The "who we should sign for our last 2 roster spots poll" no. 2

[Who]

I would take Darko Milicic over Ben Wallace too.

Big Ben's ability to defend the center position has declined considerably over the past 2-3 years. He lacks the size to adequately defend centers with solid size and since he no longer has that elite athleticism to make for it, he is often a liability in those situations. As a team defender, I would say Big Ben and Darko are about equal. I'd give Ben Wallace the nod on the backboards due to Darko's inconsistent effort. Both are abysmal offensive players but Darko is marginally better.

I'd take Darko over Ben because I think he can matchup better against opposing centers. Another big body to throw at opposing centers.

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Ben Wallace should have been playing the PF position in his latter years like he was in Cleveland alongside Zydrunas Ilgauskas -- due to the decline in athleticism and struggles against bigger players -- but I am not sure Ben Wallace has enough quickness to still play the PF position full time.

There are a few guys Big Ben could still handle. The slower power based types (Boozer and Z.Randolph, Reggie Evans and Chuck Hayes) but I am not sure enough about his ability to defend anyone else (at PF) to sign Ben Wallace to a contract. I think there are more reliable options elsewhere.

[csfansince60s]

I thought Darko is going to Europe?

http://www.court-side.com/news/nba-player-darko-milicic-signs-with-real-madrid/

I voted TWill and Christmas.

I think Joseph was value at #51 and like him, but TWill's skills and potential and athleticism are too much to pass up.

He's a good passer who can bring the ball up court and has the athleticism to be an elite defender. Love to see a backup lineup that had TWill, and any combination of AB/Lee/Jet. That's a strong, balanced 2nd unit of guards.

Christmas is a glue guy who is versatile enough to play the 1 or 2. Great character.

[Roy H.]

Chris Andersen.

[More Banners]

As much as there is to like about Christmas, we're already 5 deep with rotation guards and have no use for him at all.

We could use a big body, always, but those simply aren't guys you'd want to see on the floor (Wallace, Darko).

So I went for Joseph and Kenyon Martin, one for development and 3rd string SF, and Martin for a bit more bulk at the 4 and on the boards, which we can actually use.

And that's my criteria: usefulness.  Who the better player might be doesn't matter if the guy won't play no matter what.  He has to add something.

[bfrombleacher]

Poor Jamar Smith.  Can't even get on the poll.

Chris Andersen.

Added

[jdub1660]

2 choices?
Birdman and TWill
Then cut JCollins to sign Big Ben


I know the latter opinion there is HIGHLY unlikely,
But it's what I would do in Ainge's position.

Xmas and Joseph look to have great potential, but they'd never see the court with this team,
And current head coach. Players that I suggested keeping can come in at any allotment of minutes
And produce more than a pure rookie would seeing only garbage mins

While talented, I don't see DX or KJ making a roster spot on a team willing to keep them.
So let them play it out in Maine and cya next season

[Kuberski1]

No one.

Wait for buy-out season.....for 2 reasons:  1) It gives us time to see what we really need, which may or may be what we think we need now, and 2) Some good players usually come along...generally better than what's available now.

We can run with this team the first 3-4 months, no problem....

[More Banners]

No one.

Wait for buy-out season.....for 2 reasons:  1) It gives us time to see what we really need, which may or may be what we think we need now, and 2) Some good players usually come along...generally better than what's available now.

We can run with this team the first 3-4 months, no problem....

I really think we can run all the way with this team as-is, but if we're just fooling around, I'd look to add beef to the 4-spot.

With Chris Anderson added, I'd change my vote from Martin to Anderson and move Wilcox to PF instead of C.  I like that much better.

[gpap]

No one.

Wait for buy-out season.....for 2 reasons:  1) It gives us time to see what we really need, which may or may be what we think we need now, and 2) Some good players usually come along...generally better than what's available now.

We can run with this team the first 3-4 months, no problem....

