<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Veteran point guard Gary Payton has verbally agreed to rejoin the Celtics, according to executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge. Payton was dealt to Atlanta Feb. 24 in the Antoine Walker trade and waived by the Hawks Tuesday. He clears waivers tomorrow, when the Celtics plan to reacquire him. </div> Source
Yep, now let's just make sure the Dannyboy covered his tracks better than Kevin McHale did. (Or actually did it legally, which would make it even more a genius move!)
I like this move, whether it be underhanded or not The reason why I like the move is not only because it helps their chances in getting into the playoffs and advancing but it also helps further the development of their rookies. From what I heard GP was harder on the rooks Tony and Delonte moreso than Doc was. He pushed them to work hard in practice and I think their ability to come into games and produce is partly due to Paytons influence on them. There are no negatives at all with bringing Payton in. Only positives.
Greatest deal at the deadline for any team this season, that's for sure. The Celtics basically got a 20/10 guy for a first round pick. With the way Philadelphia has been fizzling since the Webber trade, the Celtics might keep their lead on the Atlantic after all. Payton/Walker/Pierce will sure be entertaining.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trip:</div><div class="quote_post">With the way Philadelphia has been fizzling since the Webber trade, the Celtics might keep their lead on the Atlantic after all. Payton/Walker/Pierce will sure be entertaining.</div> And when you throw Davis in the mix its bound be awesome. But as for the Webber thing, I said when he was dealt there it was going to take a few games for him to get comfortable in their system. I'm not figuring out 6th seed match-ups just yet...
Now that this is official, I'll add my two cents... The Walker deal was the greatest trade in Celtics history since the deal that sent Bill Russell to Boston. I'm honestly trying to think of a better deal since then, but I can't think of anything.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 44Thrilla:</div><div class="quote_post">The Walker deal was the greatest trade in Celtics history since the deal that sent Bill Russell to Boston.</div> I'm not ready to go that far just yet. Ask me again when the season is over, then we can talk. What made the Russell trade, or even the deals that brought in Silas, Parish or DJ so great is that they led directly to championships. Thats why I can't put the Walker trade that high. It's easily the best move the franchise has made in a decade, but I'm not ready to elevate it to all-time great just yet. The cause would be aided if Walker re-signed beyond this season as well...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting 44Thrilla:</div><div class="quote_post">Now that this is official, I'll add my two cents... The Walker deal was the greatest trade in Celtics history since the deal that sent Bill Russell to Boston. I'm honestly trying to think of a better deal since then, but I can't think of anything.</div> How about the draft rights to Joe Barry Carroll and Rickey Brown for McHale and Parrish
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting BC:</div><div class="quote_post">How about the draft rights to Joe Barry Carroll and Rickey Brown for McHale and Parrish </div> Yeah, that was a great trade, but it was a different kind of trade. The reason I like this trade so much is because of the behind the scenes dealing that was done to ensure Payton would come back. It kind of reminds me of when Auerbach used the Ice Capades to make sure that Russell wasn't the first pick in the draft.
