We all know that we need help rebounding. Would you endorse this? Boston sends Jiri Welsh and Mark Blount to Denver for Nene and a 1st rounder, plus some add ons to make the contracts work (or, since Denver is under the cap, they could swallow the contracts) It would hurt to see Jiri leave, especially now that having Jiri start with davis coming off the bench has been working so great. But we need to do something. This would open up more time for Tony Allen, and would free up another roster spot (Justin Reed? Rebounding???). The swing position would still be deep, with PP, Davis, Allen, and Waltah/Reed playing 5-10 minutes. West could also play to 2 spot, though he may be a bit undersized in this league. Plus, we get rid of Blount. The guy has had too many 3 rebound games for a 7 foot starting center for my liking. In return, we get a young, talented big man with upside in Nene. He's not getting the minutes he wantes with Denver now with Camby and KMart. He's a better rebounder than Blount is, with better hands, and he's a better fit than Blount for the up tempo offense we want, but is still elusive. We don't really need another draft pick, we have plenty of youth, but that could be packaged with Stewart's contract later. A 1st rounder and an expiring contract should grab the attention of a rebuilding team. Denver would hate to break up their front line, but they are not playing well and need some change. Blount is better off in a back-up role, plus he is bigger than Nene, so he would be good insurance in case Camby;'s body doesn't hold up. But their main gain in this trade is Jiri. They are desparate for a 2 guard who can hit from 3. They have star power, so they don't need another star player, just a good, smart, role player who knows his role, can move without the ball, won't make mistakes, and can hit the outside shot. They have 3 1st rounders, so letting go of one of them isn't a big deal.
Before I comment, I have one question. After the trade happens, who starts at center for the Celtics?
I would not due this trade if I where the celtics first off with this trade apparently you would have to move Raef to the 5 judging by the success that the mavs had with that I think that would be a no. If they could find a solid replacement for Blount who has been performing real well this season then there is still yet another variable which would cause me to disgard this trade. That variable is Nene who has been injured for the better part of this season. If you aquire him most likely he will have a nagging injury for the rest of the season which would keep you from seeing his true potential and then next season will be his contract year since his option was picked up by the Nuggets so if he performs well that year you can not really judge if it is the contract motivation or that he has workd hard, and will continue to perform tha way. Also a reason I would not do this trade is you would lose the spark you have had all year off the bench, and that would cause your second team offense to struggle when they go on the court. Much like the Spurs second team did when Ginobli was promoted to a starting position after Stephon Jackson left and signed with the Hawks. Also the 1st round pick you would recieve from Denver would most likely be the one they recieved from Orlando on the draft night trade considering they have traded there first rounders for the next three years to the Nets. Considering how well Orlando has been playing this pick would most likely be after the 16th pick in the draft not much talent left around that area. Another thing to consider is that they would need to put away money to resign Nene when he hits free agency which might affect there chances of resigning Payton this summer. I think if they keep Payton around a few more seasons it will be better for Banks. he can elarn from a guy who use to be one of the elite in the league.
Did the Celtics just give Blount a huge contract extension? And, isn't Nene a Power Forward? I would think these things through before making this deal.
Nene can play the 5 spot, but I was thinking of playing Raef at the 5 and starting Jefferson. I don't think he's ready yet, but he's close. Blount can't be traded until Dec 15th anyways, so maybe sometime in the new year would be when to pull this off. I think Raef will be fine playing center in the east, especially with a running team. I haven't been following the Nuggets that much, so I didn't even know about Nene's injury though. Anywho, just an idea. Like 44 said, we need more conversation on this board. <font color="DarkRed">EDIT- </font>Speaking of more conversations, what would you recommend the celtics do to improve in the rebounding department? Anyone else have any trade ideas? <font color="DarkRed"><font size="1">Please don't post twice in a row. Just use the edit button. Thanks-44.</font></font>
Speaking of more conversations, what would you recommend the celtics do to improve in the rebounding department? Anyone else have any trade ideas?
Raef and Ricky Davis for Joe Smith and Desmond Mason. Joe Smith is a good rebounder and Desmond Mason has great future potential.
celtfan, I don't think that trade idea is that bad. If we could pull that off, then I would most likely do it. 1. I think Jiri is just presenting too much of a problem for the rotation. He is expendable, I would rather see Allen in the game than him in most situations. 2. Blount is a decent center, but he is only capable of so much. Honestly, I'd rather trade LaFrentz in place of him in this deal because I think Blount would be better for us to keep as our starting center. 3. Nene is a great ball player, I'd love to see him in Celtic green. 4. My one problem with this trade is losing Blount. Not just for what he brings, but also for the message it send to the rest of the league. I mean, we spent so much time pleading with him to stay and sign here only to trade him away months later? That's why I'd rather it be Raef.
I would be hesitant to do any of these deals. While I do agree with Thrilla and celtfan that Jiri is the more likely one to go when a deal is made, (I think that a package of Jiri and Yogi Stewart - and his very movable expiring contract - could be shipped out for some center help. Maybe for Juwan Howard, who could play some center in the East, since Houston needs some type of kick-start.), in reality, I think the best move that the team can make is to stand pat. You have to remember that this is a team with 7 new players (I'm counting LaFrentz in there because 17 games do not a season make), a new head coach and they're trying to grasp a totally new style of play. What this team needs most of all is stability and time. They'll come together. I know it looks bad now, but its a long season. I have faith.
