Exploring the Point Guard Scrap Heap

Posted by Brian Robb on Aug 15, 2009 304416 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2009%2F08%2F15%2Fthe-point-guard-scrap-heap%2FExploring+the+Point+Guard+Scrap+Heap2009-08-15+22%3A38%3A49Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D3044

The re-signing of Anthony Carter by the Nuggets on Friday ended any potential possibility of one of the best free agents points out there joining the C’s. With the signing, it’s time to take a quick look at the remaining market (or lack there of) out there. A few names to consider who could in all probability be brought in for the veteran’s minimum:

Stephon Marbury: Just kidding……I hope. Moving on.

Bobby Jackson: Definitely more of a shooter than a distributor, but easily one of the best remaining options out there, if the Celts wanted to continue to improve on its offensive firepower. I hesitated earlier this offseason about suggesting bringing a guy like this in, as I wondered if there would be enough shots to go around for the established veterans of the new look bench. However, given the lack of other options out there, I hope the C’s at least give the 36 year old Jackson an extended look as he showed last year he could still play competently off the bench.

Tyronn Lue: A guy who generally summons groans and expletives when brought up in front of fellow Celtics Hub blogger Brendan Jackson. I understand the disdain toward the player but as a natural PG, feel he could be valuable insurance for theam. He was acquired as a potential help for the Magic last year once Jameer Nelson went down, but only played sparingly for the team once acquired. He still shoots well for his position, especially from downtown (40% 3 pt shooter) and given his close relationship with Kevin Garnett, it’s possible he could be brought in for at least a training camp invite.

Jacque Vaughn:The former Jayhawk has been in a downward spiral the past few years, but seemed to hit rock bottom last year with the Spurs, falling out of the regular rotation by playing just 30 games and shooting a dismal 32 percent from the field. The guy is a heady veteran at this point, but lacks the skills to be a meaningful contributor off the bench at this juncture of his career.

Brevin Knight: A distributor to be sure but much like Vaughn, has taken a huge step back in recent years, completely falling out of the rotation in Utah. He could be a valuable mentor to a young guy like Rondo but would be limited in what he could bring to the floor as his strength (quickness) has vanished.

Jason Hart: The point guard was released by teams, bad teams (Clippers) at that in the middle of his last two seasons. His inability to stick to those squads provide the unlikelihood he’d be useful and be able to make it out of a crowded roster situation in Boston.

There are other candidates that remain out there which are out of the team’s price range (C.J Watson, Allen Iverson) but those list appear to be the cream of a very weak remaining crop. Given that reality, it was not surprising to hear these uncertain words come out of Danny Ainge’s mouth earlier this week regarding the point guard issue:

“We still have to . . . really decide what we’re going to do with that third point guard position, which I’m not feeling great urgency because I think that both Eddie (House) and Marquis can play there,” Ainge said.

The hesitation to commit to another player seems warranted by Danny, but I wonder how Marquis is going to reduce Paul and Ray’s minutes if he is stuck playing the point regularly. It’s evident the team needs some insurance as well as roster space to bring in a veteran point guard. My question to you guys is who, if any of these players listed make sense for the C’s to go after?