CB trade rumor by poster involving Scalabrine to Denver

[campybatman]

Wasn't Chucky Atkins used sparingly this season by Denver in favor of starting Anthony Carter? I think Atkins might have been injured, though. Still, I would do a Scalabrine trade straight up for Atkins who's an expiring contract and is a better backup point guard then Cassell.

[sully00]

Perk is at Healthpoint and not playing ball just doing cardio. I am not reading into it I am just reading it.

We have a back up center in O'Bryant as well as having Davis and the ability to slid KG to the 5. I don't think we need to worry about the 15-20 mpg Perk doesn't play it would be the 30 mpg he can't play that would be worth trying to trade for Pryz or Hunter.

Obviously Pryz would be the preference but Hunter is a 7' center if not a perfect fit next to KG

[ryaningf]

Perk is at Healthpoint and not playing ball just doing cardio. I am not reading into it I am just reading it.

We have a back up center in O'Bryant as well as having Davis and the ability to slid KG to the 5. I don't think we need to worry about the 15-20 mpg Perk doesn't play it would be the 30 mpg he can't play that would be worth trying to trade for Pryz or Hunter.

Obviously Pryz would be the preference but Hunter is a 7' center if not a perfect fit next to KG

Sully, I hadn't heard that bit of Perk info, thanks for bringing it to my attention, but I still think it's too early to start speculating about his health. His surgery was preventive medicine; he didn't need it, but got it because it'll make future separations less likely. He's probably in the last stages of rehab and there's no need to test it in a scrimmage at this point. If he starts sitting out training camp, then we can start to speculate. Until then, I think it's baseless.

As for Hunter as a solution to a possible long term Perk injury, I'd take a look at Humblebum's recent post. We need beef beside KG. It doesn't even have to be big beef; that's why Baby plays backup 5. It just needs to be beef. Hunter is deficient in that area (as he is in most areas). I do, however, agree with you about Pryz, who could/would be a likely target of any Powe/Pruitt/Scal offer. Hunter just isn't the same (and nowhere near 'perfect') and that's why this rumor isn't plausible.

[humblebum]

Perk is at Healthpoint and not playing ball just doing cardio. I am not reading into it I am just reading it.

We have a back up center in O'Bryant as well as having Davis and the ability to slid KG to the 5. I don't think we need to worry about the 15-20 mpg Perk doesn't play it would be the 30 mpg he can't play that would be worth trying to trade for Pryz or Hunter.

Obviously Pryz would be the preference but Hunter is a 7' center if not a perfect fit next to KG

Perk might be banged up now or maybe they understand the nature of Perk's style of play/history of shoulder injuries and don't think its worth the risk for him to be banging around against the young players on this team who are fighting for their NBA lives/minutes. Who knows what the reason is...

Even if injured at the moment the playoffs is what is really most important and there is certainly time for him to recover for the games that truly count. Perkins should see an increased role this season if everything works out with his health even if he starts off the season on the sidelines or playing in a reduced minute role.

The thing is that though Powe only has the potential of a limited minute role player on THIS team he's still very valuable in THAT role. He provides something that this team needs... an offensive punch of the bench as well as toughness on the offensive boards. This team doesn't need a(nother) 7 foot beanpole (paging KG and POB) this team needs another banger who's 6'10"+. That's why you saw the team go to Davis early in the season last season, that's why they brought in Pollard originally, and that's why they signed PJ late in the season... to provide the physical toughness, with size that a KG led frontcourt needs.

Pryzbilla would be a useful piece for this team. Hunter wouldn't. To make matters worse he's coming of an injury plagued season AND he's going to cost you Leon Powe, who at the very least is a highly competent and productive 15 MPG type PF. I'm all set.

[sully00]

This is just a little rumor to begin with but the two things that came out of the article on Celtics.com to me were that Perk is not ready to go and Scal isn't there.

Like I said Hunter isn't the perfect fit, but the reality is I don't think Scal is coming back whether he is dealt or released, he would be at Healthpoint if he thought he had a chance of making this team. I think that these two players are a signal to me that the C's feel that they need more than POB behind Perk. If word gets out that Perk situation is significant nobody is going to do anything to help the Champs with their injury issue.

