Celtics trade for David Lee

[gpap]

Amir Johnson + David Lee for our frontcourt is a 100% improvement over what we had to run out there last season.  And we gave up zero assets, aside from the expiring contract of Gerald Wallace.

This move is 100% WIN for the Boston Celtics!  We just improved our roster significantly and gave up nothing of value to get it!  David Lee, welcome to Boston!  If he even regains 80% of the form that he had from a couple of years ago, Lee easily becomes our best big man in the here and now.

THANK YOU! Here's a TP! Are people forgetting that in the playoffs the Celtics were starting Brandon Bass and Tyler Zeller at power forward and center respectively? I love those two guys but they shouldn't be starting for your playoff team! Are Amir Johnson and David Lee those ideal guys? No, but they are definitely upgrades from what we had before AND they fill a need the Celtics desperately needed to fill: Rebounding. And Lee should give the Celtics another player who can create his own offense consistently. Another need filled.

I want to clarify that Lee is NOT over the hill. He might not be the player that he may have been in 2013 but he's not washed up. I watched him in the finals just as I'm sure you all did. He can still bring it on the court. The Warriors didn't stop playing him because he sucked. It's because he didn't fit on their team anymore and he was pretty expendable after Green exploded this year as one of the league's best swiss army knife players. Better yet what makes Lee good is he has great fundamentals for a big. He may not stretch the floor as a 3-pt shooter but he had a respectable mid-range game and is great in the post with both of his hands. He also is a terrific passer for a big and moves around. That is a big that fits with Brad Stevens' style. Defensively he's no KG, in fact he could very well be the opposite, but Brad has a knack for covering up the Celtics' issues on defense. I'm excited to watch him and Johnson play together even if they aren't going to be the best frontcourt duo in the league.

This is very much like the IT trade. The Celtics went low-risk, high-reward player who was a misfit on his current team so they were able to get him for nothing. Better yet, Lee is expiring. He's going to play his tail off this year for his new contract and he might just be the motivation for Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk to get it together or they are losing their spots. Plus I'd rather have an expiring Lee than commit long term deals to Brandon Bass and Lou Williams.

Remember, Brad Stevens turned Jordan Crawford and Evan Turner from throw-aways into actual rotation guys. Now he's got a former all-star still reasonably in his prime coming off an off-year. I think he can resurrect Lee.

I know those who want to tank or wanted more fireworks will disagree with me on this, but getting David Lee for nothing was a great move by Danny.

Couldn't agree more. I am also not saying that I think Amir and David are world beaters. Would I rather have had some combo of Monroe, Love, Aldridge and Jordan? Of course! But those guys didn't want to come here so you move onto plan B and I think Johnson and Lee are a pretty decent plan B.

Also, unlike Bass and Zeller, I think Amir and Lee have the type of toughness where they're not going to put with crap from the likes of punks like Perkins, JR Smith and Dwayne Wade.

[D.o.s.]

Great another over the hill player to take minutes away from youngsters...Enjoy the 40 wins while the teams tanking are laughing all the way to the lottery next year. The Celtics really don't want to compete for a title in the next 20 years...and if they think they can get Durant then hahahahahahaha. I hope Danny isn't that delusional but taking on Lee instead of just letting Wallace expire is just awful. Takes minutes away from youngsters who could tank for us. A strong tank is what's needed not David Lee!

Who's over the hill?

Check his per minute stats. It's pretty much the same as when he was an All Star. And I'm glad that he will take the minutes from the youngsters. He's way better and those youngsters will now have to prove themselves that they can be better than Lee to earn those minutes.

David Lee is 32. That's the only stat I care about. He has someone like Mickey behind him now who Stevens could actually develop into a decent young big and Ainge ends up getting this old man on the team. This team needs no one on the team playing meaningful minutes over the age of 26-28. It's about developing talent that was drafted. Should have just cut Wallace instead.

Nonsense.

The guys who should be playing on the court are guys who can contribute and help us get to the playoffs.

Now if by some slim chance, Mickey contributes more than David Lee, then by all means give Mickey the minutes.

But Lee is a proven commodity, Mickey is not

Also, the idea that anyone over the age of 26-28 should not get minutes is beyond laughable.

Dear Green Teamer,
    You're the type of fan that wants the wins and the instant gratification of a 1st or 2nd round appearance. I want this team to win titles. You tank and tank hard until you get a star. David Lee improves the team for 2015 and that's not a good thing. You think being on the treadmill is good? Then I guess Danny Ainge is the GM for you.

Dear Front-Running, Yankee Loving, Pink Hat Fanboy,

Thank you for being a perfect example what a New England sports fan has become and what I never hope my children will be.

Thanks again,

Life Long Celtics, Bruins, Patriots, Red Sox Fan (win or lose)

You should have gone for for the full Boston Fan hat trick call him a not nice word, too.

Criticizing fandom is pretty lame, especially when you're rooting for the same thing ultimately.

