BOSTON CELTICS via ESPN Insider

BOSTON CELTICS via ESPN Insider - Printable Version

+- InsaneTrain Forums (https://insanetrain.com)
+-- Forum: General (https://insanetrain.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=4)
+--- Forum: General Forum (https://insanetrain.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=8)
+--- Thread: BOSTON CELTICS via ESPN Insider (/showthread.php?tid=26759)

BOSTON CELTICS via ESPN Insider - Anhil8tor - 07-06-2005

Players they might lose: Gary Payton, Antoine Walker

Players they might pursue: Stromile Swift, Earl Watson, Marko Jaric ®, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Ronald Murray ®

Current cap position: $49.3 million ($198,799 under the cap)

Analysis: The good news is that, with the tax savings built into the new rules, Danny Ainge will be allowed to spend the C's full mid-level exception this year. The bad news is that the free-agent point-guard class isn't great and Ainge has made no secret about his desire to add a point guard to this squad. It's unlikely that Payton will return and though the team likes their two young pseudo-points -- Delonte West and, to a lesser extent, Marcus Banks -- they know they need someone with more experience running the show.

Watson is probably the best fit for the style that Ainge wants to play, but Ainge is going to have competition from a number of other teams for Watson's services.

The Celtics also need another big man, especially if they're not bringing back Walker. Swift also could be an interesting pick. The Celtics still need athletes at the four and five positions and Swift is near the top of the heap. But he may command more cash than the Celtics have to offer.

If nothing materializes soon, don't be surprised if Ainge starts trading guys to keep upgrading his squad.

BOSTON CELTICS via ESPN Insider - WoolyGoat - 07-06-2005

I would endorse a Strom Swift signing (Blount is a stiff), however I'd like to see the kids run the point this year...maybe grab a cheap vet to play 15mpg or so.

BOSTON CELTICS via ESPN Insider - Anhil8tor - 07-06-2005

swift is a high profile low end player this year. It looks like he is on everyones list from what I can tell.

BOSTON CELTICS via ESPN Insider - cLaY - 07-06-2005

where's Paul Pierce going Wooley?

BOSTON CELTICS via ESPN Insider - WoolyGoat - 07-06-2005

I can't really make up my mind. Dude is tough as nails, plays every game, gets to the line, and has become a pretty solid passer. On the flip side, his attitude sucks and I'd hate to see it poison the kids.

After the incident at the end of the Indiana series, his value is probably low right now, but he's only got a few years left on his deal, so if we could get a couple #1s (or a big man and a 1) for him, I might pull the trigger.

The big rumor before the draft was Pierce to Portland for the #4...

BOSTON CELTICS via ESPN Insider - cLaY - 07-06-2005

they've got a good core going right now, and with a very solid draft this year I think they should pick up a solid big man via free agency and see how the first 20 games go next year.