NBA Draft Talk

[UGA Hayes]

I don't really disagree with any of that, but he just seems like a surer bet than a lot of guys ahead of him. Additionally guys with high steals and block numbers tend to do well because it suggests that they have NBA level athleticism and IQ, or at least know how to use it. I think he is more offensively talented than Bowen, closer to a Prince. IMO he is worthy of the 17 to end of first round range. Can't always swing for the fences.

[Jammer]

Jammer,

You have to factor in the declining salary cap. You could be very disappointed in the Celtics off-season. I don't believe the Celtics will use the MLE this season, maybe a part of it for Marbury. House will take the option, that will put the Celtics at 11 players under contract. If they resign Powe and Davis that puts them at 13 and Moore accepting the vet min would put them at 14. Then there is Marbury. If the Celtics can resign Marbury then they probably would not exercise Pruitt's option and let him go saving $1.5 million.

I could see the Celtics doing very little this off-season as far as new players to keep the cost down and then possibility using a combination of expiring contracts (House, Pruitt, T. Allen & Scalabrine) and draft picks to go out and get what they think they need at the trade dealine.

Don't be surprised at little activity in the off-season. IMO.

Celts17Pride:

You may be correct.

My point was that if the Celtics want to bring in a free agent at near full MLE
(or even slightly higher), they have the option of shedding some salary
via a sign and trade.

The bigger problem preventing that, in addition to the salaries that Powe and Davis might command,
is whether they want to bring in ANY big for more than Kendrick Perkins $4.2 million salary.

If they are willing to bring in someone,
I'll revise my estimate of Rasheed and Rasho's worth,
after reviewing their play this past year,
from near $7 million to just the regular MLE.
However, the Celtics would probably approach Paul Pierce, KG and Ray Allen;
with the following hypotheticals (Yes or No):

Brian Scalabrine + Tony Allen for Rasheed Wallace
Brian Scalabrine + Pruitt + Giddens for Rasheed Wallace
Brian Scalabrine + Tony Allen for Rasho Nesterovic
Brian Scalabrine + Pruitt + Giddens for Rasho Nesterovic

The Celtics can shed some salary, for a true big.
I say this because I'm not sold on Mikki Moore, he CAN'T push people around inside,
although his length might help against Pau Gasol.

Scalabrine + Tony's salary will total $5.9 million next year,
Scal + Pruitt + Giddens will total $5.25 million.

Again, if they wanted another big, they could give up some guys to get one,
if they want to go in a different direction from Mikki Moore.
But, if they want to save money, they re-sign Moore,
but still try to ditch Scalabrine and Pruitt.

Steph can be re-signed for around $2.9 million without tapping into the MLE.
Steph is starting to play better of late, but he may look to a team with
an opportunity for more minutes (and a full MLE salary).