I have a hard time believing that anyone would take on Scal's contract without dumping something significantly worse or getting back a draft pick. In this case DEN needs to fill its roster and could use some guys who could play.

[Celtsfan1980]

I definitely feel Ainge is the second best GM in Celtics history, but it may change my mind if he makes a trade like this. Powe should be the best or second best reserve for Boston this season, so there's really no reason he should be traded. If they have asked his salary demands and they're too high, I'd still keep him and use the MLE next season to fill his role rather than trade him. The loss of both Posey and Powe would hurt this team a lot IMO.

[Jammer]

You can make the argument that Leon Powe is the best backup power forward in the East,

ahead of David Lee, Reggie Evans and Tyrus Thomas.

Pryzbilla is attractive, it would seem that either Davis or O'Bryant are the concern.

But, you'd think, that if the Celtics were trading for a center, that

Glen Davis would be the one to go, and not Leon Powe.

So, Davis & Pruitt & Scal would seem to make more sense, whether discussing Pryzbilla or Hunter.

The problem with Portland and the Pryzbilla deal is that:

1. Portland has 14 players under contract.

2. They have Four 2nd round picks in 2009 (NY, Clippers, Denver & their own),
plus 2 2nd round picks in 2010 (their own plus Chicago's); so rerouting Pruitt for a second round pick or Davis for say, $1.25 million cash is meaningless (Paul Allen is worth like $30 Billion).

3. Portland doesn't know what they will get from Oden, so re-routing Pryzbilla at this stage is premature - even though Scal might be a great influence for how to conduct oneself in the locker room, at team meetings, and overall game preparation.

As far as Denver goes, they have a $10 million trade exception; so they can accept one player at a time for say, the rights to some guy they drafted 10 years ago who is currently playing in Israel, if at all. With any trade, if one side or the other feels that its lopsided, you can always ask for cash up to $3 million or picks. Denver is owed a first round pick from Charlotte, and Denver owes their 2009 2nd round pick to Portland. But, Powe, Pruitt & Scal seems like a bit much. I would have felt better if it were Davis, Pruitt and Scal; but the team seems to want to strengthen the center position the most. Damn it, where is Mutombo when you need him ?? (hopefully signing after training camp).

[SpyderRyder1]

Blazer fan chiming in here

You can make the argument that Leon Powe is the best backup power forward in the East,

ahead of David Lee, Reggie Evans and Tyrus Thomas.

Pryzbilla is attractive, it would seem that either Davis or O'Bryant are the concern.

But, you'd think, that if the Celtics were trading for a center, that

Glen Davis would be the one to go, and not Leon Powe.

So, Davis & Pruitt & Scal would seem to make more sense, whether discussing Pryzbilla or Hunter.

The problem with Portland and the Pryzbilla deal is that:

1. Portland has 14 players under contract.

You are an astute observer, we do have 14 and everything I have read is that it will either go to Steven Hill as a human punching bag fo Oden, Livingston MAY be signed but I do not think that will happen, or keep it open for the season. We did not sign Koponen for that reason, as Koponen was a 1st rounder and would limit us roster wise.

2. They have Four 2nd round picks in 2009 (NY, Clippers, Denver & their own),
plus 2 2nd round picks in 2010 (their own plus Chicago's); so rerouting Pruitt for a second round pick or Davis for say, $1.25 million cash is meaningless (Paul Allen is worth like $30 Billion).

Yeah we have a lot of 2nd pix and not that it matters PA is worth $16b about 3x the next highest owner Arinson of the Heat.

3. Portland doesn't know what they will get from Oden, so re-routing Pryzbilla at this stage is premature - even though Scal might be a great influence for how to conduct oneself in the locker room, at team meetings, and overall game preparation.

