The Minneapolis StarTribune asked Kevin McHale two questions about the Boston Celtics' acquisition of Stephon Marbury. (1) Did you give Danny Ainge any advice before he signed Marbury? (2) What do you think of the acquisition?
McHale pled the 5th on both counts. Well, sort of. The former member of the all-interview team couldn't totally keep his mouth shut.
"Danny and I talk all the time. Sometimes every day. Those conversations are between me and Danny."
There it is, Celtic Nation. We have another link in the chain of evidence underlying my theory that the Garnett-to-Boston trade was an inside job. Kevin McHale and Danny Ainge talk every day. I knew it! Back when the Timberwolves were shopping Tom Gugliotta, and Tom Gugliotta was considered one of the better forwards in the NBA, the Lakers offered a fairly attractive package for Googs. McHale said "no thanks."
Strike that. He actually said, "Believe it or not my job is not to help the Lakers win another championship." Why would McHale and Ainge talk everyday about things McHale is not willing to make public unless McHale is consorting with Danny about ongoing player-personnel moves?
Joe Smith--former Timberwolf. Stephon Marbury--former Timberwolf. Joe Smith didn't show enough motivation to push for a buyout while the defending champions still had a vacancy. Mikki Moore did. Joe Smith almost cost McHale his job. You don't think McHale weighed in on the decision between Moore and Smith? Stephon Marbury is largely responsible for starting McHale's downward descent as a GM . He knows Steph. You don't think he weighed in on that move, too?
I've said it before and I'll keep on saying it until more of Celtic Nation agrees with me. If the Timberwolves aren't in the hunt for a championship, Kevin McHale will do what he can to make sure the Celtics are in the best position to win one for themselves. It started with the KG trade, and continued last week. The Celtics' bench was thin this year, too thin for McHale's liking, especially after his beloved Celtics got swept by the purple during their two regular-season match-ups.
The Celtics' bench isn't thin anymore, and Kevin McHale played a role in strengthening the bench. He's just not comfortable talking about the advice he gave Danny. McHale is not only a lifelong member of the Boston Celtics, it looks like he's a shadow executive, too.
2 comments:
Not trading Googs to the Lakers was a big mistake as he didn't do a thing once he was traded to Phoenix and the Wolves could have got better players from LA. Rivalries have no business in being a GM, even Red traded with the Lakers. McHale was a terrible GM and I think he's lucky to still be coach now.
If you ever go out to KFAN Minneapolis and listen to their podcasts, word on the street is that McHale can coach as long as he wants.
That was basically the GM deal offered him, too. He didn't want to join the wolves. They said you name the terms. He basically said he'd do it, but wouldn't kill himself doing it.
Had Steph not forced his hand, his tenure as GM might be thought of differently today.
http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2009/03/marbury-mchale.html
Post a Comment