You looked comfortable shooting around before the game. How is your rehab going?I?m doing great. The rehab is going great. I?m continuing to work hard, work on shooting, things like that, and just getting back into shape.What did the doctors tell you about when you?ll be able to play?I?ll definitely be good for the summer. You didn?t play in a lot of games, but it seems like you have a good chemistry with the team. How have you been able to gel so well with them without being on the court?It?s all family in the locker room. Once you come in here, you become family. I?ve been around a lot of years, so you get to know the guys. These guys work hard, and that?s the type of guys I like to keep myself around. Earlier in the season, Telfair told me that it helped having you on the team. What kind of advice have you been giving him during the year?He?s just got to stay confident in what he can do. He can?t let anybody take that away from him. As long as he does that, he can make it in this league. How surprised are you by his struggles this season?It?s a long process, especially playing that point position. He?s doing the things that they?re asking him to do that he hasn?t done before. I told him, even when we were in Portland, that it was going to be a long process. He?s just got the keep strong and not get frustrated. If he continues learning the game, he will be ok.You haven?t been able to play basketball since mid-November and underwent surgery in January. Even though you have been away from the game for so long, how are you able to find silver linings in your injury this year?Any injury I?ve ever had, I?ve always come back stronger and just as good as I was before I got injured. It become a challenge to silence the critics or the doubters. I?ve been doubted all my life -- too small, not big enough, not strong enough. But I became an All-Star in this league and I?ve been in this league for 12 years so I?ve silenced critics all my career. Now that your rehab is progressing, what is your game plan for the summer?I?ll be hanging out with the family, continuing to work out and work hard. I?m going to try to get my body in the best shape I can get it in.Ratliff has one year left on his $23 million contract. He has played for four other teams, including Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Ratliffe posted 5 points and 7 rebounds this season, but has averaged 8.0 points and 6.2 boards over his 12 year career.http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_21632.shtml
Good to see his doing better but he's still going to miss atleast 25 games next year. The guy has chronic back problems and his career is pretty much done. I hope he can come back and contribute unless we trade him but the truth right now is the guy is a constatnly injured player who at best can play 25 minutes a night, get some boards, and block a few shots.
I think Theo will be packaged in a trade this summer, I really do. I think Danny will get it done with that contract, young player(s), and possibly future picks. I think something will happen with it. However, if it doesn't, I don't see Theo having a healthy season. WTJ said he thinks Theo will miss at least 25 games next year, I'm going for 35-40+. I hope I'm wrong and he can finish his career strong, though. I've always liked Theo, he's an amazing shot blocker and a stand-up guy. I wish him the best no matter what happens to him. Good to hear some signs of life, though.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>I think Theo will be packaged in a trade this summer, I really do.</div>I agree, his contract also expires after next season which looks very attractive to some teams. And the fact that he's a respected veteran, he is a tradable player.
Good to see he's still got some passion and fire to play in him just incase (God forbid) Ainge doesn't deal him this summer.
If he's not delt this summer, he could definitely go close to next years trade deadline.Especially if the C's are playing well and looking for that extra piece.A struggling team could be looking for the cap relief/space for FA in 2008.
