Back up small forward

[theman]

Who is the Celtic's backup Small Forward?

[SonicYouth34]

Right now its Bill Walker. But there's lots of options in FA. I like Matt Barnes for the job if they don't think Billy is ready.

[ddubb]

Lately, it's been Ray Allen.

Next year, if we plan on contending, it'll need to be an actual bench player. I think this hole is worthy of throwing the entire MLE at.

I like Elrod's idea of Shawn Marion the best. He's been deep in the playoffs, he rebounds and defends very well, and he can stretch the floor with the 3ball. Seems like a perfect fit, that is if we can afford him - and if he's willing to be a 6th man.

[kakopedi1]

Grant Hill would be nice. He wants to play next season and he'll play a ton of minutes here than anywhere else, for a contender that is.

[ddubb]

I just noticed that Dhantay Jones is on the last year of his deal. He would fit the role nicely, especially with his ability to defend and hit the 3.

[BRUNiNHO91]

Shawn Marion would be our DREAM back up SF...Grant Hill and Dahntay Jones would be sweet as you guys mentioned above. But Danny needs to call up Marion this summer. Try and work something out.

[CelticFaninLBC]

Marion will get more than the MLE. With LA having to resign Odom and already having $75 million on the books for next year, Trevor Ariza could become available for the MLE. He'd be a nice pickup.

[chakdaddy]

Can't argue with Elrod's article.

A backup 3 is definitely needed, both to spell Pierce/Allen, and to guard LeBron/Kobe. The 2nd issue obviously didn't come up, but we could've gotten burned.

Maybe Walker can contribute.

The problem is we have 2 big spots to fill with only one MLE. I wish we had used it last year to add one, so we add one piece a year - instead we not only lost a piece in Posey, we had to blow the MLE in re-signing House. Those option years were a disaster, but I guess they were necessary in bringing them in in the first place.

[MVP16]

Bill Walker has the talent to be our backup sf next year IMO. The Celtics have to monitor his work ethic and improvement in the next few months to determine whether that's a spot that needs to be filled or if our resources could be spent to improve other areas. Of course, if we could lure a guy like Marion or Marvin Williams for the MLE or Hill for cheap then you go for it. Otherwise, I think it would be wiser using the MLE for a big man (Rasheed or McDyess).

[klemen4]

Otherwise, I think it would be wiser using the MLE for a big man (Rasheed or McDyess).

Totally agree...we must invest the money for best possible back up C...I dont know about Wallace passion and age...I would go with Birdman but not for more than 4 mio.

[Hemingway]

I think we have to aproach this free agent period with the mindset that KG could go down again. The question has to be, who can we get now that would have helped us the most in these playoffs. If PP or RA go down, the other one can step up more as can Rondo and Marbs. KG is our only offensive big with any real size. Other positions would be nice but are of much lesser importance to fill. Sheed, McDice and Birdman seem to make the most sense.

How about this for an offseason: Sign Sheed for the MLE 1 year plus a team option second. Trade Scal and Tony for Posey and a bit of cash. Resign Marbs and Powe and Baby if cheap.

Perk/Sheed
KG/Baby/Powe
Pierce/Posey
Allen/House
Rondo/Marbs

Then we are locked and loaded.

[Zin5]

If we can get Marion or Artest away with the MLE, then definitely do it. Otherwise, I'd go for a cheaper option, like Barnes or Hill if he were to accept it, and try to give Walker some minutes too, then use more of the MLE elsewhere.

[jfs1000d]

If we can get Marion or Artest away with the MLE, then definitely do it. Otherwise, I'd go for a cheaper option, like Barnes or Hill if he were to accept it, and try to give Walker some minutes too, then use more of the MLE elsewhere.

Not saying that's a bad move. But let's stop being cheap. I want to get the best guy we can get. If it comes at the expense of Bil Walker developing so be it. If we bring in a player who wil stop Bill Walker's development then that's Bill Walker's fault.

As fans, we are still not used to doing business as an elite team. We are constantly trying to get value. That's great when you are mediocre and trying to turn your chips into assets. When you are elite, you want elite role players.

Posey was an expensive player and it wasn't great value at the price. But, when you are an elite team it's about winning, and sometimes you make concessions. Now was not the time to go generic.

Posey was a brand name, TA and company were knockoffs that theoretically looked the part and can do a lot of the things, but in the end were cheap imitations.

Posey could have guarded Rashard Lewis and that would have allowed Doc to go small with Posey at the 4 and Perk defending Howard. I would have loved Posey's shooting ability on the perimeter over Scal's.

Posey's contract was ridiculous, and I am not saying we should have signed him. But, we should have gotten a high caliber player to replace him. Not, a bunch of scrubs.

Ainge lucked out with PJ Brown and Cassell a year ago and got Posey and House on the cheap that previous summer. He tried to get lucky again and it cost us.

So, I think we should throw the MLE at Sheed and use all our exceptions to get players that will help this unit win a title in the next year or two.

This is year to year, and considering the age of our team, stop scanning the bargain basement bins for a bargain, and go shop at Nordstrom's.

[SonicYouth34]

What about Ratliff for a back up C? He's not returning to the 6'ers and he used to be one of the best shot blockers.

[BillessuR6]

I would love Ratliff for the minimum...

[rambo_ortega]

We have to aggressively get matt barnes!! he's pefect for our team! he can shoot,rebound and defend at the sf spot.

[campybatman]

My interest is still in acquiring Travis Outlaw somehow. He's young with some potential on defense, and he has length you like. Won't be asked to score a lot, but he's capable of scoring within his game. If only he could develop range out to the three-point line. Another decent option might be Renaldo Balkman. Either player I would've an interest in at backup small forward, if either becomes available this off-season via a trade. And they've short term likable contracts.

[Mahoney_jr]

I think there've been some issues with Ratliff and the Celtics during his time here. I counted him out myself, but maybe you guys know better and he would consider us. If that's the case, he'd be a good option.

[GuyClinch]

Ratliff was a dog for us. I don't want him back. I don't care how well he has done for other teams (though he hasn't been great for other teams either IMHO).

[parso15]

Any interest in Turkoglu? He would probably prefer a starter role but might be willing to be the super sub...