Disagree. I think it's safe to say by looking at the roster right now, we need more bigs. Plus, to just do a "trial run" the first 3-4 months is very risky. Other NBA teams aren't just going to let us "develop" our players.

[#1P4P]

Either center option is fine, preferably Birdman (unless he's going to disrupt the chemistry of the team or be a distraction), and Joseph or Christmas.

A good rebounding and defensive center would be a good addition and Joseph or Christmas can use the experience playing garbage time to continue their development.

Mid-season they can take a flyer on, high risk/
 high reward option, Greg Oden (who's going to be "ready" mid-season) or a player that's bought out around the deadline.

[CelticG1]

No one.

Wait for buy-out season.....for 2 reasons:  1) It gives us time to see what we really need, which may or may be what we think we need now, and 2) Some good players usually come along...generally better than what's available now.

We can run with this team the first 3-4 months, no problem....

What players came along last year ir the year before?

Wouldn't buy out candidates be more likely to join the Heat and Lakers (among other teams) as well?

[CelticHooligan3]

I can not believe people still are talking, even actually WANTING to sign this complete BUM Darko!!

What are you thinking? Stop mentioning this scrub! I would rather have Ben Wallace in a coffin than Darko!

darko has always been a scrub and will always be a scrub, ben wallace was a multiple all-star and C on a championship team, multiple dpoy and people still want darko over him??

I dont care how old and done big ben is, hes still better than darko bum milicic ever was

Darko is young and is 7'1'' 250-ish and knows how to play defense. He is also a solid mid range shooter. His problem is his motor and work ethic. Ben Wallace is a former allstar, tough guy and also knows how to play defnse. He is also a shell of himself.

If both would be available for the vet. minimum, why would you not take a younger, longer player than the old dude who basically cannot do it?

That's why you sign Darko. More reward than Ben Wallace.

Personally id go with T-Will and Joseph.

T-Will for his rebounding and defensive potential alone. If he gets hot he can occasionally hit some midrange and outside shots. His slashing is a bonus and  i see Rondo finding him on cuts more than expected. Im surprised he's not signed. To me that only means the issues must be pretty serious between the ears more than anything. If we could get him to buy the company line, of teamwork, and strong work ethic, he should be fine here. Easier said than done however.

Joseph id want because i think if Fab goes up to Maine (which at some point this season he almost most certainly will do) he will keep him more focused and extremely motivated to improve, with his prescence alone. Former college teammates is a detail that shouldn't be overlooked imho. For a kid who by many accounts is still considered a bit immature, having Joseph there could do wonders. KJ's drive and character is unquestioned and his motivation should be at top level for the shot on the team alone. Plus his game seems so similar to Christmas's that id take him over the former for his intangibles alone. They both seem to slash and try to hit the mid-range from what i saw this summer

Humble and very hungry, is what Perk was coming into this league. If we can instill the same principles on Fab, we could have something very special for not only late this season, but the future as well. We tend to try to build good strong habits early on, with our young under-developed Bigs. Every year we seem to find a new project with decent "potential". Hasn't been a memorable rook in this role since Per,k as far as i can remember though. 

 



But Yoki makes some convincing arguements about Darko, so i feel this too. Well stated. TP sir. Now im torn.. 

[nickagneta]

KG
Bass
Pierce
Bradley
Rondo

Collins
Melo
Sullinger
Wilcox
Green
Lee
Terry
Dooling
Joseph

Am I missing something? I though we only had one roster spot open not 2?

[indeedproceed]

KG
Bass
Pierce
Bradley
Rondo

Collins
Melo
Sullinger
Wilcox
Green
Lee
Terry
Dooling
Joseph

Am I missing something? I though we only had one roster spot open not 2?

I thought he meant camp invites. Jamar Smith as well on that list.

[LooseCannon]

Am I missing something? I though we only had one roster spot open not 2?

Joseph is on an unguaranteed contract.  Christmas has a partially guaranteed contract.  People are working under the assumption that means those players can be easily cut.