Damon Stoudamire to the Celtics?

[campybatman]

My wishful thinking choice is Kidd. And I prefer Cassell over Stoudamire.

Personally, I would inquire about Ridnour or Watson from Seattle.

I hate to settle on Stoudamire. An undersized scoring guard who's no more a point guard than House.

Is Jarrett Jack available?

[Rocky5000]

Jack's not available.

Really, I'd prefer Chris Paul to Stoudemire, but beggars can't be choosers. I don't really understand why the Clips would buy out Cassell. The only reason would be to do the Cs a solid, and I don't think they have any other reasons to help us out other than that Cassell has been a good soldier while in LA. Cassell would have to ask for a buyout on his own. A trade simply won't work for us. Why can't we find another Udrih somewhere?

[meatball sub]

This would be a much needed addition. I wouldn't be against getting both of them if Cassell were to be bought out somehow.

[The Rondo Show]

I'd definitely prefer Sam over anyone else available/who might become available, but Damon is well ahead of GP on my list and at #2.

We have 2 roster spots due to cutting Brandon Wallace, right? If Cassell becomes available, just tell him we all know he's better than Stoudamire and that minutes will become an issue for Stoudamire and not Cassell.

[DynastyInTheMaking]

Definitely Cassell >> Stoudamire

However no Cassell means YES to Mighty Mouse.

[P2]

I think you have to go with Mighty Mouse. I just don't see Cassell being bought out. I'm sorry. There's no reason to. If Cassell doesn't demand a buyout with the next few days, sign Damon..

Exactly, you can't let such a chance slip. What if Damon signs with another team, but Cassell doesn't get bought out? This could very well be the mistake that won't get us the Championship.

Hate to echo the sentiments of the board, but yeah ... I'd prefer Cassell. However, it strikes me as a bit of a gamble to hang around hoping for the perfect player, especially for a little more than half a season. Take Damon, see what happens with Cassell in the offseason.

I agree 100%. If we can improve our PG situation, we just do it.

[P2]

Guys, I found a piece in the Memphis paper which says this:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/20 ... uyout-deal

Stoudamire is preparing to counter in hopes of joining a contender soon. Stoudamire is hopeful that he can sign as a free agent with Boston, which is looking for help behind Rajon Rondo.

Negotiations toward a buyout could heat up Monday when Griz owner Michael Heisley is expected in town for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day game against the Chicago Bulls.

So let's see how Danny reacts to that.

[canman1971]

I don't think Ainge will comment on anything, unless the buyout is complete. Ainge knows better.

On the topic of Damon, it certainly won't hurt the team. This team gets very sluggish when Rondo is out. And of course, I see no reason why LA buys out Cassell unless he demands it publicly. They will trade him first, IMO.

[BillessuR6]

A more negative look at possible Stoudamire signing from the article on celticsblog:

Link: http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?op ... Itemid=260

On this team built around chemistry and the ubuntu theme, Stoudamire isn't exactly the perfect fit. Referring to Mighty Mouse's past as "checkered" puts it mildly, as he has had multiple drug-related incidents and was a prominent part of the Jail Blazer Era during his days in Portland, representing both the "jail" and "blazing" motifs espoused by much of the roster at that point (not that he was necessarily serving all that much time, but he was running into trouble with the law). While the Celtics have very strong leadership on the roster and could likely afford to take on a questionable character with the skills to greatly benefit the team, Stoudamire's history puts his character well past "questionable," and the skills aren't necessarily going to be enough of a difference-maker that bringing him in becomes worth the risk.

The fact of the matter is that Stoudamire's skills simply aren't that special, especially at the advanced age of 34. He doesn't bring the added scoring punch that other on-the-market point guards such as Sam Cassell and Gary Payton would, and he certainly doesn't shoot the ball particularly effectively from the field. Stoudamire hasn't cracked the 40 percent mark from the field in four seasons and is just a 40.7 percent shooter for his career. Not exactly enticing when one of the principal goals of bringing in a competent backup for Rondo would be to have a player who can make opponents pay for focusing on the three studs by hitting the occasional open jump shot. Stoudamire isn't a particularly dynamic passer and isn't known as a great defender. As such, the question of just how much better the Celtics get with Stoudamire on board becomes a very viable one.

