Danny Ainge announced that he would be traveling this week to Utah where he planned to evaluate the progress of rookies J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker, who both play for the NBDL's Utah Flash. Ordinarily, I'd read this as some throwaway line in the local fish wraps. And maybe it's just that.
On the other hand, the league is aswirl in rumors--10-day contracts, trades, and free agent signings. The Stephon-Marbury-to-the-Celts rumor continues to have legs, despite opposition from almost everyone in Celticland. Conversely, Celtics fans would love to land Joe Smith. But since the list of suitors for him continues to grow, Boston will only have a chance to get Mr. Smith if they put together a more attractive package than everyone else.
Which brings us back to the Utah trip.
Is Danny traveling to Utah for the sole purpose of evaluating his rookies in person?
Or maybe he's got an offer on the table right now and he wants to make sure he's not giving up exactly the kind of playmaker the Celtics are currently seeking to acquire?
Or is there a third alternative? Since what he is attending is called an NBDL "showcase," maybe he's planning to attend with some deals up his sleeve?
Whatever the case, things should start to shake down shortly. The Knicks are talking about adding two bodies to their roster, and that would require eliminating one--Marbury. The on-again-off-again buyout talks are supposedly back on.
4 comments:
Adding Joe Smith and/or Marbury or anyone would require the Celtics to make a move to clear roster space. If they get Smith in a trade, that would clear the needed space, but if they are looking to sign free agents like Mutombo or PJ Brown or Smith if he is bought out, we would need to clear some space ourselves. Most of the opinions feel that Sam would be moved to the coaching staff and not on the roster any longer. And another thought would be that one of the rookies would be cut or a player traded for a draft pick or O'Bryant cut. What are your thoughts about clearing roster space to bring someone in? I don't like giving up young talent at this point as we need to think beyond the Garnett/Allen and Pierce years and so need to be developing those young guys to take over or we will be back on the bottom of the league in a few years.
Cut is pretty harsh. The rookies definitely won't be cut. POB, maybe.
I could also see someone traded for a second rounder out of desperation.
Cassell could get moved to the bench. My guess is that this would be temporary. The second unit is still looking for a captain, and Cassell will be given an opportunity before the year is out. I just don't see Doc heading into the playoffs with EH, TA, and GP as his backup 1s.
I'd really like to see Gabe get a chance to play meaningful minutes before deciding he can't be the back up right now. I think moving Eddie to the 2 so he can concentrate on getting his shot off and let Gabe run the point would work. TA is not now nor ever has been a PG. Let him back up the 3.
Yeah, that would be good.
But do you see Doc heading into the playoffs with Gabe as the number 2?
If Cassell is really Kaput, and I don't think he is, then that just lends more credibility to the Marbury rumors.
No amount of brainwashing could get that guy to understand ubuntu.
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