C's close to signing Javale McGee (not no more!)

[Fafnir]

I come to CelticsBlog to see the latest news...as this site provides the best out there.  But these forums...  All the self-proclaimed "experts" here make me nauseated (along with the worship of those here that get put on a pedestal over time)...

I'm going to highlight two of Jeff's core rules for this blog:

Respect each other at all times.

Don't be a jerk, and don't ruin CelticsBlog for others.

The above paragraph doesn't meet those expectations. If you want to make the case to give McGee a second chance, you can do so without taking shots at the entire forum.

[hpantazo]

This is shaping up to be a very interesting rebuilding contest.

On the one hand, Philly has gone all in on "The Plan."  They have set themselves on a path to be as bad as possible for multiple years in a row, banking on grabbing one or more franchise stars in the draft.  To do so, Hinkie has aggressively stripped the team of any player who might get in the way  of all the losing.

On the other hand, Boston is all about flexibility.  Ainge is accumulating as many assets as he can, even if it means poorer draft odds and taking up cap room.

Philly has a much clearer path forward but no fallback position if things don't work out.  Boston's future is more muddled but is better positioned to respond to changing circumstances.

Mike

I think Ainge has done a masterful job. As you say, we have far more moveable assets and flexibility to respond to changing circumstances, BUT, we are also gaining a deserved reputation of having a great culture and winning environment under an excellent head coach, who has been great at helping players develop,

Imo, with Turner, Thomas, and now McGee all here on cheap deals, along with low cost prospects like Smart, Sullinger, Olynyk, and Jerebko, we have an affordable, talented, and versatile supporting cast, and the winning culture and head coach, to attract big name free agents this summer. Of course, we also have the draft pick stock to trade for star players if we don't sign anyone.

[apc]

Really hate this player. Don't mind from an angle either basketball-wise or financial wise, but don't like him even if I've felt he's skills (even with all his flaws) would be of very good help to this team.

In all he's the player I dislike the most in the NBA that isn't from a team rival reason.

Strong words... he is not a bad guy or anything just clumsy.

[jpotter33]

Love Love Love this. Low risk, high reward type of signing. And he definitely signed with us for playing time over actual contenders, which seems to mean that Danny might actually be pushing for the playoffs now. He was saying something on the radio today about making Boston be more attractive to free agents this summer, so maybe he's finally figured out that we're too good to tank right now and the playoffs and free agents are our best immediate bet!

[moiso]

The risk is low but I don't think the reward can be very high at this point in his career.  I would have loved to get him 3 or 4 years ago but he hasn't seemed to improve, is always hurt, and is not the athlete that he once was.

[Chris22]

Really hate this player. Don't mind from an angle either basketball-wise or financial wise, but don't like him even if I've felt he's skills (even with all his flaws) would be of very good help to this team.

In all he's the player I dislike the most in the NBA that isn't from a team rival reason.

Strong words... he is not a bad guy or anything just clumsy.

TP

[LarBrd33]

Sure why not?  Classic Ainge buy low move.   What's the worse that can happen?... We miss the playoffs?  Ainge would probably prefer that. 

[LarBrd33]

Nobody wanted to pay him 12 mil per year to be a starter. Plenty of teams were interested in a min contract bench role.  He doesn't need to be a star for us.  Just gotta defend inside and dunk.

[manl_lui]

Really hate this player. Don't mind from an angle either basketball-wise or financial wise, but don't like him even if I've felt he's skills (even with all his flaws) would be of very good help to this team.

In all he's the player I dislike the most in the NBA that isn't from a team rival reason.

Strong words... he is not a bad guy or anything just clumsy.

not just clumsy but really really stupid 

The risk is low but I don't think the reward can be very high at this point in his career.  I would have loved to get him 3 or 4 years ago but he hasn't seemed to improve, is always hurt, and is not the athlete that he once was.

I'm guilty of this as well, when he was with Washington, I wanted to trade for him to have him learn under KG. Fast forward to today, he's hasn't really done much for the Nuggets (he showed brief potential under George Karl under limited minutes during the playoffs, I remember - I need sources). I can still see him as a buy low with medium reward. I don't have high hopes for him on this team.

I still see our starting lineup going towards the end of the season with Smart/Bradley/Turner/KO/Zeller
with Thomas/Crowder/Bass/Jerebko off the bench.