This isn't to say that the team needs to go out and get Cassell or Payton or that they have the means to do so. But unless the feeling is that Damon Stoudamire's presence would almost assuredly allow this Celts team to take a quantum leap forward when it matters most, rushing into an agreement to acquire him hardly seems worth the haste, the cost or the character risk undertaken by bringing him in.

I mostly disagree with the article. I don`t see his character as a problem. He is 34 now and is more mature.

I also think he is a good shooter. His % aren`t breathtaking but he can shoot the three and can bring some offensive punch off the bench. He is also a good ballhandler which is what we are looking for in a PG backup.

The only thing that worries me is his defense.

I just hope they don`t come to an agreement quickly. The longer it takes the better for us, since the Cassell situation will be more transperent.

[canman1971]

A more negative look at possible Stoudamire signing from the article on celticsblog:

Link: http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?op ... Itemid=260

On this team built around chemistry and the ubuntu theme, Stoudamire isn't exactly the perfect fit. Referring to Mighty Mouse's past as "checkered" puts it mildly, as he has had multiple drug-related incidents and was a prominent part of the Jail Blazer Era during his days in Portland, representing both the "jail" and "blazing" motifs espoused by much of the roster at that point (not that he was necessarily serving all that much time, but he was running into trouble with the law). While the Celtics have very strong leadership on the roster and could likely afford to take on a questionable character with the skills to greatly benefit the team, Stoudamire's history puts his character well past "questionable," and the skills aren't necessarily going to be enough of a difference-maker that bringing him in becomes worth the risk.

The fact of the matter is that Stoudamire's skills simply aren't that special, especially at the advanced age of 34. He doesn't bring the added scoring punch that other on-the-market point guards such as Sam Cassell and Gary Payton would, and he certainly doesn't shoot the ball particularly effectively from the field. Stoudamire hasn't cracked the 40 percent mark from the field in four seasons and is just a 40.7 percent shooter for his career. Not exactly enticing when one of the principal goals of bringing in a competent backup for Rondo would be to have a player who can make opponents pay for focusing on the three studs by hitting the occasional open jump shot. Stoudamire isn't a particularly dynamic passer and isn't known as a great defender. As such, the question of just how much better the Celtics get with Stoudamire on board becomes a very viable one.

This isn't to say that the team needs to go out and get Cassell or Payton or that they have the means to do so. But unless the feeling is that Damon Stoudamire's presence would almost assuredly allow this Celts team to take a quantum leap forward when it matters most, rushing into an agreement to acquire him hardly seems worth the haste, the cost or the character risk undertaken by bringing him in.

I mostly disagree with the article. I don`t see his character as a problem. He is 34 now and is more mature.

I also think he is a good shooter. His % aren`t breathtaking but he can shoot the three and can bring some offensive punch off the bench. He is also a good ballhandler which is what we are looking for in a PG backup.

The only thing that worries me is his defense.

I just hope they don`t come to an agreement quickly. The longer it takes the better for us, since the Cassell situation will be more transperent.

I agree. People look into the past too often. He hasn't been an issue for quite sometime now. His defense isn't why he would be brought in for. He would come in to control the 2nd unit or if Rondo is out, it allows Tony and Eddie to play their natural positions.

[ParticleMan]

I basically agree with that article. I don't like Damon much. OTOH, he is an improvement for us in certain situations. Frankly, I think House will still be our backup PG. Damon would be 3rd string, who would play if House is ineffective because of pressure or poor shooting. I don't see House being bumped from the backup PG spot. His ballhandling is shaky but his shooting is really valuable. Where we really get exposed is when Rondo (or House) is out, and we have to use one of the Allen Bros. at PG. Then things go downhill. Having Damon there isntead would definitely help.

