<u>And excerpt from ESPNInsider:</u> <u>Blount to re-sign with Boston:</u> Center Mark Blount agreed to re-sign with the Celtics early Thursday morning according to his agent, Mark Bartelstein. The contract, according to Bartelstein, will be for six years, $41 million dollars. Blount was wooed by several teams, but in the end felt like he needed to return to Boston. "I think Danny [Ainge| and Doc [Rivers] did a great job of convincing him that he would be part of great future in Boston," Bartelstein told Insider. "They stepped up to the plate offering their full mid-level exception and I think at the end of the day, Mark felt like they really wanted him the most." ------------------------------------------------------------------ Not sure I'm all that psyched about this, particularly the contract length. I was thinking that he'd get 3-4 years at the MLE, not 6. At the very least, we now get to find out if "stonehands" Mark Blount is worth the money and if he can back up all the crap he spouted about the teams direction in the press last season. After only a half season of basketball worth talking about, he's got a lot to prove. This move does somewhat shore up our front court though, which was sorely needed. Now, let's hope Blounts more than just the average talent alot of us think he is.
Wow, I had pretty much written Blount off. I am very surprised that he is coming back. It just goes to show you that certain media outlets will say anything whether it is the truth or not. I read in the paper, heard on the radio, and saw on tv that Blount wasn't even considering coming back.
The C's had a better shot at resigning BLount than Philly had anyways. Not to mention, I don't mind Dannyboy sticking it to OB a little, after OB came out and said in the press he thought Blount would be a good guy for Phila to get.(In case you aren't aware, I hate OB with a passion) 44: I'm not sure where you read that stuff, but while Blount has said plenty of things that alluded to the fact that he was gonzo, his agent has continually reitterated that they were in talks with Boston and that it was his first choice to resign and stay in Boston. Granted, there's alot of double-speak in the press by players and thier agents, but usually most comments have some element of truth to them, even if it's only a little.
Link Blount could of gotten a better oppurtunity somewhere else, like Miami to win. I guess he thinks he couldnt cash in anywhere else like he didnt in Boston because they have his Bird rights. The Celtics will try to dump him in 2 years. They got Jefferson, Perkins, Lafrentz, possibly Mihm there, and now Blount. It was fine last year because of injuries, but now you add Jefferson and a healthier and Lafrentz, the PT is hard to spread out.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">and a healthier Lafrentz, </div> Well, right now, that's in question. Raef's had a "noticable limp" all summer. I agree that in 2 years there could be a log jam, but at the Center/PF position, that's never a bad thing, particularly in the East. However, for now, Blount will be able to HOPEFULLY(fingers crossed) be able to help fortify the frontcourt for us, while Perk and Jefferson continue to develop. Right now, I'd say that Mihm might want to be looking over his shoulder, as he's becoming more and more expendable for trades everyday.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting That NBA Girl:</div><div class="quote_post">Ugh, dammit. We (Philly) never get anything we want.</div>
well it looks like big al isnt gonna play alot...and does this mean we cant sign etan thomas or someone like that
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting hagrid:</div><div class="quote_post">44: I'm not sure where you read that stuff, but while Blount has said plenty of things that alluded to the fact that he was gonzo, his agent has continually reitterated that they were in talks with Boston and that it was his first choice to resign and stay in Boston. Granted, there's alot of double-speak in the press by players and thier agents, but usually most comments have some element of truth to them, even if it's only a little. </div>I speak of many of the Boston media outlets: The Boston Herald, Fox Sports New England, WEEI, and 790 The Score in Providence, RI. I'm not talking about news reports, more of people's opinions. The general opinion was that he would not resign. As for sticking it to OB, good. OB had it in his head that Blount would be loyal to him, but why would he think that? If it weren't for OB leaving, Blount would have never put up the numbers he did last season. He would be resigneing for 2 mill. a year instead of about 7 mill. John Carroll gave Blount the chance to evolve into the player he is now considered to be. OB never gave him that chance.
Very surprising, I had, just as you had 44, written off Blount. The way he talked about the teams direction in the press last season and the fight with Ricky, it seemed obvious he was as good as gone. I don't like the length of the deal though. I'm guessing he'll be traded in the the next few seasons as perkins and Al develop. But for now, he should be able to make the frontcourt somewhat respectable. i was beginning to get scared about how bad the frontcourt would have been if they hadn't signed a big man soon.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Wink23:</div><div class="quote_post">well it looks like big al isnt gonna play alot...and does this mean we cant sign etan thomas or someone like that</div> according to ESPN (Chad Ford) we can still sign free agents. I'd love to see Etan, but its starting to sound like McDyss is more likely.
