Ainge doesn't dislike Shaun Livingston

[campybatman]

Simply, why not? I'm of the opinion that when drafting high (top five; probably top eight), you draft for best players available and not for need. You can apply this same thinking to a free agent. Yes, a veteran would make more sense at point guard or center for Boston. But, I've a somewhat of a feeling that Ainge would take a chance on Livingston like he'd for Telfair. I mean he can't be anymore of a risk or project than O'Bryant and he'd signed a two-year offer by Boston. I think this team needs another (experienced) point guard and/or center. However, I feel like Ainge and Rivers are content, for now, with employing Perkins, Davis and/or Powe and O'Bryant at center next season. So, there's room for taking a flier on Livingston. With Giddens signed... I feel like there's no rush to sign Walker at least for next season. After next season, things get real interesting in terms of how will the roster look going forward (think Ray Allen in particular).

Well, we know that the Celtics currently have two open roster spots and thirteen players now under contract. Rookie Bill Walker was acquired via a trade and he remains unsigned. Playing overseas is an option for both he and Ainge. Moreover, it's my opinion that Rondo and Pruitt could be the primary point guards with House seeing more time opposite them as a shooting guard; providing the team depth at the position behind Ray and Tony Allen. Consider this, Boston has a team option on both Rondo and Pruitt the season after next (2009-2010) and House has a player's option (2009-2010) by that time.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the Celtics still have a portion (or even half) of the MLE left after resigning House. I believe Tony was resigned not using any part of it.

A number of teams also still have the often forgotten bi-annual exception worth approximately $1.9 million. These teams include: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Indiana, the Lakers, Miami, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Utah and Washington.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9806

...Shaun Livingston, who has been playing five-on-five, for at least the past week and a half, at fitness trainer Tim Grover’s Attack Athletics facility in Chicago.

Clippers athletic trainer Jasen Powell confirmed Wednesday that Livingston has progressed to playing full-scale, full-court pickup games with the contingent of 20 or so NBA players that work out regularly at Grover’s site.

The 22-year old Livingston has spent the bulk of this summer working out there, primarily because the Clippers declined to extend a qualifying offer to him for the 2008-2009 season, then subsequently renounced their rights to him. Livingston is an unrestricted free agent.

Livingston was the Clippers’ first-round draft pick in 2004, selected fourth-overall in the NBA draft. His career has been beset by injuries but when he has been healthy, the 6-foot-7 Livingston has shown the skills and potential to be one of the league’s premier floor leaders and an all-defensive team pick.

It was nearly 18 months ago, when Livingston suffered a frightening and catastrophic injury to his left knee. He underwent surgery from renowned Alabama-based orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, to repair ruptures to all the major ligaments in his knee, as well as cartilage damage.

http://lakers.freedomblogging.com/2008/ ... #more-1363

[hiphop1]

I would first like to sign Walker but after that I would be totally game for giving Livingston a shot.

[campybatman]

See, I was thinking of signing Livingston with the hitch that Walker will play overseas for a year or two or Livingston wouldn't be signed at all. My logic is: You can't have them both with Aingle, perhaps again, leaving one roster spot open to sign a veteran by mid season assuming he fancies someone.

[Rocky5000]

With Pruitt, House, and Rondo, we don't really have space for another PG.

[campybatman]

As said, I see House more in an off guard role and Livingston doesn't hurt this team if you consider there isn't any pressure to play him a lot next season if Pruitt excels as a back up. He also gives you some cushion should you lose Rondo or Pruitt. Well, Ainge doesn't want to fathom the thought of losing Rondo. But, he's still evaluating Pruitt.

Livingston will come cheap for a team. That's important to note when you're talking about a young talent such as Livingston who, unlike Jay Williams, could reestablish himself as a legitimate NBA player.

[MVP16]

Our bench is really young. We have 2 rookies (Giddens/Walker), 2 players who have barely played in the league (O'Bryant/Pruitt), 2 pfs with limited experience (Powe/Big Baby) and 3 veterans (House/Scalabrine/Allen). If we get at player to fill the 15th roster spot, it has to be a veteran IMO.

[Al-Haqq]

I made a thread about this before, and I'll say it again here. Danny Ainge will not be signing anyone else, and if for some reason he does, then it won't be on a young PG.


SL will not be playing for the Celtics. Book it.

[hiphop1]

I think Livingston could play some three.

[ddb]

I think that Lebron James could literally pick up shaun Livingston and throw him a hundred yards into the balcony without even breaking a sweat. So NO to Livingston playing the 3. Also, he had a major major injury. Even if he's lucky enough to catch on with an NBA team this season he's not ready to help out. He would be a wasted roster spot at this point and it's really too bad because he had a bright future prior to the injury. I really hope he proves me wrong and makes a strong comeback but I wouldn't bet on it anytime soon.

[GuyClinch]

What a misleading thread. I didn't read any evidence about Ainge liking Livingston in your post. You like Livingston. So what..

Pete

[sully00]

I am sure that Ainge just like anyone else in the universe likes LIvingston, that isn't the issue. First is he healthy enough to play ball, second is it worth the price? Keep in mind that this kid was a #3, I believe, that is a pretty high standard of living.

He is going to wait out his own health and the money and their will not be any two year deals on the cheap.

[campybatman]

What a misleading thread. I didn't read any evidence about Ainge liking Livingston in your post. You like Livingston. So what..

It's misleading to you because you misread it. I think you read way too far into the title. It was said in a general sense. Ainge wouldn't object to taking a fly on Livingston if he can play next season and if he fits into what Ainge wants for this roster. No different from a lot of people on here who were in support of taking a fly on Darius Miles.