[P2]

A more negative look at possible Stoudamire signing from the article on celticsblog:

Link: http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?op ... Itemid=260

On this team built around chemistry and the ubuntu theme, Stoudamire isn't exactly the perfect fit. Referring to Mighty Mouse's past as "checkered" puts it mildly, as he has had multiple drug-related incidents and was a prominent part of the Jail Blazer Era during his days in Portland, representing both the "jail" and "blazing" motifs espoused by much of the roster at that point (not that he was necessarily serving all that much time, but he was running into trouble with the law). While the Celtics have very strong leadership on the roster and could likely afford to take on a questionable character with the skills to greatly benefit the team, Stoudamire's history puts his character well past "questionable," and the skills aren't necessarily going to be enough of a difference-maker that bringing him in becomes worth the risk.

The fact of the matter is that Stoudamire's skills simply aren't that special, especially at the advanced age of 34. He doesn't bring the added scoring punch that other on-the-market point guards such as Sam Cassell and Gary Payton would, and he certainly doesn't shoot the ball particularly effectively from the field. Stoudamire hasn't cracked the 40 percent mark from the field in four seasons and is just a 40.7 percent shooter for his career. Not exactly enticing when one of the principal goals of bringing in a competent backup for Rondo would be to have a player who can make opponents pay for focusing on the three studs by hitting the occasional open jump shot. Stoudamire isn't a particularly dynamic passer and isn't known as a great defender. As such, the question of just how much better the Celtics get with Stoudamire on board becomes a very viable one.

This isn't to say that the team needs to go out and get Cassell or Payton or that they have the means to do so. But unless the feeling is that Damon Stoudamire's presence would almost assuredly allow this Celts team to take a quantum leap forward when it matters most, rushing into an agreement to acquire him hardly seems worth the haste, the cost or the character risk undertaken by bringing him in.

I mostly disagree with the article. I don`t see his character as a problem. He is 34 now and is more mature.

I also think he is a good shooter. His % aren`t breathtaking but he can shoot the three and can bring some offensive punch off the bench. He is also a good ballhandler which is what we are looking for in a PG backup.

The only thing that worries me is his defense.

I just hope they don`t come to an agreement quickly. The longer it takes the better for us, since the Cassell situation will be more transperent.

I concur. But I would rather have him quickly, because Phoenix would basically sign him the next minute he is a free agent, and Boston and Phoenix are his Top 2 options. If Boston is hesistant to sign him, Damon will accept Phoenix's offer with alacrity.

[SuperDeluxe]

I concur. But I would rather have him quickly, because Phoenix would basically sign him the next minute he is a free agent, and Boston and Phoenix are his Top 2 options. If Boston is hesistant to sign him, Damon will accept Phoenix's offer with alacrity.

Phoenix has Nash, Barbosa and Banks, plus a $71.4 million payroll. I don't see how they're going to pay even more luxury tax in order to sign yet another PG.

[Jammer]

Yikes.

1. Memphis' initial offer was reportedly 20% of Midget's remaining salary.
Memphis is Waiting for a reply from Stoudamire. This is when headline hungry reporters call negotiations really heating up. Stoudamire got an offer for a buyout from Memphis.
Sacrifice 80% of his remaining contract. Whoopee.

2. Might Mouse is NOT a point guard. But, at 5' 10", he doesn't have a choice.
This is a guy who once scored 51 points with 1 assist.

3. He is unable to play D. It is not a matter of willpower, conditioning, or coaching.
It's physics.

Realistically, Stoudamire is a better ball handler than House or Pruitt, without any defense.

Stoudamire would definately be behind House in the rotation, and he would be competing against rookie Gabe Pruitt for the 3rd string point guard duties.

[P2]

he would be competing against rookie Gabe Pruitt for the 3rd string point guard duties

Are you kidding me? A 13-year veteran battling it out with a rookie on a team that wants to win a championship? Stoudamire would instantly be the backup point guard, with House at the 2 and Tony likely at the 3, which would push Posey back to the 4.