Yeah, alot of posters and some media outlets had written him off. Honestly, so had I. I figured the garbage coming out of Blount's agent's mouth was just that: PC garbage, so he didn't look like a malcontent when he left. Guess they fooled us. I take everything that comes out of the normal Boston media fixtures with a grain of salt, so them saying him not coming back was unlikely didn't phase me that much. I mostly went on direct quotes from Blount and his agent, which at times seemed contradictory, IMO. Ranter(what up bro ): You think McNugget will come in for the MLE? Do you think he's worth the risk? I'm hesitant, even though i know he's talented IF HE CAN STAY HEALTHY.
I think McDyess is a worthwhile gamble at a moderate number of years. The MLE isn't all that much cash, but he's not going to get more with his bum knee. I'd offer him the MLE guaranteed for 3 years and throw in 2 team option years. on the other hand, it is a miracle the guy is even walking right now: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/sun...sunsnb0414.html
on the other hand, it is a miracle the guy is even walking right now: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/0414sunsnb0414.html
McDyess would immediately become the second-best player on the team, even though he's only a shell of his former self. I think it would be a good idea to get him for the MLE, it's not as if he's going to sink a championship ship or anything.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">McDyess would immediately become the second-best player on the team, even though he's only a shell of his former self</div> 01-02 was the last respectable year McNugget had, in terms of stats. He was in Denver and only ave. 11/5, nothing to write home about, that's for certain. Overall, I'd put Davis, Welsh and even LaFrentz in front of him now.
The overpaying trend continues this off-season with Blount being paid so much for such a long contract. I agree, you can never have enough big men on your team, but I'm surprised the Celtics made an offer to what could turn out to be a "one year wonder." I'm not sure how this deal impacts the plans for the Celtics. Does committing to Blount mean they are trying to make it back to the playoffs instead of developing their younger players for the future? Or are the Celtics going to rebuild their team? They now have 7 players 6'10 or above on the roster. I still think the Celtics are lacking some perimeter weapons. I would entertain an offer of landing Pat Garrity from the Magic. With their signing of Hedo, there isn't much use for Garrity on the team anymore. He's a big man with great range, and I think he can help spread the defenses for Pierce & Davis slashing style of offense. Other possible free agents who could help the Celtics out from the perimeter, Jon Barry, Brent Barry, Tony Kukoc, or former Celtic Eric Williams.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting hagrid:</div><div class="quote_post"> 01-02 was the last respectable year McNugget had, in terms of stats. He was in Denver and only ave. 11/5, nothing to write home about, that's for certain. Overall, I'd put Davis, Welsh and even LaFrentz in front of him now.</div> C'mon, man. That 11/5 was in 10 games in less than 24 min. per. I know as well as anybody that McDyess is no longer what he once was (notice the "shell" comment?) but LaFrentz or Welsch being better? No way. If he gets back up to 35 per (which could be a stretch) I guarantee you that McDyess would be the only guy on the Celts roster (besides Pierce) that would worry an opposing coach. It's too bad that a veritable NBA cripple could be our second-best player, but sometimes you just gotta face the music. It seems to me that everybody on here is in complete denial over just how bad the Celts really are. The best thing to happen for their playoff chances next year was friggin' Carlos Boozer signing with the Jazz. Christ.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">but I'm surprised the Celtics made an offer to what could turn out to be a "one year wonder." </div> If we want to be completely accurate, it could be worse than that, because IMO, Blount would be more like a "half year wonder". However, unless Blount suddenly gets lazy, which will incur a heavy wrath from the fans, as well as his teammates, then at least Blount will work hard and hopefully at least maintain were he's gotten to.(fingers crossed) Birdman: I can't completely share the bleak picture you're painting with our talent situation. I know you said shell of a player, and you're certainly right about that IMO. However, as far as him and PP being the only guys opposing coaches would have to seriously worry about, I'll grant you that jiri needs to develop, but Ricky davis better be kept track of every second he's on the floor, particularly on the offensive end. His defense seems to come and go and I think will get not only better but much more consistant. To me, he's the second best player on our team right now and by far the most athletic, whether McNugget came in or not. McNugget would have to return to his pre-denver days to retake the second spot, IMO. Also, keep in mind that we had no coach last season to speak of, which means what we've seen out of anyone new to the team, is probably just a shell of what they could do with some legit organization and direction by the coaching staff.
