Jamaal "Big Cat" Magloire was waived by Jersey today, and we could use a backup center that is able to walk. I personally am not too thrilled about the thought of bringing him in, as he has complained about minutes in the past and seems to be a player who simply doesn't give maximum effort. However, opinions on this can vary. What's your take?
He'd be a good addition to your team...watching the game with Phoenix it was evident that you need a big guy to mash come playoff time...he never really got a fair shake on the Nets but was classyt throughout so it would be nice to see him get a chance to play for a contender.
From the Globe: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>ESPN analyst and ex-NBA player Jon Barry, Brent's brother, believes his sibling will give the Celtics serious consideration. "It would certainly be a team that piques his interest," Jon Barry said in a telephone interview. "They are certainly one of the teams to beat in the East and the NBA. He wants to win and he is going to feel out who gives him the best chance to win."</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The Celtics are also expected to inquire about guard Flip Murray, waived by Detroit yesterday, and center Jamal Magloire, waived by New Jersey. Both will be free agents tomorrow if they clear waivers.</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>"We'll just evaluate who comes off waivers and see where they fit in with us," Ainge said. "But I don't feel we have to do anything. I like our team. At the same time, we've saved two roster spots for players that could help us this time of the year. We'll continue to evaluate those players."</div> It also mentions that Cassell and his agent David Falk have contacted the Clippers about a buyout. Take it for what it's worth. From the Herald: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>NBA sources said last night that the Celtics are poised to make a move on Brent Barry if and when he clears waivers.</div> My thoughts on all three possibilities: If Danny doesn't feel like a real point guard, aka Cassell, is going to be available - then I think Brent Barry would be a very solid alternative. He can and has played a lot of point guard in the NBA, and even started at the 1 for Seattle a few years back. I trust him in that role a lot more than House. Magloire - eh. It seems to me that he has very poor work ethic and is a guy who always has complained about minutes and "getting his." Yes, he's a better player than Scot Pollard, but that's not saying much. Flip Murray - NO!!! NO!!! NO!!! Murray is the absolute last guy I want in green. He's awful, not a point guard, extremely turnover prone, doesn't play defense.... Pistons fans absolute despise this man, and for good reason. Danny, whatever you do - please do not sign Flip Murray.
My first reaction on Magloire: "What's the point, Rivers will let him rot on the bench anyway." I'd still want him. At this point Perk is starting to annoy me a little (he's starting to look worse game by game), and Powe and Baby aren't playing enough. Pollard is injured 85% of the time. What have we got to lose? Murray? That'd be a pointless move, if we really wanted a PG who's a scorer we'd get Eddie House at the beginning of the season...oh wait. Also, another wing/scorer is the last thing we need on this team. I'm happy with Tony Allen coming off the bench. Barry, I always liked Brent and he would definitely be welcome, BUT only (as CB32 mentioned) if we can't get Cassell.
Magloire provides a big man who MAY contribute more than 6 fouls, but at least he can give our current big man a breather. maybe playing for a winner will keep him in line and he'll work a little harder.. Cassell is the obvious pick up but as mentioned above Barry is capable of playing the point in a reserve role and would add another good 3 pt shooter. as for Flip, we don't really need a wing player and he's a volume scorer which is exactly what we don't need.
Some Brent Barry updates from HoopsHype: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The race to land Brent Barry appears to be down to five teams, with the Spurs in the mix along with Phoenix, Dallas, Houston and Boston. Barry was traded from the Spurs to Seattle last week as part of the deal that brought Thomas to San Antonio. The SuperSonics placed him on waivers Friday, meaning he won't be eligible to sign with a team until Tuesday. If Barry chooses to re-sign with the Spurs, he must wait 30 days per NBA rules.</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>"Whether it's Boston, Phoenix or LA or whoever, we make the same calls to good players that they make," Johnson said. "Everybody that we talked to is in kind of a wait-and-see mode. We'll know more in the middle of next week."</div> Also, it seems like Ray is lobbying for Barry as well: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Director of basketball operations Danny Ainge isn’t the only Celtic trying to recruit the recently waived Brent Barry. The guard’s former Seattle teammate Allen has been trying to make a connection, too. And what will the sales pitch be when Allen and Barry stop playing phone tag? “I think it’s not about me pitching it to him, it’s about what he wants,” said Allen. “There’s nothing I can do to try to pitch this team, because I think this team pitches itself. He ultimately has to decide that he’d like to be a part of this situation, because we’re the Celtics, we’re the green and white. And every other team is unique, too. You just have to decide where you want to be.” While many see Barry as simply a 6-foot-7 shooter, it’s interesting to note that the Celts want him for his ballhandling skills. “That’s what he did (in Seattle),” said Allen. “He brought the ball up and he didn’t have to have the ball in his hands after that. He made plays. He initiated the offense and he always spaced the floor well..”?</div>
Marc Spears is now saying that a source told him it's a long shot for Barry to sign here. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>An NBA source said that the Spurs, Rockets and Suns are now the front-runners to sign soon to be free agent guard Brent Barry. Barry will clear waivers Tuesday morning after being released by Seattle following a recent trade from San Antonio. The Celtics now seem to be a long shot. If Barry is to return to the Spurs, who traded him to Seattle, he would have to wait 30 days before he could sign.</div>
update <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Sources: Magloire Close To Joining Mavs ESPN - 02/26 - 9:02 AM ESTJamaal Magloire, who was waived by the Nets last week, is leaning towards joining the Mavericks, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.com. NBA front-office sources told ESPN that Magloire is close to agreeing to terms with Dallas and that a decision could be made as early as Tuesday. Magloire will officially clear waivers at 6 p.m. EST on Tuesday</div> wonder if Ainge is putting all his eggs into the Sam Cassell basket.