Or both Tony and House would play thwo thirds of each one's minutes, which would leave the remaining time for Stoudamire. That would mean Tony's minutes would go down from 17.4 to 11.6, House's from 20.6 to 13.7, which would leave 12.7 minutes for Damon. Not a bad idea.

I would also bet that Stoudamire, Memphis and Ainge already know where he will wind up and that this buyout is pending and to be completed shortly. It's just the little details which no fan knows about.

Stoudamire also is a PG. Right now, he averages 8.6 AP48, Rondo only 7.4.

[UGA Hayes]

I don't think people realize just how bad Stoudamire has been playing. That Underachieving record Memphis is damn near exclusively due to Damon's horrible play at the PG. Memphis has played magnitudes better since Conley has returned to the lineup. Honestly I've liked Gabe better than I thought I would and unless casell becomes available would rather continue seeing what he can give us.

[floyd]

Wish we could get a Armstrong / Lindsey Hunter type. Someone who will play some D, can handle bringing the ball up, and won't bitch if he's stuck on the pine.

If you're gonna bring in a guy known for being an a-hole, he should at least be able to play.

[The Rondo Show]

I don't think people realize just how bad Stoudamire has been playing. That Underachieving record Memphis is damn near exclusively due to Damon's horrible play at the PG. Memphis has played magnitudes better since Conley has returned to the lineup. Honestly I've liked Gabe better than I thought I would and unless casell becomes available would rather continue seeing what he can give us.

I do agree he's not very good at this point, but I don't see how anyone can blame solely Damon Stoudamire for Memphis not being a good team. The Grizzlies are a better team with Stoudamire on the court than without.

They score 107.8 points per 100 possessions with him on the court, and 105.6 per 100 possessions with him on the bench. They are exactly the same defensively.

They are awful because no one on that team plays D and they are one of, if not the worst defensive team in basketball--not because of Damon's play at PG.

[Jammer]

P2:

Eddie House and Tony Allen's minutes are already pumped up from covering for the games that Rondo and Ray Allen have missed.

Stoudamire would be additional insurance in case something happens to Rondo.

If Rondo is healthy, it's questionable whether Stoudamire would see any action at all.

If everyone (includes Pollard, for a team like San Antonio) is healthy, the Celtics rotation looks something like:

PG: Rondo 31 / Eddie House 17

SG: Ray Allen 38 / Tony Allen 10

SF: Paul Pierce 38 / James Posey 10

PF: Kevin Garnett 24 / James Posey 12 / Glen Davis 12

C: Kendrick Perkins 25 / Kevin Garnett 12 / Scot Pollard 8 / 3 varies

So, if everyone is healthy, Mighty Mouse would be competing with Eddie House for minutes.

I find it highly unlikely that House would ever be paired in the backcourt with Stoudamire, since neither could defend an NBA sized shooting guard.
Stoudamire is 5' 10", with House 5' 11.75".

Stoudamire will be what you call an insurance player. In the face of extremely quick pressure (Tony Parker on the ball), Stoudamire might have to handle the ball over House, especially if Ginoboli and Robert Horry hang back to double. This is where not having Rondo on the floor could be exploited. The thing to do NOW is before that situation is reached, and Popovich can run his schemes, the Celtics have to practice triangulation drills to not strand a ball handler, especially if Rondo is out of the game.

And I do note your comment about House playing the 2, I just don't see Eddie able to handle Brent Barry since Barry could simply shoot right over House, drive by him, or post him up.

[UGA Hayes]

-= original quote snipped =-

I do agree he's not very good at this point, but I don't see how anyone can blame solely Damon Stoudamire for Memphis not being a good team. The Grizzlies are a better team with Stoudamire on the court than without.

They score 107.8 points per 100 possessions with him on the court, and 105.6 per 100 possessions with him on the bench. They are exactly the same defensively.

They are awful because no one on that team plays D and they are one of, if not the worst defensive team in basketball--not because of Damon's play at PG.

You are likely right, but I personally think, now that conley is back, with a larger sample size they will start to look much better defensively.