Also worth noting: If your life has been long enough that you've been a fan of Boston sports before, say, 2001, you realize that there are many many ways that success comes to a franchise, and that paddling towards mediocrity like a slowly-asphyxiated duck was something the Celtics pulled off with aplomb, particularly the last time they hired a well-respected college coach, but it didn't amount to much in the end except a wasted decade and change.

[blink]

I'm 100% on board with this move.  David Lee > Gerald Wallace.  It costs nothing in the long term.  It costs the owners $5 million more in the short term, but at this point they were already over the cap.  Will there be another move?  Maybe.  Does there need to be?  No.  Should Olynyk and Sullinger walk into training camp thinking they've got guaranteed minutes?  Absolutely not.

This is a perfect summary of how I feel about the move.  TP.

[Jonny CC]

Great another over the hill player to take minutes away from youngsters...Enjoy the 40 wins while the teams tanking are laughing all the way to the lottery next year. The Celtics really don't want to compete for a title in the next 20 years...and if they think they can get Durant then hahahahahahaha. I hope Danny isn't that delusional but taking on Lee instead of just letting Wallace expire is just awful. Takes minutes away from youngsters who could tank for us. A strong tank is what's needed not David Lee!

Who's over the hill?

Check his per minute stats. It's pretty much the same as when he was an All Star. And I'm glad that he will take the minutes from the youngsters. He's way better and those youngsters will now have to prove themselves that they can be better than Lee to earn those minutes.

David Lee is 32. That's the only stat I care about. He has someone like Mickey behind him now who Stevens could actually develop into a decent young big and Ainge ends up getting this old man on the team. This team needs no one on the team playing meaningful minutes over the age of 26-28. It's about developing talent that was drafted. Should have just cut Wallace instead.

Nonsense.

The guys who should be playing on the court are guys who can contribute and help us get to the playoffs.

Now if by some slim chance, Mickey contributes more than David Lee, then by all means give Mickey the minutes.

But Lee is a proven commodity, Mickey is not

Also, the idea that anyone over the age of 26-28 should not get minutes is beyond laughable.

Dear Green Teamer,
    You're the type of fan that wants the wins and the instant gratification of a 1st or 2nd round appearance. I want this team to win titles. You tank and tank hard until you get a star. David Lee improves the team for 2015 and that's not a good thing. You think being on the treadmill is good? Then I guess Danny Ainge is the GM for you.

Dear Front-Running, Yankee Loving, Pink Hat Fanboy,

Thank you for being a perfect example what a New England sports fan has become and what I never hope my children will be.

Thanks again,

Life Long Celtics, Bruins, Patriots, Red Sox Fan (win or lose)

You should have gone for for the full Boston Fan hat trick call him a faaaahin qweeeah, too.

Criticizing fandom is pretty lame, especially when you're rooting for the same thing ultimately.

Also worth noting: If your life has been long enough that you've been a fan of Boston sports before, say, 2001, you realize that there are many many ways that success comes to a franchise, and that paddling towards mediocrity like a slowly-asphyxiated duck was something the Celtics pulled off with aplomb, particularly the last time they hired a well-respected college coach.

Wow. Not sure how that comment has any relevance.  Maybe a sad attempt at humor? 

[D.o.s.]

It's a pretty stereotypical slur from the area, usually consistent with the types that go on about Pink Hats.

ah that was rude edited out.

[Jonny CC]

Great another over the hill player to take minutes away from youngsters...Enjoy the 40 wins while the teams tanking are laughing all the way to the lottery next year. The Celtics really don't want to compete for a title in the next 20 years...and if they think they can get Durant then hahahahahahaha. I hope Danny isn't that delusional but taking on Lee instead of just letting Wallace expire is just awful. Takes minutes away from youngsters who could tank for us. A strong tank is what's needed not David Lee!

Who's over the hill?

Check his per minute stats. It's pretty much the same as when he was an All Star. And I'm glad that he will take the minutes from the youngsters. He's way better and those youngsters will now have to prove themselves that they can be better than Lee to earn those minutes.

David Lee is 32. That's the only stat I care about. He has someone like Mickey behind him now who Stevens could actually develop into a decent young big and Ainge ends up getting this old man on the team. This team needs no one on the team playing meaningful minutes over the age of 26-28. It's about developing talent that was drafted. Should have just cut Wallace instead.

Nonsense.

The guys who should be playing on the court are guys who can contribute and help us get to the playoffs.

Now if by some slim chance, Mickey contributes more than David Lee, then by all means give Mickey the minutes.

But Lee is a proven commodity, Mickey is not

Also, the idea that anyone over the age of 26-28 should not get minutes is beyond laughable.

Dear Green Teamer,
    You're the type of fan that wants the wins and the instant gratification of a 1st or 2nd round appearance. I want this team to win titles. You tank and tank hard until you get a star. David Lee improves the team for 2015 and that's not a good thing. You think being on the treadmill is good? Then I guess Danny Ainge is the GM for you.

Dear Front-Running, Yankee Loving, Pink Hat Fanboy,

Thank you for being a perfect example what a New England sports fan has become and what I never hope my children will be.

