During the pre-game interview on FSN, Doc Rivers confirmed that Delonte West will be activated this weekend. 2 Questions come to mind: 1) Has Banks proved that he deserves the backup spot in West's absence, or will Delonte take his spot back? 2) If West plays well after returning, will Payton be dealt? If so, how soon?
I don't know how Banks has been playing as of late, but I do not see their time clashing. I'm pretty sure West can play the 2 so his versatility will be advantageous for him and the team. I don't think Payton will be traded. Ainge was really high on this guy especially since acquiring him in the summer. Payton might be way out of his prime, and a glove that doesn't fit anymore, but he brings something priceless to the Celtics. This is often times overlooked by many teams but, veteran experience is very important. Back in the day, Payton was great, and will go down as one of the best PG's in league history. When you have players like that, even though they are not still effective physically, mentally they are even more. Passing that to young players like West and Banks, will deliver priceless results from a player who made priceless contributions to the Seattle Supersonics franchise. So, I don't think he will, nor should be traded. Btw, 44Thrilla I just noticed that you wrote the cat meowbly. That's funny .
I think the PG backup role with be subject to competition. I haven't got a read on Dannyboy concerning whether GP is staying or going.
I don't think Banks has shown anybody anything to cement his role as GP's backup. If anything, he's been just as inconsitent as ever. But, I don't think that West will be automatically inserted into the backup spot, especially when you read about Doc saying that his timing is awful right now. Give West 5 games to get his timing and conditioning back to form and then I'm willing to bet Marcus goes to number 3. As for GP, I find it very interesting that for all the great things about GP (He's a true professional, he's been a leader, he's a great guy) we NEVER hear "We're looking to sign him to an extention." Maybe it's because they know he is only using the team this year as a way to prove he can still play, maybe it's because they think Banks and West will be able to handle things next year, maybe they just don't think he wants to be here... who knows? But if he has no intention of sticking around, then you should at least find out what you can get for him. No need to lose his money, considering we're never getting until the cap anyways. I'm not saying that they should move him just to get something for him, but Danny'd be a fool not to at least check into it. As the saying goes: don't actively shop him, but don't take the phone off the hook, either.
delonte has impressed me all season. He has played very well in the games that i have seen him get playing time for the celtics. the cletics have put together a nice core of players this season, and if payton or pierce is dealt i really hope that the c's get equal value in return.
Last night was the first Celtics game I could watch all season, it sucks living in New Jersey with no LP this year. But I was really impressed with Perkins, West, Jefferson, and Allen. On West, I think he's the best shooter on the team right now, but he needs to work on shot selection, that one three pointer after he lost the ball into the back court and forced the bad shot with about five seconds left on the shot clock was a horrible shot. But other than that he played well in limited time. I was most impressed with Jefferson, who was almost demanding the ball in the last two minutes, and had some great low post moves on Jason Collins. I really like Tony Allen's athleticism and rebounding skills, but he didn't get involved at all offensively. Perkins is a beast and will become a great defender once he gains some self control and can not pick up fouls so quickly. Banks really did nothing, and I hope West takes his minutes, I don't think he had any assists or really did much of anything when he was in. Davis also impressed by taking mostly good shots, and not forcing things. Lafrrentz was killing me down the stretch, he passed up on the wide open three at the top of the key, then missed a lefty layup in I think what were back to back possessions. I think I caught a decent game from Pierce, who wasn't forcing shots like I remember from last year. But he still had somewhat of a turnover problem, I think he had three? Gary Payton's shooting really impressed me. I hope Ainge doesn't trade him, I think he's the perfect mentor for West, Banks, and Allen. I'm assuming Jiri is in a funk right now, because he couldn't hit anything, except free throws last night. I think he's the most expendable player on the team right now, and I would like for him to play well to up his trade value. Sorry for what turned out to be a BC player review, but I wanted to let everyone know my thoughts and I haven't had much to say all year without seeing any games.