On the big guy chart, McGee has a lot of catching up to do. The most I see out of him is probably providing 15 minutes of "meh" defense. He's going to frustrate and wow us from time to time.

[hwangjini_1]

I come to CelticsBlog to see the latest news...as this site provides the best out there.  But these forums...  All the self-proclaimed "experts" here make me nauseated (along with the worship of those here that get put on a pedestal over time)...

I find it funny that I read so many here pining away to get DeMarcus Cousins on this team - the knucklehead of all knuckleheads - but then want to dispose of McGee so easily.  Yes, Cousins is a talent - but he's a moron.  He will never lead his team to success because he doesn't have it inside of him.  Cousins, if you deal for him, is a "cornerstone" type of player because of the contract & attention he will incur...

McGee??  At this point he's nothing more than an add-on player that might be of help.  McGee is THE kind of player you take a risk on because the cost is low, and the potential reward is high.  If it doesn't pan out - so what...  If it does, we may have found a guy who is awakening to the idea that it's time to start playing ball or you find yourself outside of the NBA.  The NBA is a very forgiving league...  So maybe fans here ought to show a little forgiveness to this guy and give him a chance before writing him off.

In his short stint with Philly, he played with high energy in minimal playing time.  I think it's a great idea, and this culture might be that which finally helps him.  I mean, Philly??  That's a joke.  Denver??  We all are seeing right now how bad that situation is...  I, for one, am willing to give him a fresh, clean slate...

I just wish others here would get off their high horses and maybe give the guy a chance before holding his past against him.  He's not a rotten guy - just a guy who needs a bit of motivation.  Kinda like that fat-butt clown we have our team right now who admitted he hasn't gotten himself in shape, and has another season-ending injury to show for his lack of conditioning.  We need McGee on this team much more than we need Sullinger...  I say we give the guy a shot if Danny does indeed bring him in.

sounds reasonable to me.

[cb8883]

I hope this guy doesn't see the court until the Celtics are out of it. Why the hell is Ainge signing this retread anyways? He's already screwed up the tank by getting IT. Awful job by Ainge. Okafor should have been the goal now its Miles Turner.

[Fred Roberts]

Love Love Love this. Low risk, high reward type of signing. And he definitely signed with us for playing time over actual contenders, which seems to mean that Danny might actually be pushing for the playoffs now. He was saying something on the radio today about making Boston be more attractive to free agents this summer, so maybe he's finally figured out that we're too good to tank right now and the playoffs and free agents are our best immediate bet!

Agree entirely.

McGee is the prototype rim protector we need. We're lucky to get him after a buy out for cheap money. How can anyone argue against this experiment being great for the C's?

Absolute worst case scenario is Ryan Hollins or the Nororios P.O.B. (Patrick O'Bryant). Upside is rather huge (in terms of defense and interior presence). Puts C's in a place to make a playoff run (with KO coming back as well). Celts look more attractive this summer and we continue to build.

[guava_wrench]

... He doesnt strike me as a smart player...

Understatement of the year.

I have no idea about his intelligence, but he has one of the lowest bball IQs I've seen. He does a lot of bizarre things on the court.

Still, I love the move. He is available because one team wanted to clear his salary and because Philly has their young guys. We will get him dirt cheap. Better him on the the roster than someone like Pressey who will never be more than 3rd string.

I also like having a college coach with McGee since he needs constant teaching. Maybe some Ritalin might help too.

[Fred Roberts]

TP on the Ritalin comment. Exactly!! Focus, young man.

[tazzmaniac]

This is shaping up to be a very interesting rebuilding contest.

On the one hand, Philly has gone all in on "The Plan."  They have set themselves on a path to be as bad as possible for multiple years in a row, banking on grabbing one or more franchise stars in the draft.  To do so, Hinkie has aggressively stripped the team of any player who might get in the way  of all the losing.

On the other hand, Boston is all about flexibility.  Ainge is accumulating as many assets as he can, even if it means poorer draft odds and taking up cap room.

Philly has a much clearer path forward but no fallback position if things don't work out.  Boston's future is more muddled but is better positioned to respond to changing circumstances.

Mike

Philly hasn't done anything to limit their flexibility.  They've got good assets to trade if a star becomes available.  They've got cap room for a couple max free agents.  They've got great draft picks.  If Philly ownership decides they want to compete for a playoff spot next season, Hinkie could acquire enough mediocre talent required to do so in the weak East.  What flexibility do the Celtics have that the Sixers don't?