Thanks again,

Life Long Celtics, Bruins, Patriots, Red Sox Fan (win or lose)

Exaggerate much?  I also disagreed with the same post but this reply belongs in a soap opera.     

[Jonny CC]

It's a pretty stereotypical slur from the area, usually consistent with the types that go on about Pink Hats.

You have problems with context, don't you?

From what area?  Mars??  Don't know where you have been but it hasn't been a "stereotypical slur" in the Boston area for a very long time.  In any event, in what context is a stereotypical slur appropriate anyway??  Just seems like an unfunny attempt to post something controversial.

[D.o.s.]

I think you have a brighter viewpoint than some of Boston's citizenry than I do.

Anyway, it was rude, you were right, so I swapped it out. I don't post controversial things in the Celtics threads -- those are saved for Current Events. 

[Jonny CC]

D.o.s...
We are not seeing eye to eye today.  Maybe it's me.  I'm missing the point and your intent so I'm going to try to restrain from any more replies.  Maybe it will make sense tomorrow. 

[Rondo2287]

I think you have a brighter viewpoint than some of Boston's citizenry than I do.

Anyway, it was rude, you were right, so I swapped it out. I don't post controversial things in the Celtics threads -- those are saved for Current Events. 

 

[Yoki_IsTheName]

Great another over the hill player to take minutes away from youngsters...Enjoy the 40 wins while the teams tanking are laughing all the way to the lottery next year. The Celtics really don't want to compete for a title in the next 20 years...and if they think they can get Durant then hahahahahahaha. I hope Danny isn't that delusional but taking on Lee instead of just letting Wallace expire is just awful. Takes minutes away from youngsters who could tank for us. A strong tank is what's needed not David Lee!

Who's over the hill?

Check his per minute stats. It's pretty much the same as when he was an All Star. And I'm glad that he will take the minutes from the youngsters. He's way better and those youngsters will now have to prove themselves that they can be better than Lee to earn those minutes.

David Lee is 32. That's the only stat I care about. He has someone like Mickey behind him now who Stevens could actually develop into a decent young big and Ainge ends up getting this old man on the team. This team needs no one on the team playing meaningful minutes over the age of 26-28. It's about developing talent that was drafted. Should have just cut Wallace instead.

Pau Gasol is 35, 2nd team All NBA
David West is 34, productive season
Tim Duncan is 39, productive season
Dirk Nowitzki is 37, productive season.

Who cares about age if you can produce? David Lee is younger than those guys AND produces. You can still develop young talent, if you mean Jordan Mickey by giving him some minutes and just by being around. We can stash him the D-League and get burns, you can develop them that way too.

We just got a talented big who can be a walking double double, consistent scoring threat and a consummate professional who can be a great leader for the squad, for basically a bench warmer, and you're upset?  Is it because yours rather tank? We'll, unlucky for you, this team wants to win.

[Jonny CC]

I think you have a brighter viewpoint than some of Boston's citizenry than I do.

Anyway, it was rude, you were right, so I swapped it out. I don't post controversial things in the Celtics threads -- those are saved for Current Events. 

Again, maybe it's me.  I re-read some of our earlier discussions about Wallace being more valuable off the court than Lee on the court and I don't know why I was arguing about it...I totally missed the point there.  I think I need a vacation. 

[TheTruthFot18]

Prolly the 2nd best offensive player on the roster.

Just like when Ray Allen was our second best offensive player. It only took people 3-4 years to realize he didn't play defense.

[D.o.s.]

I think you have a brighter viewpoint than some of Boston's citizenry than I do.

Anyway, it was rude, you were right, so I swapped it out. I don't post controversial things in the Celtics threads -- those are saved for Current Events. 

Again, maybe it's me.  I re-read some of our earlier discussions about Wallace being more valuable off the court than Lee on the court and I don't know why I was arguing about it...I totally missed the point there.  I think I need a vacation.

No hard feelings! It's just the internet!

[TheFlex]

Great another over the hill player to take minutes away from youngsters...Enjoy the 40 wins while the teams tanking are laughing all the way to the lottery next year. The Celtics really don't want to compete for a title in the next 20 years...and if they think they can get Durant then hahahahahahaha. I hope Danny isn't that delusional but taking on Lee instead of just letting Wallace expire is just awful. Takes minutes away from youngsters who could tank for us. A strong tank is what's needed not David Lee!

Who's over the hill?

Check his per minute stats. It's pretty much the same as when he was an All Star. And I'm glad that he will take the minutes from the youngsters. He's way better and those youngsters will now have to prove themselves that they can be better than Lee to earn those minutes.

David Lee is 32. That's the only stat I care about. He has someone like Mickey behind him now who Stevens could actually develop into a decent young big and Ainge ends up getting this old man on the team. This team needs no one on the team playing meaningful minutes over the age of 26-28. It's about developing talent that was drafted. Should have just cut Wallace instead.

How could Mickey have potential? I thought Danny had a terrible draft? I thought only the top 5 draft picks ever pan out into anything of value anyways?