Yeah, first off Pryz IS amazingly priced for a true C at about $6-7m/yr. He could start for 3/4's of the teams in the NBA and is great D'er and rebounder. True $6-7m for a backup C is a bit spendy but if you have a Ferarri, the insurance for it is going to be expensive. As for the locker room stuff, many writers, both Blazer beat and other teams writers have commented on how much of a cohesive unit this locker room is. I think that it comes from the fact that most of the players we have are very unselfish, and the leaders are all very hard workers and that sets the stage for the other players as well. They are also all around the same age most from 20 to 29, then there is Raef, who you guys know about and then this new guy we got who is 7' 275 and is like 55, who is voting for Obama, but went to school with McCain. I have some vid here: http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/5a831f2704

[Jammer]

Thanks for the reply SypderRyder1.

I just did a salary check and have discovered that the

Scal + Powe + Pruitt for Pryzbilla deal does not work under the CBA.

The Celtics need to send out about $250,000 more salary to make it work.

So, that rumor bites the dust.

I do believe that Brian Scalabrine & Gabe Pruitt & possibly Glen Davis have been offered around the league for centers, though.

The Hunter deal COULD be real, but you don't know if Denver, Boston, or a players agent or wishful reporter or fan floated that rumor.

In addition, Denver has a $10 million trade exception
so there is someplace that
Brian Scalabrine could go without having to take a player back.

[GregB]

In addition, Denver has a $10 million trade exception
so there is someplace that
Brian Scalabrine could go without having to take a player back.

True but the reason they have that exception is because they were so desperate to dump salary they gave away Marcus Camby for nothing. I highly doubt they would use that to take on the salary of a useless player like Scal.

[return2glory]

Hunter is Garbage. He sucks. I wouldn't trade Powe, Big Baby, or Gabe straight up for him. I woudn't even trade Scal for this bum. Scal is atleast funny.

[Red2]

hunter is a stiff. I saw him a lot when he was here in Philly. He's not worth any of those three guys let alone all 3. hunter is a guy you pick up from waivers

[JinTheEmcee]

I would not trade Powe for Hunter. At this point in their careers Powe is a much better player to have on your team. Hunter is old.

[Truthiracy]

Hunter is 26 going on 27, that's not old.

[UNLVNugsFan]

As a Denver fan, where can I sign to make this happen ASAP? Hell, Hunter was healthy most of last year, and I would be surprised if he logged any minutes in more than a handful of games. If Boston really thinks they would be in a better situation with him instead of Powe/Pruitt, just to dump scal's contract (which is......slight smaller than Hunters?) than they are insane.

[campybatman]

Perhaps, this is an opportunity for Rivers to get a second go at Hunter. Which begs the question: If this rumor were true, would it surprise anyone if Rivers backs acquiring Hunter? Then too, why do we only read about players on Portland and Denver. Doesn't Oklahoma City want to move a few of their big men? They've Chris Wilcox in his last year and both Saer Sene and Johan Petro could end up becoming FAs after next season. I think the front office still likes Robert Swift.

The Orlando Sentinel (Mike Bianchi) reports: But when faced with tough situations in Orlando, Doc Rivers didn’t fare nearly as well. He, perhaps more than anyone, allowed Tracy McGrady to turn into a prima donna. And, consequently, when McGrady’s play became inconsistent and his work ethic non-existent at the end of Doc’s tenure in 2003, there was nothing Doc could do to save his job. Grant Hill may have been the biggest reason Doc failed here, but not the only one. With Hill’s massive contract tying up much of the salary cap, Doc and former GM John Gabriel needed to work together and work miracles in the draft. Instead, they became engaged in a power struggle. Gabriel rightfully gets blamed for some poor draft picks, but Magic insiders will tell you Doc was just as responsible and pushed for such first-round busts as Jeryl Sasser and Steven Hunter. And although Doc refutes it, former Magic exec John Weisbrod said Doc made one of the most monumental miscalculations in Magic history. “When given the choice between [keeping] Ben Wallace or John Amaechi, Doc chose John Amaechi,” Weisbrod said. “Most every personnel decision that was made was because Doc was in favor of it.”

http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=1258

Take former Orlando GM John Weisbrod, who decided to throw Doc Rivers under the bus years after the fact regarding Doc and Wiesbrod’s tenure with the Magic. “When given the choice between [keeping] Ben Wallace or John Amaechi, Doc chose John Amaechi,” Weisbrod told the Orlando Sentinel. “Most every personnel decision that was made was because Doc was in favor of it.” This is, of course, the same Weisbrod who — after Doc was fired — traded T-Mac in his prime for Steve Francis, then traded Cat Mobley for Doug Christie, which threw Francis into a funk. Last we heard, dude was an NHL scout …

http://dimemag.com/2008/06/dime-smack-r ... de-rumors/

[celticfan42487]

weird. With Powe,Baby,Scal we have 3 Small PFs. No need for that.

