Pure Conjecture: Scal retires as a Celtic

Dogen · Post #1 » by **Dogen** » Sat Aug 8, 2009 3:55 pm

Our man Brain Scalabrine has been alternately and sometimes simultaneously the object of derision, adulation, and unintentional hilarity on this board and at Celtics games for the past four years. Recently a topic came up here--- a proposed trade for Battier--- and once again I found myself signing on to yet another proposed trade that would move Scal-as-contract and bring some added talent to the team.

Of course, if the right deal comes along, like one for Shane Battier, I would certainly be willing to move Scalabrine. But I've been thinking that he's actually more likely to stay than to leave, and there are some reasons for keeping him that may transcend the pragmatic values of individual talent and contract numbers that get bandied around so often.

Like I said, I'd move Scal if the right deal came along, but here are some reasons to keep him:

1. He doesn't suck, much. I think we know by now what Scal brings to the table. He's a bench guy who has a good BBIQ and can play great team defense in various sets and at multiple positions. He doesn't have the physical gifts to be more than role player who's good at the intangibles, but he hits the three ball, is a solid FT shooter, and can play some solid one-on-one D for short stints.

2. Good chemistry guy. Scal's been on the team longer than anyone other than PP and TA. He was here during the down times, and went through all the difficulties--- and boos from the fans--- to being on a championship team. It's good to have a few 'I was a Celtic when....' guys on the roster. Scal has more value to the Celtics than he would to any other team.

3. Fan favorite. OK, maybe most of the fan adulation stems from sarcasm, but you can tell that the guy has hit a positive nerve with the fan base. Yeah--- white due, red-head, manboobs--- all of that. He's sort of become a phenomena unto himself here, potentially a classic Celt if the team wins another 'Chip. You'd trade all that for a guy who doesn't dribble the ball off his foot once a game?

4. Future considerations. Seeing Brian on the bench in a suit this season (he's 'Brian' when in a suit), got me thinking two things. One, he does look like he belongs on the bench, but perhaps as a coach and not so much a player. Two, Brian's brain likely is not long for this league. If you do a little research into the long-term effects of multiple concussions in professional sports, there are some sobering facts to be found. Once the brain has been injured like this once or twice, it's like skating on thin ice. An eight year NBA career, retiring at age 32 to be a part of the coaching staff on the team you won 2 NBA titles with may be the best case scenario for Brian Scalabrine and the Celtics.

So there it is. I'm voting 'Veal Pactum' cuz I think when push comes to shove the economy will dictate some solution where Danny ends up fleecing a quality vet backup off a team trying to shave payroll. But if that doesn't happen I'll be happy to have Scal around, perhaps beyond next year as an assistant coach.

Dirty Water · Post #2 » by **Dirty Water** » Sat Aug 8, 2009 3:58 pm

Not so sure there will be a coaching position available for him down the road... whether it's here or elsewhere.

Zin5 · Post #3 » by **Zin5** » Sat Aug 8, 2009 4:42 pm

I'd be interested in bringing him back on a min deal as the 6th big after his contract is up, only if we have an open roster spot for him. I'd rather him come back as a coach or in our front office at some point, because he does work well with people, he knows the game, and in a sense he can be iconic of the "Celtic"/Irish culture of New England. I wouldn't mind keeping him around a few extra years, as the kind of guy that's willing to be on the inactive roster, still get along with the team, occasionally hold his own when he's called upon, and once it's said and done bring him into the staff or front office, similarly to what Minnesota did with Fred Hoiberg not too long ago.

EDIT: That's not to say I wouldn't move his deal if we can get something for his expiring, but I'd look into bringing him back in on the minimum in the offseason after that.

celticfan42487 · Post #4 » by **celticfan42487** » Sat Aug 8, 2009 4:48 pm

I'd hope the title of this thread meant he'd retire before the season starts.

Dogen · Post #5 » by **Dogen** » Sat Aug 8, 2009 5:04 pm

celticfan42487 wrote:I'd hope the title of this thread meant he'd retire before the season starts.

MyInsatiableOne · Post #6 » by **MyInsatiableOne** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 2:28 pm

celticfan42487 wrote:I'd hope the title of this thread meant he'd retire before the season starts.

Me too...what a way to get your hopes up, only to have them dashed, and on a Monday, no less... :lol:

BillessuR6 · Post #7 » by **BillessuR6** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 5:41 pm

Well, hopefully he is traded before the deadline and then bought out, so he can return for the minimum...I will take Scal on my team for the minimum any day!

SichtingLives · Post #8 » by **SichtingLives** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 9:56 pm

Depends on which Scal we're getting. The Scal who was an asset to this team for most of the second half of last season, or the other Scal, who has been bandied about for worst player in the league considerations??

The latter Scal can go screw. The former is worth keeping on for the year, even at the rediculously bloated whatever million dollars he's being payed. I mean truthfully, what are we going to get for him that's any better? Most of the package deals thrown around on this board aren't entirely realistic to ever take place. If we could do any kind of deal involving Battier or a similar player, I would trade Scal + parts faster than I could blink. Otherwise, I've grown to like the blobman, even if it took 3+ years.

PS - Dogen - "OK, maybe most of the fan adulation stems from sarcasm, but you can tell that the guy has hit a positive nerve with the fan base. Yeah--- white due, red-head, manboobs--- all of that. :lol:

He's sort of become a phenomena unto himself here, potentially a classic Celt if the team wins another 'Chip. You'd trade all that for a guy who doesn't dribble the ball off his foot once a game?"

Funny stuff but a pretty good point too.

Dogen · Post #9 » by **Dogen** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 3:34 am

DunkOnFace wrote:Depends on which Scal we're getting. The Scal who was an asset to this team for most of the second half of last season, or the other Scal, who has been bandied about for worst player in the league considerations??

I was thinking of the former. He was a decent utility guy off the bench before the head injury.