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Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith?

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Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith? 

Post#1 » by campybatman » Sat Feb 7, 2009 10:45 am

What would you offer New Jersey or Oklahoma City?

In my opinion, Najera is the more realistic choice. I've a feeling Cleveland or San Antonio or whomever might come in and offer a better deal to the Thunder before the deadline. I mean Smith isn't adverse to playing for Cleveland again and San Antonio desires help up front.

A trade of Scalabrine (might need to include a second round pick) for Najera from New Jersey works and might make sense for the Nets. The Nets would loose Najera's longterm salary for a short term salary in Scalabrine. While Boston acquires a veteran small forward with some outside range. If I were Ainge and the Nets were interested, I would make this trade. He's an upgrade over Scalabrine and could provide the same things and is probably a better defender. His age and longterm salary (it actually decreases in each remaining season) might be seen as negatives but I feel he adds better depth than what you've in Bill Walker. Plus, he's taller than Tony when Tony plays at small forward and he can guard both forward positions.
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Re: Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith? 

Post#2 » by klemen4 » Sat Feb 7, 2009 10:59 am

If we will trade for sf, there is only one thing I want him to do...be such a good defender that he can help us guarding Lebron...We are ok with Orlando, also LAL are beatable, but playing Pierce on Lebron wears Pierce down and we need him fresh in the end of games...Tony aint enought for Lebron, Scal to slow...

I like Najera, but he cant guard Lebron...so I rather have Scal"The Staudamire stoper"
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Re: Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith? 

Post#3 » by Larry Joe Bird » Sat Feb 7, 2009 1:47 pm

Recent articles on NBA trade rumors and free agent signings seldom mention the Boston Celtics. One article claimed that the C's asked Reggie Miller before the season if he would be willing to come out of retirement to play for them. Their offer is still on the table. They also have been interested in P.J. Brown and Alonzo Mourning, but the latter and former are still committed to their retirement from professional basketball.

They mostly have Marbury and Smith on their radar screen and will likely wait until after the trade deadline to see if they can acquire one or both of these players, especially since there is a possibility that the Knick's and Thunder may buy-out the contracts of both players.

The C's really need a power forward/center who can play solid defense and who can give Garnett and Perkins a break. I like Jeff Foster, but Larry Bird may not want to deal with his old team for fear that a trade may be interpreted by critics in the same way the big trade between the Ainge and McHale was interpreted in 2007.
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Re: Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith? 

Post#4 » by Red2 » Sat Feb 7, 2009 2:26 pm

I don't see how najera gives you more than leon or baby. he's a hustle/muscle guy not a skilled guy or a shot blocker. I don't want Najera- he doesn't fill a need
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Re: Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith? 

Post#5 » by Bad-Thoma » Sat Feb 7, 2009 2:59 pm

I've always thought Najera was a pretty good defender, but at this point I don't see how he offers enough over scal to bring someone new in that has to learn our defensive rotations.
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Re: Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith? 

Post#6 » by campybatman » Sat Feb 7, 2009 4:02 pm

On the contrary, Najera indeed would fill a need. That need is at small forward. Powe and Davis are both power forwards who platoon as backup center as well. Neither can play or guard a small forward.

Najera essentially does enough to maybe remind some of Posey. As said, he can guard both forward positions, is a capable passer, can score from the perimeter and drive inside, if need be, is a hustle player that does the "little things" to contribute and likes to play defense. Occasionally, blocking a shot here and there. He's a player who isn't easily intimidated as evident in a game versus Boston this season. That is, he wouldn't back down from Garnett in practice or otherwise. In my opinion, he would be a near perfect addition and would've a place or find his niche on the Celtics. Unlike Posey, he probably isn't a clutch shooter. And you might not rely on him to make a needed three-point basket. They've Ray Allen and/or House for that. But, if anyone's a fan of Powe's style of play. I've a hard time understanding why Boston fans wouldn't like Najera.

Again, Najera doesn't appear to be a player that would back down from a challenge nor would he likely be intimidated of guarding LeBron, if need be. You need players like that. They aren't afraid to commit a foul. I think Garnett would like him. But, he's probably irksome as an opponent. But, I'm sure that the fans of the Nets, Nuggets and his other former teams can speak on him more accurately than me. I just like scrappy players who can accept their roles and are good at what they do whatever that may be.
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Re: Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith? 

