Realistic Rim Protector Candidate?

[chenaren]

I made a post about our perimeter defense might be overrated, but many posters thought that opponent guards going off had more to do with our lack of a rim protector.

To improve our atrocious defense, do you think there's any realistic candidate that Ainge should be after? Personally I like Larry Sanders a lot, as he seems like a beast whenever he plays against us. On the same team, John Henson is severely underutilized this season, so maybe he can be another target.

[D.o.s.]

I've been on board with Sanders for like 2 years. I think he'd be great for us. I also don't think Milwaukee's going to part with him, since (IMO) if they were going to cut ties they would've done so after/during last season.

[pearljammer10]

I go Hibbert. Indiana is in a rough situation, he might decline his option and bolt this summer anyway. I think we could pry him away from Indiana with our first rounder this year. Allow them to tank and have a top 5 to 7 pick as well as ours in the mid teens.

[jpotter33]

I would be elated to have either Sanders or Hibbert, but I'd prefer to have Sanders I think.

And one would assume that either Sanders or Henson will eventually get moved, because I don't think you end up keeping both of them.

If Indy moves Hibbert they might as well move West, too. We might be able to coax them into a Boston/Brooklyn type of trade. Maybe something like:

Boston: Hibbert, West
Indy: Wallace, Bradley (when he can be traded/good young complement to PG that's locked up for four years), Thornton, 2015 1st, Brooklyn 2016 first

Indy won't be competing next year either with George just coming back, so this might be enough to entice them.

[Endless Paradise]

I would be elated to have either Sanders or Hibbert, but I'd prefer to have Sanders I think.

And one would assume that either Sanders or Henson will eventually get moved, because I don't think you end up keeping both of them.

If Indy moves Hibbert they might as well move West, too. We might be able to coax them into a Boston/Brooklyn type of trade. Maybe something like:

Boston: Hibbert, West
Indy: Wallace, Bradley (when he can be traded/good young complement to PG that's locked up for four years), Thornton, 2015 1st, Brooklyn 2016 first

Indy won't be competing next year either with George just coming back, so this might be enough to entice them.

I think Henson's the odd one out since a) he's due for a new contract soon and b) Sanders is more of a force on the defensive end, which better compliments the game of a guy like Jabari Parker.  Henson's a better scorer than Sanders, but the Bucks don't really need scoring out of their center.

Also, I'd imagine that Indiana would demand one of Olynyk or Sullinger since they'd need a big, especially if they'd be shipping out both West and Hibbert.

[D.o.s.]

Also, I'd imagine that Indiana would demand one of Olynyk or Sullinger since they'd need a big, especially if they'd be shipping out both West and Hibbert.

Hardly a dealbreaker, though.

[Endless Paradise]

I agree, it absolutely shouldn't be.  Just pointing that out that I don't know if a Wallace/Bradley/Thornton package would entice them without a Sullinger or an Olynyk added.

[Evantime34]

I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't do anything about this problem until next season at which point they will draft a rim protector and attempt to sign one in free agency.

[obnoxiousmime]

I don't think the Pacers are ready to throw in the towel just yet. I would expect them to take their lumps this year and see what trade options are available with their lotto pick. Hibbert is in his prime (28) and George is entering it (24). It's not the time for them to draft a 19 year-old unless it's some can't-miss star like Anthony Davis. Trading Hibbert wouldn't really accomplish anything because they have no replacement and it's unlikely he will decline his option with the expected big 2016 cap rise coming. Besides, keeping Hibbert on the roster this year is not going to endanger their chances at a top pick by much, they are still going to be bad with or without him.

In the past the tax-sensitive Pacers may have been scared by Hibbert's contract demands but with the aforementioned cap rise coming they can afford to keep him happy and still fit in a third star.

[Rondo9]

I don't think the Pacers are ready to throw in the towel just yet. I would expect them to take their lumps this year and see what trade options are available with their lotto pick. Hibbert is in his prime (28) and George is entering it (24). It's not the time for them to draft a 19 year-old unless it's some can't-miss star like Anthony Davis.

And if it's a can't miss star I wouldn't trade him for Hibbert! 

[Lucky17]

Honestly, I can't see any team giving up a legitimate rim protector at a price that Ainge is willing to pay. The Pelicans gave up a potential top 5 1st round pick for Omer Asik, for crying out loud.

I think Ainge is going to have to draft one.

[Donoghus]

Honestly, I can't see any team giving up a legitimate rim protector at a price that Ainge is willing to pay. The Pelicans gave up a potential top 5 1st round pick for Omer Asik, for crying out loud.

I think Ainge is going to have to draft one.

Which sort of begs the question, in an upcoming draft with some decent big men talent, if the Celtics ended up with the 7th or 8th pick would Danny try to start clearing out the asset bank to try & move into the top 3 to nab a Towns or Okafor?

At some point, Danny is going to have to start cashing in some of these chips.  Does he do it in the draft or in the trade market?

[D Dub]

We need to hit up Detroit.  They are ripe for a trade with that rookie GM and underachieving squad over there---

Green, Sully, Bass, Young, two 2015 1sts
for
Josh Smith & Greg Monroe

Why for Detroit:
They have a log jam up front to clear, and Josh Smith is not the floor spacing prototype that Stan Van covets.  In return, two PF's with range to put alongside Drummond and a couple of firsts to help palette their trading two starters.

Why for Boston:
We've got tons of youth & plenty more picks in the future, easier for us to trade away two 2015 firsts than any other team.  This move gets us vets to run with Rondo, and also allows us to keep two of our best prospects in Smart and Olynyk.  Also gives us a great mix of vets & youth who can go big or small; change of pace energy guys off the bench--

Rondo / Turner
Smart / Bradley
JSmith / Thornton
Olynyk / Wallace
GMonroe / Zeller

[hwangjini_1]

I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't do anything about this problem until next season at which point they will draft a rim protector and attempt to sign one in free agency.

there are quite a few center prospects in the upcoming draft. i think ainge is likely to wait and see whether he can get one of those, before making a trade for a center. just my thoughts.

according to draft express.com, there looks to be tolerable talent at center for at least the first 10-12 picks.

[slamtheking]

Honestly, I can't see any team giving up a legitimate rim protector at a price that Ainge is willing to pay. The Pelicans gave up a potential top 5 1st round pick for Omer Asik, for crying out loud.

I think Ainge is going to have to draft one.

Which sort of begs the question, in an upcoming draft with some decent big men talent, if the Celtics ended up with the 7th or 8th pick would Danny try to start clearing out the asset bank to try & move into the top 3 to nab a Towns or Okafor?

At some point, Danny is going to have to start cashing in some of these chips.  Does he do it in the draft or in the trade market?

that's assuming a team that has the chance to draft one of those two would be willing to trade down.  that's a BIG if.   there's willing to pay a reasonable price to move up and then there's being held hostage for a better draft pick.