like to see them bring in another veteran to challenge Christmas for the last spot in training-camp.  And whoever makes it, is all set.

Anyways, we already have Bradley insurance, that is Dooling.  Where are are thin is with bigger wings.  And that is what they clearly think the young guys have a shot.

Last year Moore stepped in relatively early in the season and held down the fort when they are desperate.  I think one of these guys could do the same thing this year if they really need it. 

When they really need the veteran depth is once the games become more important, late in the season and in the playoffs.

[More Banners]

Gosh.  It's amazing how intense Celtics fans are about third string players.

What makes it more intense than usual is the fact that if we're going all-in for a title, we take the proven veteran over the 2nd round rookie, while if we're building for the future we take the promising rookie.

Since it seems to actually matter, does it show that we don't really have faith in our stars or key players to be able to even play, either for a significant chunk of time or at a time that's significant?  [not that we don't have reason to feel that way since we've had star player(s) injured for the last 4 playoffs]

Can a superstar-level Rondo and COY-material Doc ultimately make Lee/Green/Sullinger/Melo as efficient/productive as the off-peak Allen/Pierce/Garnett/Perkins were?

It's not really about Delfino.  The only reason we could "really use" him would be if things really go south again...like the last 4 years in a row.

[Professor of Rondology]

Eh, games early in the season are easier to patch together with young players. 

I would like to see them bring in another veteran to challenge Christmas for the last spot in training-camp.  And whoever makes it, is all set.

Anyways, we already have Bradley insurance, that is Dooling.  Where are are thin is with bigger wings.  And that is what they clearly think the young guys have a shot.

Last year Moore stepped in relatively early in the season and held down the fort when they are desperate.  I think one of these guys could do the same thing this year if they really need it. 

When they really need the veteran depth is once the games become more important, late in the season and in the playoffs.

Very good points, my friend.  I was thinking about how screwed we'd be if we had to rely on Joseph/Christmas for stretches, forgetting entirely that we leaned on Moore pretty heavily last year.  I think that Christmas is at least as NBA-ready as Moore was last year, and Christmas won't be asked to play PG like Moore was.

My thinking was that we need end of the bench vets to hold the fort during the regular season, and then cut the rotation to 8-9 in the late season and playoffs.  I still think it would be great if Quisy (or a similar veteran wing) signed on for added depth, but I have to admit it is not a necessity. 

Gosh.  It's amazing how intense Celtics fans are about third string players.

I'll take that as a compliment.

And, in answer to your first question, yes.  You wisely pointed out that we've had star player(s) injured every post-season since 08, so I think it makes sense to build your roster with the assumption that someone is going to get hurt at some point (probably when it matters the most).

[Roy H.]

Joseph & Christmas are quality bargain basement rookies.

Any of these guys (Delfino, Pietrus, Marquis) at the vet min. is a bargain basement vet

Tough choice.

I go with Joseph and Christmas to make the point that the celtics need to be able to run with younger teams. These a rookies with solid backgrounds who can run with Rondo and Bradley. I think it could also revitalize the vets and the fans to have some young players to get behind.

Quality vet > Quality undrafted / late-drafted rookie

I'm not sure I'd consider Marquis a quality vet at this point, but for Pietrus or Delfino, I'd gladly cut Joseph and/or Christmas.

[Chris]

Joseph & Christmas are quality bargain basement rookies.

Any of these guys (Delfino, Pietrus, Marquis) at the vet min. is a bargain basement vet

Tough choice.

I go with Joseph and Christmas to make the point that the celtics need to be able to run with younger teams. These a rookies with solid backgrounds who can run with Rondo and Bradley. I think it could also revitalize the vets and the fans to have some young players to get behind.

Quality vet > Quality undrafted / late-drafted rookie

I'm not sure I'd consider Marquis a quality vet at this point, but for Pietrus or Delfino, I'd gladly cut Joseph and/or Christmas.

Agree completely.  But I am going under the assumption that guys like Pietrus and Delfino are going to go someplace they can actually play.  So, I think it is more guys like Marquis.  In which case, they are still going to be around in January, so why not let the kids hang around a bit.

[Roy H.]

Joseph & Christmas are quality bargain basement rookies.

Any of these guys (Delfino, Pietrus, Marquis) at the vet min. is a bargain basement vet

Tough choice.

I go with Joseph and Christmas to make the point that the celtics need to be able to run with younger teams. These a rookies with solid backgrounds who can run with Rondo and Bradley. I think it could also revitalize the vets and the fans to have some young players to get behind.

Quality vet > Quality undrafted / late-drafted rookie

I'm not sure I'd consider Marquis a quality vet at this point, but for Pietrus or Delfino, I'd gladly cut Joseph and/or Christmas.

Agree completely.  But I am going under the assumption that guys like Pietrus and Delfino are going to go someplace they can actually play.  So, I think it is more guys like Marquis.  In which case, they are still going to be around in January, so why not let the kids hang around a bit.

Yeah, I agree as well.  Pietrus and Delfino can almost definitely find more money and/or a larger role some place else.  And yes, if it's a guy like Daniels, there's no real risk in leaving him unsigned.