As far as the question of "wasting" a roster spot on a player like him given his current situation. Does a rookie who won't crack the rotation not a "waste" of a roster spot as well? I agree, if Livingston can't contribute as if there weren't issues with his health. Then you can't sign him to an one or two-year contract with that level of uncertainty. But, like Miles, all indications are that Livingston is trying hard to make someone's team next season. Ainge doesn't dislike Shaun Livingston. Exactly, as a general manager, Ainge would give him a look if it were worth one. Whether or not I like him or not isn't the point. Ainge still has options out there and Livingston could be at least somewhat one of them.

[John Locke]

I am pretty sure that Ainge has checked out the possibility of signing Livingston. And he is in a much better position to see if SL has anything left.

In theory it is certainly an intruiging idea. Livingston has boatload of talent and has already proved himself in the NBA. If he can come back and be the same player (a big if....no scratch that...a HUGE if) he will be an amazing signing. With his size we could pair him in a backcourt with House and no problems there.

But he will probably not come back as strong, and that opens up for lack of confidence and questioning yourself. I see Livingston either coming back full force or just going overseas.

[GuyClinch]

It's misleading to you because you misread it. I think you read way too far into the title. It was said in a general sense. Ainge wouldn't object to taking a fly on Livingston if he can play next season and if he fits into what Ainge wants for this roster. No different from a lot of people on here who were in support of taking a fly on Darius Miles.

I think Ainge would think twice about waisting a roster spot on a gimp/injury prone player. I didn't misread any title - you just made an unfounded assumption about Ainge without a shred of evidence. It's not a big deal but I thought we would get some comment from Ainge about liking SL. Or at least have evidence of him personally scouting him. We got nothing..

Personally I don't think SL was that good to begin with. I'd rather take a flyer on Miles if we are going to sign someone hurt. Between Rondo and House there is no room in the PG rotation.

This is just like last year when everyone wanted to sign that Duke guy who screwed up his leg on a motorcycle. He was never that good either..

Pete

[Red2]

I agree that Livingston is the kind of player that Red ( and Danny now) would take a chance on but I don't think we have a shot at him since the Clippers want him back. He's Penny Hardaway without the success that Penny had. I think our bigger need is at small forward and danny is clearly playing a waiting game there to see what develops and who shakes loose. we have depth at every position except SF so he really needs to address that before the season starts. Center is a concern also since perk is coming off surgery, O'Bryant is unproven and Davis is undersized. In a pinch you could play garnett there for a while and Pwe at PF and we would be ok for a while but garnett is not interested in banging with the big boys. So to me a player like Linvinston, while intriguing, is more of a l;uxury than a need at this point. Maybe Reggie Miller is willing to jump on board now? can you imagine him and ray and Pierce on the floor at the same time?

[Celtsfan1980]

I found it to be a little misleading too. Are there any quotes from Ainge showing interest in Livingston?

[CeltsfaninDC]

I don't mean to crap all over this but...

But, I've a somewhat of a feeling that Ainge would take a chance on Livingston like he'd for Telfair.

Because that worked out so well for him???

I mean he can't be anymore of a risk or project than O'Bryant and he'd signed a two-year offer by Boston.

unless you consider a player coming off of MAJOR knee surgery risk-free??

I think this team needs another (experienced) point guard and/or center.

Which Livingston is not. He played a few years for the Clips. Its not like he's been an All-star PG for years and years.

I like the kid and I hope he bounces back, but to think he'd be a part of the solution for the Cs at PG this year is a real stretch. I mean its news that he's able to run full court 5on5s. Is he really going to be a difference maker (see Jay Williams for a prediction on how this will all end)?

[campybatman]

I agree that Livingston is the kind of player that Red ( and Danny now) would take a chance on but I don't think we have a shot at him since the Clippers want him back. He's Penny Hardaway without the success that Penny had. I think our bigger need is at small forward and danny is clearly playing a waiting game there to see what develops and who shakes loose. we have depth at every position except SF so he really needs to address that before the season starts. Center is a concern also since perk is coming off surgery, O'Bryant is unproven and Davis is undersized. In a pinch you could play garnett there for a while and Pwe at PF and we would be ok for a while but garnett is not interested in banging with the big boys. So to me a player like Linvinston, while intriguing, is more of a l;uxury than a need at this point. Maybe Reggie Miller is willing to jump on board now? can you imagine him and ray and Pierce on the floor at the same time?

I can agree with that.

People on here really should focus on the thread and not to nitpick, misread or misinterpret which those of you have done so. It's ridiculous what some of you will complain about. Just don't post in the thread's topic. Unbelievable. But, that's too much in doing right for some posters. It's just a title of my choice. That's it. Really... People on here are so argumentative it isn't funny.

[GuyClinch]

People on here really should focus on the thread and not to nitpick, misread or misinterpret which those of you have done so. It's ridiculous what some of you will complain about. Just don't post in the thread's topic. Unbelievable. But, that's too much in doing right for some posters. It's just a title of my choice. That's it. Really... People on here are so argumentative it isn't funny.

Stop telling people what to do. You posted a crappy misleading title suckering people into reading your idea because YOU thought it was a good one. The impression you gave was that DANNY was interested in Shawn Livingston - when it was only you that was.

If you don't want to deal with the 'nitpicking" post a title like - "I think it would be a good idea if Danny signed Shawn Livingston." Why lie? Why mislead? And if you are going to lie and mislead don't cry about it for heaven sakes..

Pete

[darrendaye]

If the starting PG wasn't a questionable outside shooter, I'd love to take a flier on another high potential questionable shooting young PG. But, I just can't see the sense in this theoretical move with what is presently on the roster. Some team may make out big time with signing Livingston, but I'm fairly certain it won't be the C's.