Doesn't matter what Boston needs. It's a good move for LA. Boston got two players LA didn't need, does that make the deal any worse for them? Try finding a 7-footer who can even play a little at the lower end of the first round these days before you say Mihm wasn't worth that.
TheFreak - good points, but I think you are overrating Mihm's trade value. Ainge didn't want Mihm (though he could have signed him if he wanted to), but seemed to convince Kupchack and GMs around the league that he did. Nobody was bidding on him. The reason that Kupchack rolled over and yielded Banks, other than the Lakers organization being afraid of Gary Payton, was the fear that Ainge or anyone else had interest in Mihm. Ainge used Kupchack, and it paid off handsomely. Personally, I'd say that Mihm is better than the Andrew Declerqs and Travis Knights of the world, but if you think that he's going to have an impact, or that Kupchack got the better of this trade, you're a Laker fan. Let's review: Mihm - backup-quality center Atkins - backup-quality point guard Jones - oft-injured cap-killer for Payton - star point guard with expiring contract Fox - expiring contract Lottery-protected pick According to what Rivers and other Celtics spokesmen have said, I think that Payton will report with the team. Judging by the Vin Baker situation, I don't think the C's front office will take his protests sitting down. But if he doesn't report (and gets suspended without pay, yeah right), I still really like this trade. The Celtics now have six young prospects, have kept all of their draft picks and some, and have plenty to work with come February (i.e. $15 million worth of expiring contracts.) And they have enough talent to win their division. Take that, Stephen A. Smith.
