Not even a rumor, just a pondering by a writer for the Boston Globe. I would do that deal in a split second. Foodworld, I know you're a Celtics fan, why would the Celtics do that? I can't figure that one out. http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2005/01/30/another_job_for_mr_fix_it?pg=2
Why would the Nuggets want to move Miller, a guy who once led the league in assists, to SG? Not to mention the fact that he is not a shooter.
What is amazing to me, about Payton's situation, is that the three teams that have been rumored the most about possible destinations for him (T'Wolves, Kings, Nuggets) all seem to be pretty set at the position. Wolves have Cassell & Hudson, Kings have Bibby, and Nuggets with Miller & Boykins. If I were the Rockets, I would release Strickland and give the Celtics the TE+2nd pick. Not sure Boston would go for it but Houston needs Payton more than those teams combined.
Peter May is a hack. That is a stupid trade for Boston. With so many contenders in the market for Payton's skills, leadership and expiring contract the Celtics can do much better - I'd say a first rounder or maybe someone like Jason Terry. Alternatively, he can be used to move Raef Lafrentz (despite his mammoth contract, he seems to be healthy and, unlike Maurice Taylor, able to help a team.) As for May's idea, Boston has a glut of shooting guards and swingmen, Lenard is injured, and Skita sucks. He can be signed over the summer anyway, if anyone wants to take a chance with him.
Does this mean there is absolutely no hope for Tskitishvili to become a player in the league? What's really pathetic: Skita was Nachbar's backup in Europe. Celtics are going nowhere really... they're happy with Al Jefferson, but outside of that they're probably going to blow the thing up.
Well, the Celtics are in need of a tall, rebounding small forward (Shawn Marion? Maybe he can be had for Ricky Davis ) and May thinks Skita could be it. I agree with Clutch, that while Ainge has done wonders for the C's talent base, the Celtics won't contend in the near future with what they've got. But there's hope. If Ainge is a supergenius - i.e. if it's true that he prevented Rasheed Wallace and Vince Carter from winding up in New York, snookered the Sonics into taking nightmare stiff Robert Swift and traded Marcus Banks to LA with every intention of taking him back - he might pull it off. I predict that he will somehow move Payton and LaFrentz by February and will trade Pierce and Blount once his BYC status expires this offseason. Banks and Davis are trade assets that may be used in the process. With picks (unlike Isiah Thomas, Ainge has been able to add picks instead of forking them over), capspace and a young talent base (Perkins, Jefferson, Allen, West - the teams keepers) they might be able to rebuild into contention.
Wait...didn't Ainge already do that once? What a joke of a player, coach, and GM he has been. I wish they would trade for Robert Horry so Horry could throw some more towels in his face or something.
Nope. Europe places a great deal of playing time based on seniority, and Boki had the edge on Skita in this. Skita barely played in the major Europe leagues, and was drafted similar to Darko- based on the skills he possessed and the potential he had (a 7 footer with ballet footwork and a feathery touch), not by dominating the Euro leagues. PS- His career high is higher than Nachbar's.
But what if that involves those players going to Houston for Deke (expiring contract as well) and Mo I'm-in-Van-Gumby's-Royal-S**thouse Taylor...? Lafrentz's contract! **shudder**
I'd do it. Lafrentz is very active inside with good hops. He might be the expensive white version of Swift. I think Van Gundy could turn him into a very good help defender for Yao and he is a good natural shot blocker. He's gotta be better than Mo. I don't think it will happen though.
Yea, LaFrentz is a decent player and his contract is pretty bad, but it's his long term health coupled with his contract that would scare me. He has missed alot of time the last few years with knee problems. The other problem is that he is not a good one-on-one defender, which is key for this team and for playing in the West.
