http://www.nba.com/media/charlotte/walker_435_050316.jpg"> [i] Many questions arise when discussing The Celtics long term plans, but in my opinion, one still remains. The Celtics need a Center. Sure, The Celtics have done amazing over the course of the past few weeks. However, against teams like Houston, Miami, and The Spurs I don't think they can prove to be quite as successful. Antoine is not a defensive minded big man. Mark Blount and Raef LaFrentz are nice role players, but certainly can't be expected to carry the load defensively from the frontcourt. So, how do The Celtics compete? Do you move Antoine Walker? Do you move Al Jefferson? What do you do? I simply would like to get some possible theories on how this team could find that low post presense they currently don't possess. Next season Boston's payroll stands at 46.3 Million Dollars prior to resigning Antoine Walker and Gary Payton if they decide to go that route. Resigning the both of them could tack on an addition 15+ Million Dollars to next season's payroll, ruling out a possible acquisition via free agency. So a trade seems to be the only solution, right? Here's a few trades I threw together that would help Boston aquire a true Center.... TRADE 1 - Sacramento's Brad Miller Boston Trades: G Marcus Banks, F Al Jefferson, F/C Raef LaFrentz Kings Trades: C Brad Miller, F Corliss Williamson, G Eddie House (You loss your frontcourt potential in Jefferson, but aquiring a proven allstar Center in Brad Miller. Williamson and LaFrentz cancel each other out, Williamson is a veteran who's played at the highest levels and also brings a tougher inside presense. But LaFrentz is a more versatile bigman who can extend the floor. In my opinion, the best transaction to improve this team's chances right now. Sacramento would continue to move their team in a foward direction towards the future, aquiring a BIG AL and Marcus Banks. They would also get Raef to give them a shot blocking and rebounding presense.) PG: Gary Payton (Delonte West) SG: Tony Allen (Eddie House) SF: Paul Pierce (Ricky Davis) PF: Antoine Walker (Corliss Williamson) C: Brad Miller (Mark Blount) My personal favorite of the bunch. --------------- TRADE 2 - Cleveland's Starting Frontcourt Boston Trades: F Antoine Walker, G Marcus Banks, C Mark Blount Cavs Trades: F Drew Gooden, F Ira Newble, C Zydrunas Ilgauskas (The Z Man is a proven Eastern Conference force, few around the league can match his low post offensive presense. Alongside Z coming to Boston would be the young and very talented Drew Gooden. Perhaps the best trade in aquiring a better overall front court, however you would lose team leader Antoine Walker. Cleveland would finally get Lebron a second option in Antoine Walker. Antoine's 20 and 10 would fit nicely alongside Lebron. Walker's leadership would prove valuable on this young team, and Walker's ability to run an offense would take some pressure off of Lebron, especially in late game situations. Banks would open the door to move Eric Snow who hasn't performed well in Cleveland, and Blount alonside Walker could likely match Gooden and Big Z's production if they both received the start.) --------------- TRADE 3 - Carlos Boozer Boston Trades: F/C Raef LaFrentz, F Kendrick Perkins, G Delonte West Utah Trades: F Carlos Boozer & G Howard Eisley (A True low post presense in Carlos Boozer, although at the price of Delonte West's potential. A deal worth making in my opinion, only if followed by another transaction moving Walker or Jefferson for a Center or Point Guard. Utah would likely move AK47 back to the Power Foward postion, throwing Gordan Giricek and Matt Harpring back into the starting lineup. They would also finally get a bonafide point guard and a scoring threat from that postion. Raef's shot blocking alonside AK47 would help this team turn into one of the best among the league defensively. Utah would turn into a deadly shooting team from 1-5 from anywhere on the floor.) --------------- TRADE 4 - Yao Ming? Boston Trades: F/C Raef LaFrentz, G Ricky Davis, G Marcus Banks, 2 First Round Draft Selections Houston Trades: C Yao Ming, F Juwan Howard, G David Wesley (Could see something like this if Yao decides not to resign with Houston and works a sign and deal. Yao will be a very hot item on the free agent market however, chances of Boston landing him are slim.)
