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I think Michael Finley or Eddie Jones (player option) would be an ideal back up to Ray Allen if either could be convinced to come to Boston. But, I believe Jones would like to return to Dallas and won't opt out. He'll turn thirty-seven before the start of next season. While I don't know the latest on Finley, thirty-five, as far as him returning to San Antonio.

The Phoenix Suns today announced that forward Grant Hill has exercised his player option for the 2008-09 season. Originally signed by the Suns as a free agent on July 11, 2007, the 14-year NBA veteran proved remarkably durable in his first season in Phoenix. Hill appeared in 70 games for the Suns, his most in a single season since 1999-00, including starts in 34 consecutive contests to open the season. Suns.com

DeSagana Diop may be headed back to the Mavericks. The team for which Diop played nearly three seasons before getting traded to New Jersey in February may be prepared to offer him its full mid-level exception, an NBA source said Wednesday. That would mean a starting salary of about $5.5 million for Diop, the 7-foot center who was popular not only with fans but in the locker room as a part- time starter with the Mavericks. Dallas Morning News

James Jones is now available.

P2 wrote:James Jones is now available.

Yep, if we can't get Posey back I think James Jones should be our #1 target to replace him.

Two things I see out of this.

Posey isn't going to DAL or PHX.

Grant Hill doesn't think he can do better than the less than 2 mil he has coming in PHX from another contender.

Jones this season was a proficient three-point shooter (.444) and in field goals (.437). But, can he become that clutch shooter that Posey was this season? Jones isn't much of a rebounder, though. And I see that he's long (6'8'') but is he as good of a defender? I would rather have the veteran Finley that can back up both Ray and Pierce. I mean Finley has always been a solid rebounder, a decent passer, a good shooter and a three-point threat. The only question is can he still defend at his age. Well, Ray's a few years younger than him but Ray made himself into a better defender in Boston. I'm certain that Thibodeau can work with Finley to have similar results.

Finley sucks to be honest, and isn't going back to SA last I heard. I know he started last year but he is garbage. I watched a ton of Spurs games this last season and he is nothing anymore. And I think Hill wants one more season with super-pg Nash to make him look better.

Father Time > Mike Finley

RedSoxFan729 wrote:Finley sucks to be honest, and isn't going back to SA last I heard. I know he started last year but he is garbage. I watched a ton of Spurs games this last season and he is nothing anymore. And I think Hill wants one more season with super-pg Nash to make him look better.

I would like to think that Rondo could make any veteran look good as well.

I won't dispute your opinion of Finley because I didn't follow the Spurs this season. However, I doubt he's done. The Spurs looked like they were shuffling their back court a lot due to injuries and/or inconsistencies. So, I'm not putting much stock in Finley struggling this season unless he has a repeat of this next season. If Pollard could get a shot with Ainge. Then Finley deserves one too.

bonsaiflipflops wrote:

RedSoxFan729 wrote:Finley sucks to be honest, and isn't going back to SA last I heard. I know he started last year but he is garbage. I watched a ton of Spurs games this last season and he is nothing anymore. And I think Hill wants one more season with super-pg Nash to make him look better.

I would like to think that Rondo could make any veteran look good as well.

I won't dispute your opinion of Finley because I didn't follow the Spurs this season. However, I doubt he's done. The Spurs looked like they were shuffling their back court a lot due to injuries and/or inconsistencies. So, I'm not putting much stock in Finley struggling this season unless he has a repeat of this next season. If Pollard could get a shot with Ainge. Then Finley deserves one too.

I see where you are coming from, but it was just the things that made Finley good over the years weren't there. No legs under his jumpshot, no defense to speak of. Honestly just running outta gas.

I'd read that the Spurs will likely try to resign him. So, then resigning House is the best option out there at shooting guard.

Bonzi Wells reads like he has lost a step as well. I reckon age can do that to you. He turns thirty-two later this year.

Shaun Livingston is available and could be a perfect fit at backup PG.

Unlikely, because Ainge will want to see what the team has in Pruitt. Besides, I don't believe the Clippers are ready to move on from Livingston who's a RFA.

Livingston's qualifying offer is like 5.8 million, I doubt the Clippers pay it. That said, if Livingston's remotely healthy he'll stay in L.A. or go somewhere he has a chance to start. Don't think he wants to compete with Rondo, even if he'd be joining a contender.