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[CeltsfanSinceBirth]

Joe Smith had all the time in the world to request a buyout, but when he goes out to the media and says things like "I'm not seeking a buyout. What for? I’ve been here all year. Why would I want to do that now? I’m (not) seeking it.”, then Ainge can't really count on him to get bought out.

The only time he went public about seeking a buyout was when Ben Wallace went down. Maybe Joe was intent on staying in OKC rather than being a backup for a contender. Maybe he only changed his mind when he knew he'd get a lot of minutes. Or maybe he was just waiting for the Cs to sign someone so he could skip on down to Cleveland, his favorite destination. No one knows the answers to any of these things except Joe Smith.

But Danny Ainge DID NOT make a mistake by trying to wait for Joe Smith.

[Bleeding Green]

I guess, but come playoff time when Garnett is playing 38-40 minutes a game and Perk is playing 30-32, you've only got 24-28 minutes for the frontcourt backups anyway. And Smith isn't better than Davis or Powe. I guess it would be nice to have Smith over Moore, but where was the guarantee that Smith would come to Boston? I don't want some veteran getting minutes over superior players because he has a reputation. I'd rather be saddled with a **** player like Moore so I know he won't get minutes over Davis or Powe.

A few million with Posey? I thought he got a 25 million dollar contract or something? That's not a few million. Who wants to pay James Posey 7 million dollars when he's 35?

[cisco]

Well the only reason Moore is playing this much is because all the celtics bigs are hurt. He was brought in as insurance.

Smiths Numbers: 5.89PPG 4.38 RPG.

Moore is averaging 3.9 PPG and 4.23 RPG.

Their rebounds are pretty much the same but Smith is getting 2 more point per game.

Nothing to really be upset about. Ainge had to make a move and no one was certian if Smith was going to be bought out.

Even though the numbers look close their play hasn't been remotely close. If you've been watching the Cleveland games, Joe Smith has made a serious impact in their wins. Gives them exactly what they need when they need it. Moore hasn't made anywhere near the impact Joe Smith is making for Cleveland. Maybe it's just because he's still getting used to the C's system while Smith knows Cleveland's system. But whatever the reason, Joe Smith has been much, much better, which sucks.

That being said, Danny made the right move in signing Mikki, because as I said earlier in this thread, Joe Smith's preferred destination was Cleveland, not Boston.

[GuyClinch]

Even though the numbers look close their play hasn't been remotely close. If you've been watching the Cleveland games, Joe Smith has made a serious impact in their wins. Gives them exactly what they need when they need it. Moore hasn't made anywhere near the impact Joe Smith is making for Cleveland.

The difference between Smith and Moore is marginal. That's why Danny went ahead with the move rather then wait and perhaps not get anyone.. Once Moore plays in more games with Garnett he will get a chance to make more meaningful contributions as we will often be on the winning side of things.

[MyInsatiableOne]

^Pete, seriously? I like Mikki, he seems to have a lot of energy and to try really hard, but Smith is a better player...

[GuyClinch]

^Pete, seriously? I like Mikki, he seems to have a lot of energy and to try really hard, but Smith is a better player...

I don't disagree. I just don't think it's some huge improvement to lambast Danny over. Had he waited for Smith he risked getting nothing.

[Tricky Ricky]

First off handlethetruth welcome! I love your avatar!

Second even if we waited for Smith whats to say he would even come here?

[MyInsatiableOne]

^Pete, seriously? I like Mikki, he seems to have a lot of energy and to try really hard, but Smith is a better player...

I don't disagree. I just don't think it's some huge improvement to lambast Danny over. Had he waited for Smith he risked getting nothing.

This is the one reason I'm glad he grabbed Moore...and I said it when this all happened weeks ago. Better to have Moore than nothing. At least he's got size and 6 fouls coming off the bench. Anything else is gravy!

[seizeone]

1st post...I havent read all the replies but has anyone thought about Smith NOT wanting to come here??? If I remember correctly..He was "loving" OKC and did not want to be bought out until after we signed Moore / Wallace's timely injury.

[MyInsatiableOne]

I think Joe Smith was playing the McDyess game..he probably had his trip back to CLE planned long before...