Post#7 » by quinielabox » Sat Feb 7, 2009 6:38 pm

I would like to add both to my roster. Joe Smith as a rebounder and big defender and Ed Najera for the backup SF spot to Pierce. If we can add these two role players to our squad, I think we repeat.
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Re: Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith? 

Post#8 » by campybatman » Sun Feb 8, 2009 1:39 am

Well, according to Hoopworld, both Boston and Cleveland are talking to Oklahoma City about Smith.



Despite his limited role (6.7 points, 4.4 rounds in roughly 19 minutes per game) with the Thunder, both the Celtics and Cavs have already reportedly inquired about Smith's services and other teams should be quick to follow.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=11434
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Re: Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith? 

Post#9 » by threrf23 » Sun Feb 8, 2009 2:50 am

I like Najera but am not sure he is cut out for minutes @ SF.
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Re: Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith? 

Post#10 » by Joekickass2008 » Sun Feb 8, 2009 7:27 am

I like him........and he likes the Red Soxs...lol....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpSYDhpPCLM

Seriously though....can't see us grabbing him....would the nets take Scal for a second time?
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Re: Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith? 

Post#11 » by return2glory » Sun Feb 8, 2009 8:32 pm

Najera sucks. He isn't what we need at all.
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Re: Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith? 

Post#12 » by Mr. Chunk » Sun Feb 8, 2009 9:11 pm

The C's really need a power forward/center who can play solid defense and who can give Garnett and Perkins a break. I like Jeff Foster, but Larry Bird may not want to deal with his old team for fear that a trade may be interpreted by critics in the same way the big trade between the Ainge and McHale was interpreted in 2007.


Absolutely, if Danny could replace the minutes that Scalabrine and Davis have played at PF/C with Foster, the C's look better. It's just that the Celtics likely don't have the assets to acquire Foster or any similar big. You'd have to package Scal with TA, which wouldn't likely be enough. Plus, TA is meh, he's not awful in the way that Scal and Glen Davis are. You'd actually have to find someone competent to replace him.

They're in a better position to acquire Smith, who is better than Davis/Scal at this point, which is all they really need. Scal and Davis suck. They both try hard and have occasional flourishes, which, if the C's weren't in a position to win a title would be 'fun'... But, I'd rather actually have a dude who has some consistent, demonstrable skills (defense, rebounding) like Smith. Not, you know, see those two fat **** flop around and compile 1500+ minutes between them by seasons end.
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Re: Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith? 

Post#13 » by campybatman » Sun Feb 8, 2009 9:28 pm

How's Boston in a better position to acquire Smith? I don't see that at all. Oklahoma City doesn't intend to buy him out and who would they want in players from Boston to consummate a trade? Desmond Mason was lost for the season, so I can see maybe an interest in Tony. But, that's probably about it.
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Re: Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith? 

Post#14 » by Mr. Chunk » Sun Feb 8, 2009 9:45 pm

How's Boston in a better position to acquire Smith? I don't see that at all. Oklahoma City doesn't intend to buy him out and who would they want in players from Boston to consummate a trade? Desmond Mason was lost for the season, so I can see maybe an interest in Tony. But, that's probably about it.


I'm saying they're in a better position to acquire Smith than Foster.

The weakness of this team lies at PF/C. Garnett is awesome, Perk is good, Powe is decent, Scal and Davis contribute nothing/hurt the team. Doc could offset this by playing Powe more, but he doesn't seem interested in doing that. Now, sure, Najera is better than Scal, but only slightly. Combine that with the fact that Scal expires after next season and I'd rather explore other options at this point.
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Re: Eduardo Najera or Joe Smith? 

Post#15 » by campybatman » Sun Feb 8, 2009 10:07 pm

There in lines the problem. There are very few or any option else to explore.

I don't know, maybe Ainge hasn't scoured the barrel enough. That is, look at who other teams have in reserves. Hence, why I feel that Najera's a good option. I think he's hurt now but he wasn't playing a lot anyways. What I'm saying is for Ainge to inquire about role players that other teams might be giving up on or don't see them as part of their longterm plans.

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