RealGM

We've all been speculating about which players are available to fill the Celtics needs, especially the face-up big man role.

While Joe Smith would seem to be an ideal fit (though I like Zo a lot too), there is an alternative player of comprable skill set, who is in his prime - Marcus Haislip.

Haislip was a lotto bust some years ago when Milwaukee took him 10th overall out of Tennessee. However, over the past 4-5 seasons he has turned into one of the best players in Europe and has played in countless big game situations.

While Haislip isn't a true center, he has essentially the same build and body of Smith, standing 6'10 and weighing 230lbs...

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Mar ... slip-2681/

His all-around offensive game is tailor-made for this teams needs and he has the mobility and experience to play in its defensive sets....while Ainge has been reticent to utilize the european market, there very well may be a perfect puzzle piece waiting for him at an affordable price if he so desires.

Now, perhaps the plan is to get a one year rental this year and sign a more long term fixture the next, but at 28 Haislip has the potential to fill a role for a good price over the next few years...lotto level talent well groomed overseas...could be interesting...

And how do you plan on getting him over this year? He is under contract with unicaja...

I actually watched him just yesterday and he is a good player but not NBA talent. Can he play in the NBA, of course, but so can dozens of other Euroleague players. He would have the same impact (or non-impact) as Baston, IMO...

Birdman, I was hoping you'd respond to this thread....I think that Haislip is better than you are giving him credit for, but must admit that the Baston scenario is prudent to this discussion...however, Baston wasn't ever given much of a chance to adjust and establish himself, he basically got burried in the depth chart off the bat - so I don't know what he'd have been capable of.

As a backup big man, I like Haislips game and he can certainly play a role in the NBA from an athletic standpoint, so while he may not be my first choice - he's not - I still think he's an intersting one.

Considering his impending FA status, I'd assume that the two teams could work out a deal if the interest was there...

Regardless, a face-up big is needed and I'd just as soon get a rental and then make an offer to Rasheed for 3 years at MLE or below...

What about Pargo? wiretap says he's trying to come back and we obviously have a need at the 1.
I'd be more into the Haislip idea if he was in POB's spot, if he came aboard now I'd be weary that we'd be putting all our eggs in an unknown basket.

IMO, there is zero chance for Unicaja to let Haislip go in the middle of the season. This is not some high school team, they are on top of their Euroleague group and second in Spanish league. The priority is winning games and not breaking up the team to earn some dollars. Especially when NBA teams can`t pay that much to buy them out.

And these players won`t come back to NBA for the minimum. They make more money in Europe, so why go to NBA where they will get less and probably won`t even play...

Fargo and Bonzi Wells are the guys we should go after. I would love Fargo, especially with Marbury's buy out not happening any time soon, if ever.

BFB, how about Coutney Sims from the D-League.? Have you see him play and if so, what is your take on him?

I would definitely be interested in Bonzi. And I think he would come for the minimum.

I saw Sims in one game and he kind of reminded me of POB. He lacks strength for the NBA, IMO. In NBDL he dominates because of his height and athleticism but in the NBA big man are bigger and stronger. I don`t think he could help us this year...

I don't know if Bonzi Wells would be the answer. While he does shot a high fg%, he can't extend a defense, which I something I think this team needs. I also don't know how much Pargo helps this team either.

Honestly I'm sure there are a few players in the D-League that could help just about any team, just have to find them.

Here are a few I like.

Cedric Bozeman from UCLA- 6'6" guard. Averaging 17 ppg on 54% shooting, plus over 40% from 3.
James White from Cincinnati-6'8 forward. 23 ppg on 55% shooting. Plus a very good athlete, that was good defensively in college.
Chris Hunter from Michigan- 6'11 F/C. 17 and 10 right now in the D-League
David Noel from UNC-6'6 forward. 17 ppg on 47% shooting. Plus right under 40% from 3.

Again I'm not saying any are the answer. Plus the team has to look to see if Walker or Giddens can help before going the D-League route. But as we saw, the Rockets got a pretty good player in Von Wafer from the D-league.

Right about now Haislip would be more helpful than Glen Davis. Haislip sounds like an interesting player.

I watched Haislip a few times in past years, his game really improved since his NBA days, he looks like a beast in some of those games, has the range. But, what does he brings that Scal doesn't? On the other hand, we' be able to send Davis to the bench.
I'd just give the chance to POB tbh.