http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view/2008_12_27_Defeat_reveals_big_problem/ OAKLAND, Calif. - Doc Rivers didn’t change his opinion after losing in Los Angeles Thursday. He’s always liked having tall people on his team and said as much after watching Pau Gasol get good looks and Andrew Bynum alter shots against his team. But as the Celtics [team stats] continue to search for some length to complement Leon Powe and Glen Davis off the bench, there was nothing encouraging on the Dikembe Mutombo front. The free agent said he’d be making a decision on a team soon, but the Celts may be holding off for someone with a more balanced game as they mainly see Mutombo as a contributor on the defensive end. “No, I don’t think we’re going to get him,” said Rivers. “We talked to David (Falk, Mutombo’s agent) and I would say it’s a no. “We would love him, but we’re going to wait it out.” The Celts haven’t given up on P.J. Brown coming back, but at this point Danny Ainge believes Brown’s not coming out of retirement. Then again, Ainge thought the same thing at this time last year. Alonzo Mourning’s name is still being floated, but an even more intriguing property could be available soon. There is talk Oklahoma City may buy out Joe Smith’s contract, and that the club is at least serious about trading him. The Celtics can’t and won’t discuss him publicly, but at a lanky 6-foot-10, Smith would seem to fit the club’s need. Said one NBA scout, “Are you kidding me? Joe Smith would be perfect for the Celtics.”
That's good. We need Mutumbo in the worst way. Worst case scenario: he will contribute only on defense. Oh, wait, he did that LAST year. Best case scenario: He spells Yao long enough every night so that Yao doesn't break down. Also, Dike brings HUGE HUGE energy off the bench, and the Houston crowd.
Mutombo being the old vet can get into T-Mac & call him out, IMO. T-Mac wouldn't get offended ether because he respects Deke
deke said last year that boston would never be an option at this point in his career because of what the temperature does to his legs. the spurs or us. that's what its down to. if the rockets are able to pull a deal to get size at the 4 and 5 ( like the charlie V rumor) then i would go that route instead.
Is there any possibility for us to get Joe Smith if he being waived from the Thunders? I desperately want Deke back in Rockets jersey,but wait,how old in the world is he?Anybody knows the exact age he's at right now?I know he's been pushing himself through and doing well when not playing in the league,but I still doubt that his status would be as good as he was last year after Yao's season-ending surgery. Well,whoever we will get,we need a backup center BADLY!
This board's obsession with Mutombo is irrational. He is not the savior of this team. If you think Francis is "done," Deke is done and gone. It's over, finished, the end. IMO, if the Rockets bring him back it will be a sign that they have completely lost it. The team needs a young, athletic, big....in the worst way.
Why? So the rockets can be more stacked at the Power forward spot? Rockets need somebody defensive oriented not offensive.
Really? You didn't watch the Rockets last season did you? Mutombo played like he could still contribute to this team and he does. All of us have saw Mutombo and Francis play. Francis had about 1-2 good games, Mutombo was great in every single game he played. Mutombo is not even close to being done.
I missed very few games last year. Mutombo is at the age where skills decline rapidly. At best, he could provide a few minutes per game, and he represents virtually no offense. I repeat, we need a young, athletic big in the worst way. In all matters, you have to know "when to hold them, and when to fold them!"
I have to agree with you. If we were in legitimate contention for a championship, Mutombo would be a great backup. But we're not. We need to start getting younger.
You're right,but there is no way we can get a young,athletic big who can rebound,block shots and defend consistently.
Pretty much, Mutombo is the only choice especially since He's a veteran who has experience in the playoffs.
Deke is a perfect fit for us. He gives Yao a chance to rest and still brings D. Look at the games lately when Yao is on the bench, the lane is almost wide open at times. Deke would change that even if its ten minutes or less a game. We don't need him offensively with the guys in the second unit we have. He's not the youngest guy out there, but has enough for what we need.
this is not really true. because: a) mutombo is very well past the age where "skills" start to decline. b) what "skills" are you talking about regarding deke. deke is 42 years old. he never was an offensive minded player that possessed much skills. he always was a very long defensive orientated player who patrolled the paint and collected blocks and rebounds by being active. if you look at his career closely mutombo declined as a player at around age 35. that's when he lost pretty much all of his (limited) quickness and leaping ability he ever had. until then he was a 12-12-3 guy and a defensive player of the year candidate. when he was about 35 and his body declined his role on his teams also declined. he adapted and became a great role player and mentor. around 4 ppg, 4 rpg and 1 bpg in 15 mpg is the level of play he has delivered year in and year out since then. he could do that because after all he doesn't really rely on skills but instead uses his body to his advantage. bottom line: if mutombo could give you 4-4-1 in 15 mpg last year as a 41 year old there's a high chance he can give you that again this year (barring a serious injury, of course.). and, basically, that's all we're asking for (a real backup center for 15 mpg every other game who brings size and defense to the table.). yeah, like any other team in the nba. you just have to be realistic here. young and athletic bigs with some skills and size are pretty hard to find these days. if that wasn't the case the rockets would have had one by now. the above mentioned joe smith might be another option. he has the length and experience to give us another option in the post defensively and might be a better fit against teams with young and athletic bigs. he's also a better player than mutombo offensively because he can knock down some open mid-range jumpers like carl landry. the down side of him is that he's making about 5 mio $ this season and that it's obvious that he's the one who's declining athletically and skills wise. i'd probably take mutombo over smith. mutombo comes cheaper and is a real center and a great chemistry guy. also, if our big three finally get healthy at some point this season offense shouldn't really be a problem. especially if you add scola and landry to the equation. if they don't get healthy, well, then joe smith wouldn't make any difference anyway.
from all accounts ive heard Mutombo has been keeping in great shape and he showed last year he still has timing down...I dont think he is done yet
