KG is definitely still very effective and a big difference maker, but at his age it's only a matter of time before his play drops off. It's conceivable he still has another solid year, but it's also possible that he loses another step or two. It might just be a personal bias, but I don't like when teams that are more than one step away from being a contender go extremely old. I think it's one thing when a team that is very close to having won a title or has won a title adds solid vets (see Miami Heat), but I think it doesn't make sense when a team is more than one step away adds old guys (see Knicks).
I am surprised no one (maybe I overlooked) has thought of trading for Rondo (using Lin or someone) and going down this season. This gets us a nice draft pick that we can either build Rondo/Harden/Pick/Asik/Parsons or b. trade that pick for a third superstar over the off season. Rondo may be had for cheaper. I keep seeing clutchfans saying no way they trade Rondo, but he has been in discussions before.
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They are in 8th place now WITH Rondo and he's the player they are most dependent on. Who will play PG now? Nobody. Celts are done. I doubt Ainge keeps both PP and KG anyway. Time to deal.
Celtics have to be thinking trade KG and/or Pierce and build around Rondo. No reason for them to give their future away.
If we did that, then we'd probably still win at least 40% of our remaining games. The 'nice draft pick' would be in the 10-14 range, and so not that nice. I'd be surprised if we got someone significantly better than Parsons in that range.
I mentioned this, but I put the Rondo part in small font because I thought I'd get dumped on. His injury generally will put him out a year, but I'd risk throwing this year; Rondo is way underpaid for what he brings. Will it happen? Let me quote Bernie Mac: S**eeyi******. Guess we can agree to disagree.
Just saw the terrible news. It's hard to see someone as talented as Rondo goes down, no matter who you are rooting for. I hope he will be OK, but the celtics.. I have been rooting for them really hard, but they may just kiss goodbye their last championship hope with this group.
Also, I don't think the KG trade's will work out. He's as loyal as it can get, so he won't demand a trade. And if the celtics FO pull a trade without KG's consent... that would make them just the biggest D-bags since it was them who begged KG to resign during the summer. Can they really be that cold-bloodied?
