Stein: C’s Pursuing Anthony Parker

Posted by Brian Robb on Feb 18, 2011 1658030 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2011%2F02%2F18%2Fstein-cs-pursuing-anthony-parker%2FStein%3A+C%27s+Pursuing+Anthony+Parker2011-02-18+21%3A04%3A14Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D16580

CBS’s Ken Berger originally reported the interest in the 6-6 swingman by the C’s earlier this week and ESPN’s Marc Stein has confirmed the report, saying that Boston along with Chicago has interest in the sharpshooter. Here’s the latest from Stein:

The Celts covet an extra playoff-tested shooter/defender as much as the Bulls, with Marquis Daniels out indefinitely and Delonte West missing much of the season so far. Yet it remains to be seen whether either of the two teams is willing to meet Cleveland’s asking price.

The Cavs are seeking a quality draft pick or a young big man with promise in exchange for Parker, who’s averaging 11.5 points and shooting 47 percent on 3-pointers in February.

Before we go any further, let’s take a look at Parker’s season and career numbers for the 35-year old.

GP	MPG	FGM-FGA	FG%	3PM-3PA	3P%	FTM-FTA	FT%	RPG	APG	BLKPG	STLPG	PFPG	TOPG	PPG
2010-11 Regular Season	47	29.2	3.2-8.1	.400	1.4-3.4	.398	1.1-1.4	.769	2.9	2.9	0.1	1.0	1.5	1.1	8.9
Career	418	28.1	3.5-7.8	.447	1.3-3.0	.413	1.2-1.5	.809	3.2	2.2	0.2	0.9	1.6	1.0	9.4

It should come as no surprise to anyone that Parker is on the C’s radar as he really is the best player on the market right now that is attainable considering the C’s assets and his salary, which is 2.86 million.

From the Cavs perspective, it’s nice that Parker is still having a productive season despite the team’s struggles and there is clearly a market for him. It’s also important to note that Cleveland is paying over 15 million dollars in luxury tax right now, so they will without a doubt deal Parker to some team here before all is said and done, (along with several other players). The question is whether the C’s will offer up enough to be that squad.

With the need for draft picks and bigs, Danny Ainge has very little to offer in either category. Danny has shown a lot of reluctance in dealing 1st round picks in the past, unless its at draft time or a bonafide player (a la KG) so I wonder how hesitant he will be to do it here if there are other more reasonable deals waiting to be made out there.

And as far as the bigs go, Luke Harangody is likely not going to do much for the Cavs so Semih Erden is probably the guy the Cavs would be asking for. Signed for cheap money through next year, is giving up a solid big man like Erden worth it for what may be a one year rental? Again, it’s tough to tell.

With the Bulls involved, things become even trickier and this turns into a waiting game by both sides likely to see who else becomes available. In order to make any deal work, Marquis Daniels will likely be involved (with his 2.5 million salary hit to make the numbers work) with some cash attached to cover the remainder of his deal.

For now, it’s good to know Danny is looking in the right places to start, but he will have tough choices to consider when it comes to dealing future parts for help now. What would you be willing to give up if you’re Ainge?