<div class="quote_poster">Quoting CeltsMan54:</div><div class="quote_post">I talked to my guy who works for the Raptors and he said that essentiallty thats why the Hawks demanded a first round pick in the deal, cause otherwise it was expiring contracts for expiring contracts. He also said they may just straight release him, so not to chance another team grabbing him. So, after going home for a couple days while this happens and getting to see his mom, as a reward be being a Hawk (even briefly) the C's are going to give Payton the extention he wants. If its true, Gary should be more than happy: couple days off and an extention. Can you imagine a lineup of Pierce, Walker and Payton? Do you realise that essentially that deal we all hated 2 years ago now boils down to Tony Delk for Raef LaFrentz and Tony Allen? </div>It's funny.... Ric Bucher was just on ESPN News with the "Breaking News" that we've been discussing since 6 hours ago. The only difference is that he said he isn't sure if it's the C's that GP will be going back to after the apparent buyout.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 44Thrilla:</div><div class="quote_post">It's funny.... Ric Bucher was just on ESPN News with the "Breaking News" that we've been discussing since 6 hours ago. The only difference is that he said he isn't sure if it's the C's that GP will be going back to after the apparent buyout.</div> I can't believe I'm about to defend any of the BBall guys on ESPN, BUT I'll give Bucher the benefit of the doubt cause I would imagine he's trying to talk to 20 GM's today and is probably frazzled, where as you or aren't very concerned about what moves Milwaulkee made today. But if Payton is bought about by tommorrow he may only miss the Utah game.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I can't believe I'm about to defend any of the BBall guys on ESPN, BUT I'll give Bucher the benefit of the doubt cause I would imagine he's trying to talk to 20 GM's today and is probably frazzled, where as you or aren't very concerned about what moves Milwaulkee made today.</div>Yeah, good point. Can I just say that, if all this goes down, then this one of the greatest trades in Celtics history?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 44Thrilla:</div><div class="quote_post">Can I just say that, if all this goes down, then this one of the greatest trades in Celtics history?</div> If Payton comes back not only is this a great trade but then in hindsight the original Toine trade turns into Tony Delk for Raef and TA.
Statement From Danny Ainge: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">We are excited to have Antoine back and I know he is excited to be back. We made the move because we felt the time and price was right as we make our playoff push. We have some youth and athleticism and are at a place when we can use some veteran experience and he provides that. When we traded Antoine it was not personal as reported, it was strictly business. At the time I felt we needed to become more athletic, younger, as well as a little more diversified. I think we have been able to do that. We took Antoine and were able to get Raef LaFrentz and Jiri Welsch, and had the ability to add some talented young players like Tony Allen and Delonte West. Now we are able to move Jiri for a first round pick and get Antoine back. I feel he will have to make some adjustments to his game to fit Doc's system and believe he will do that. I spoke with Antoine earlier and he is very excited to be back in Boston. He is thrilled to return after where he has been and getting him back in that frame of mind is great for us and him. Doc also spoke with him and we are both hopeful we will have him available to play tomorrow (Friday) in Utah. </div> http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/DannyStatement_20050224.html Good to hear that he's excited, but it's not a surprise. I hope he plays Friday against Utah. There's also some interesting things in DA's statement about Jiri, so click that link.
No official word on GP yet though? This whole deal smells of set up, so I'm not going to be surprised if he's a celtic again within days.
this is great for the celtics. honestly, i really never got used to seeing antoine wearing tha dallas and atlanta jerseys. he belongs in boston. great move by the guys in the celtics management.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Need4Sheed:</div><div class="quote_post">I'd definitely go to Houston. They have to be way more attractive to him.</div> probably true, but between Davis Wesley, Bobby Sura, Jon Barry (not sure if Rod Strickland is still there or not) and Tracy McGrady, they have an awful lot of ball-handling guards... and they JUST got Mike James and Moochie Norris. Someone would have to go. Not to mention Houston just aquired Vin Baker, who I don't think Payton is a fan of from his Seattle days. sidebar: does Houston really need to get OLDER? I'd try for Miami, honestly...