However idk if Baby is ready to be a fulltime backup PF for a trade like Scal and Powe for Hunter to be worth it.

I'd rather have Hunter on the bench then a Scal. And I'd rather have a Powe then Scal but with Baby Powe is expendable.

Without a Posey though I don't think we have enough spot minutes players to make up the time at PF. Baby would have to have completed a lot of work to make that time up.

And maybe I have a little more hope for Pruitt but Powe+Pruitt seems a bit much for Hunter. Powe + Scal is just a pure talent upgrade for DEN and gives us some depth at the right position [the one we don't have a top 10 player starting at]. I'd feel more comfortable if I trusted Baby more, but in the end all the players listed in the trade are expendable so it won't break anyting serious if it goes through.

[campybatman]

But, the question is: Can Davis be a regular power forward or will he be like Okafor who's like a hybrid 4/5. You know that Powe can be effective as a post offensive threat and somewhat on defense at power forward. Davis' problem is he doesn't have much lift in his vertical jump and has small hands and/or wing span. If he were a poor man's Brand in term of possessing his same long wing span and the consistent ability to box out on rebounds. Then I would side with keeping him over Powe. However, he isn't anywhere near the level of a Brand nor is he a better player right now over Powe.

[sully00]

I don't think you would move Powe to play Baby at the 4. But if Miles is going to get Posey's mins at the PF spot then the rotation ends up similiar to last year. More significantly the one thing that teams can do to the Celtics is add size up front, and they have. Not only is Boston thin at center but that is what Powe struggles with even at the PF spot. Baby's only real advantage over Powe is his ability to guard seven footers.

I now everyone envisions Powe at his best, being able to be duplicated every night, the problem I see is on a any given night Doc won't even call his number because of the match ups. I don't think that anyone was really able to close the gap talent wise but they were able to add size. While some of these guys are question marks or just flat out suck, at least going into the season they are probably more effective than O'Bryant.

No one is going to a trade a 7' center that is as explosive for 6'7" Leon Powe. This issue is whether or not you can or should trade Powe for a 7' that is upgrade of O'Bryant or Baby at center for extended mins.

[billfromBoston]

Assuming the talk is true, one thing would seem to be clear, Perk is not right.

Sending Pruitt, Powe, and Scal to POR for Pryz makes a lot of sense, he is a starting caliber center on a reasonable contract, so if he becomes expendable he can be dealt and he is just wasting away in POR.

As for DEN, Pruitt and Powe is too much for Hunter alone. He has the same contract as Scal even if he is somewhat more useful. I know it isn't going to thrill his fans but I think dealing Powe now makes the most sense though I would hope to get more for him. Now he is a player with really impressive statistical ratings making less than a million bucks. But he is also on the final year of a 3 year deal, meaning there is no limit on his salary for next season and Jason Maxiel was just offered 3 years and 15 million bucks. So if he lives up to the hype he is out of here at that price and the chances are even he will not play in the next 20 games as much as star in them because he doesn't really have a position.

I don't think that Davis is really a trade commodity at this point and while he is production isn't as impressive I still think he may be more effective on this particular team. While Davis is also in a contract year he is also not as likely to command the same type of salary and is also limited by the MLE as a maximum salalry.

I am not looking to debate it for the 100th time I just can see why Boston would go with Baby over Powe, but like I said I would not do Pruitt and Powe for Hunter alone even to unload Scal, but I also really like Pruitt for essentially no valid reason.

Now THIS is logic on this topic that I can get behind...I think there is value to Davis in terms of being a 4/5 and I think that Powe's potential salary demands may factor into this...I think it has very little to do with ability, where Powe is clearly productive.