First one that actually affects us is that the Spurs just got Richard Jefferson from the Bucks for Oberto, Thomas and Bowen. Second, the Celtics reportedly offered Allen and Rondo to the Pistons for Stuckey, Rip and Prince. This has been reported on Sportscenter this morning and I'll look for links. But, thoughts?
The Spurs trade really puts the pressure on us to re-sign Odom & Ariza. Assuming Ginobili is 100% healthy next season the Spurs have the talent to compete with us. I wouldn't mind cherry picking Bowen from Milwaukee either for Sasha Vujacic and our 2nd rounder. The Celtics-Pistons deal doesn't seem b.s. to me. Two lower level executives were involved in unofficial discussions.
Personally, I don't know why the Celtics bothered making that phone call. To me, that trade is an absolute joke. The Pistons would be losing their 3 best players for a good young PG and an expiring contract. The only way that makes sense is if they're trying to clear more cap space for 2010 and win next years lottery all at the same time. If Dumars wants to keep a playoff team, this would have been a stupid move for them. It somewhat makes sense for the Celtics. They get another very good and young PG out of it, and they also get a little younger and probably better by adding Hamilton and Prince. They also wouldn't have to worry about contract negotiations at the end of this season with those two as well, and would allow them to keep a good core in tact for a while. Still, I don't know if it makes sense for them because of how good Rondo is and how good them chemistry is with this squad. In regards to the Spurs, it makes sense for them. They get younger with the trade and get another versatile scorer. He's also a solid defender who can keep up with the top SG/SF in the NBA. Does it propel them by us? I don't think so, but I do think it makes them the clear cut #2 team in the West.
I think the Celtics would be getting screwed actually, I don't see how that makes them better. Rip/Allen are on a similar level (except Rip's contract might be too long), Prince and Stuckey are role players they are replaceable and I'd rather have a potential superstar (or multiple All-Star) Point guard. The Pistons should definitely make that trade because they get another all-star and have even more cap for 2010. It would be a great foundation for them.
My thoughts exactly. The only way it makes sense for the Celtics is because they wouldn't have to worry about potential contract negotiations. I don't know if it makes much sense for the Pistons outside of cap space though. They go from a playoff team to a lottery team next year, and then they have to hope that some big name FAs want to come to them in 2010.
Ainge was on Sportscenter talking about how the rumors of Rondo's attitude are bogus, but it does perplex me why they keep adding him into discussions.
Certainly a good trade for them, is Manu's health still a concern though? If Bynum can actually play healthy at the end of the year, I think we should be ok. :]
I'm not worried about the Spurs, even if Bynum can't stay healthy. Who is going to guard Pau and Odom? They don't have a true C on that team now, right? Duncan can't guard them both. I think this trade means we bring Odom back. Two post players (whether it be Pau - Bynum, Bynum - Odom, Pau - Odom), plus Kobe is enough to topple that team.
And the Celtics would be idiotic to make that trade. I'm surprised Detroit turned that down. I think Rondo really proved himself. Thrilla, is Rondo's attitude that shitty?
My friend and I were talking and he made an interesting point about the Spurs not having a real C now. Could they turn around and try and ship out Manu for another big? If that is the case and they can score a threat, then it'll be hard to repeat next year.
Manu has suffered more than Bynum, and he's not getting younger. Unless an owner wants to shed cap room I don't see him SA getting good offers for him.
Yeah, I think Manu is shot. I don't think he'll have a healthy season again. That is why I'm not worried about this trade. If Manu could stay healthy, I'd be worried.
Fuckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk. Not cool. Knowing the Spurs, they'll get him for like the vet. minimum. Fuck dude, if they get Sheed then I'd be worried.