So does 'Toine get his #8 back? This was a steal for the Celtics, and a needed move, since the 76ers landed C-Web. This is going to be a great race in the Atlantic between those two teams. If Payton comes back even better, and since he hasn't complained to the media yet, there must have been an eye wink from Danny Boy before he traded Payton.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">So does 'Toine get his #8 back?</div> Thats the big question. Someone asked Al a couple months back about it and he said that he wore 35 in high school and had no real attachment to it, and he would sell (not give) it to Toine. There's a rumor Toine asked the league if he could have 88. But I really want him to take 44, its open.
I'm torn. I'm sure Al will sell him the # if the league allows it. However, I really want a new Walker jersey now and this would be just the thing to prompt me to go out and get one. Also, new thoughts: To 'Toine or Not to 'Toine <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Less than a month ago, I was trashing every trade scenario I came across that saw Antoine Walker back in a Celtics uniform. The very public spat on the way out -plus- the history of DA's commentary on his game -plus- DA was still in charge now, meant that it seemed highly unlikely that Walker would ever see Celtic green on him while Danny Ainge was still drawing breath. I closed posts with comments like, "I liked 'Toine too, but it was time to move on" or "He's not walking back through that door". You know, that general stuff you say to be polite when you just really want to tell someone that they are living in the past or some alternate reality where the rules of common sense and logic have no influence. But today,.....today requires penatance. To those who ignored popular convention and the rules of the CBA - those who ignored the perception that AW and Dannyboy hated each other - those who ignored the fact that the team had turned a corner to a path that before he left the Celtics, Walker seemed unwilling to follow down - to all those who spent your work days on RealGM running trade scenario upon trade scenario for that elusive combination that could get Antoine back - To all those and any others I've missed who dared to dream the dream: <font color="DarkGreen">This day is yours. I salute you.</font></div>
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">So does 'Toine get his #8 back? </div> Thought it was against league policy for a player to change numbers during the season, which means Jefferson couldn't give it up even if he said okay.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Old Hoss:</div><div class="quote_post">Thought it was against league policy for a player to change numbers during the season, which means Jefferson couldn't give it up even if he said okay.</div> Apparently you can if you're a rookie, cause Igudola already told Webber he can have #4 and he'll take #9. I think there is a fine, but I would assume Webber (and Walker) would be the ones paying it.
Who would have thought Toine' would ever be beack in a Celtics jersey? And if the Celtics are able to get GP back then this will turn out tp be a very good trade for the Celtics. But honestly the only reason I see GP staying is Boston is because he doesn't want to move his family anymore. But I'm sure plenty of other teams will be intrested, Miami being one of them, so we'll see.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Silky Smooth:</div><div class="quote_post">But honestly the only reason I see GP staying is Boston is because he doesn't want to move his family anymore. But I'm sure plenty of other teams will be intrested, Miami being one of them, so we'll see.</div> Actually, Gary's family has been in LA this whole time and the Celtics have allowed him to fly home any off days that he wants to see them. Thats why I would assume a team like Sacramento would appeal to him so much. But, if you look, of all the teams that are apparently interested only Boston offers the opportunity to start, which I think is something GP values at this stage of his career. It'll be a tough call, but I really hope he chooses to come back to Boston.
Only In Boston... Just when all the local media outlets were focusing their coverage on the Celtics, the Patriots cut Ty Law. On WEEI, they were actually talking about the Celtics for most of the day. Not only about the deal, but they talked about the rest of the team. I was in my glory. Then, the Patriots announced that they cut Ty Law, and it's all back to normal.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Who would have thought Toine' would ever be beack in a Celtics jersey?</div> I love 'Toine and you've got me on that one. Never did I think it would happen. In fact, see my earlier comments.
