Archive for the ‘Annoucements’ Category

Davis “Calling Out” Robinson

August 9th, 2010

Just when we thought the only controversy of the offseason would revolve around which O’Neal to start, it has come to light that there is some serious disharmony with the Boston Bench.

Apparently, there is a huge disagreement between Nate Robinson and Glen Davis over who is the best “Douggier”.  A few days ago, Nate Robinson issued his own impressive round of “Douggies” (NSFW song lyrics):

Davis took exception and now has taken to his Twitter to claim to be the best “Douggier” in a pleasing English (Australian?) accent no less (NSFW song lyrics):

This could prove to be the deathblow to the once harmonious Celtics bench. We will you keep you updated once Big Baby has produced the video evidence of his “Douggie-ing” prowess and then you can decide to whom best “Douggier” crown belongs.

In the meantime, just enjoy these hilarious videos.

MATT JANNING!!!!

August 4th, 2010

…has signed a multi-year deal with the Phoenix Suns, as reported by NBA.com, and Zach Lowe could not be happier.  Mostly because no one will be lobbying for the Celtics to use their 15th roster on him but also because he doesn’t have to read to post I had been working on doing most of the aforementioned lobbying.

Good for Matt Janning.  The local product (Northeastern University by way of Minnesota) made name for himself this summer by playing well and showing no fear for the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns’ Summer League Teams.  It’s a good thing Phoenix nabbed him because it was doubtful he would have even accepted to invite to the Celtics training camp given the lack of available roster spots.  Janning will fit Phoenix really well with his outside shooting and surprising athleticism.

Janning will be the second player out of a smaller College Basketball program from the Northeast to make the successful jump to the NBA.  Former Harvard Crimson player Jeremy Lin made news a few weeks ago when the Golden State Warriors signed him to a multi-year deal as well.

Get Ready to Welcome Wafer

July 29th, 2010

According Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld.com, the Celtics have signed Von Wafer to a one year contract worth the veteran mininum.  This signing most likely puts a stop to the Rudy Fernandez trade discussions.  Danny Ainge has been saying for weeks that the Celtics need a wing and a big man.  Now with Wafer on board, the Celtics have their wing and may decide that Wafer is enough.

Personally, I didn’t think Wafer was really coming to Boston so I didn’t bother writing any type of speculative analysis.  It’s hard to say how Wafer will fit in with this very veteran squad.  For those who don’t know, Wafer made headlines in 2009 by having a breakout season with the Houston Rockets.  When his contract expired at the end of the season, he decided to cash in for more money overseas.  It’s almost always a smart business move for an athlete to get the most money while he/she can given the prevalence of career ending injuries (see Darius Miles).  This strategy, however, backfired when he was waived by his Greek team a short five months later.

Wafer has had a few stints in the NBA since then (10 day contract with the Mavericks and almost resigned with the Rockets after coming back stateside in 2009 before failing a physical.  No word on whether this was a Luther Head-type physical) but has not made a significant impact in the NBA aside from that one season with the Rockets.

Now that I’ve got you pretty much up to speed on Wafer, it’s time to start talking about what he will bring the Boston Celtics:

  • Shooting: The kid can shoot-the-rock.  45% from the field and 39% from deep.  The only draw-back is that he averaged 8 field goal attempts a game during his breakout season.  Do you think he’s getting 8 FGA’s for the Celtics next year?
  • Defense: So far? Sub par.  In 2009, Wafer ranked below league average in defensive efficiency and steals. Compared to Tony Allen, his heir apparent his defensive numbers don’t even come close.

There is really no telling what Von Wafer will bring to the Celtics considering he hasn’t played consistent, organized basketball in a year.  What is known, or at least apparent after a quick perusal, is that his Twitter account may be a constant source of entertainment.

Source: C’s May Be Interested in Delonte West

July 27th, 2010

My colleague Zach Lowe speculated about the possibility last night, and sure enough, a source has told The Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn the C’s could be interested in signing the former Celtic, who is likely to be waived by the Wolves:

The Celtics have been seeking a tough-minded defender to replace Tony Allen, now that he signed with the Memphis Grizzlies. And according to a source, their interest could spread to former Celtic Delonte West, who is expected to be waived by the Minnesota Timberwolves after the club acquired him in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers Monday.

Now a couple things before we proceed any further with this report. First off, I’m not crazy about Washburn’s wording here. A source reports that the C’s COULD be interested? Really? That’s worth a story?

I’m speculating about it here, so I’m just as much at fault I guess, but it seems Washburn is putting the cart in the front of the horse entirely here, by reporting on the potential of there being potential interest.

That’s neither here nor there though. The C’s obviously need another shooter/wing and the options are very limited, as are the C’s means of filling them. West is a guy that would certainly upgrade the bench behind Rondo/Ray, giving the team a small, but solid second team of guards consisting of him and Nate Robinson, with Avery Bradley lurking.

Here’s the question though; would West be willing to come here for the veteran’s minimum, if the C’s are actually interested in his services, once waived? » More: Source: C’s May Be Interested in Delonte West

Hughes News

July 19th, 2010

According to Bill Ingram’s Twitter, Larry Hughes is considering the Boston Celtics (among others) (h/t HoopsHype.com).  News like this will continue to trickle in until the Celtics have filled their hole at the wing and you really have to ask yourself, “Does this guy pass the Marquis Daniels’ test?”  By that I mean, is this guy going to be any better than Marquis Daniels was last year.

With Larry Hughes, I’m not so sure.  Larry Hughes is the classic example of a guy who used to be counted on as a reliable starter but injuries and attitude issues (perhaps perceived) have derailed his career.  He can score, but it usually takes him a lot of shots to do it and he’s a decent-not great- defender.  The bottom line is that Larry Hughes is not going to excite anyone- especially when you the fact that the guy the C’s bring in is going to have to play TA minutes.

Another thing to consider:  with all these other names coming up as potential TA replacements, are the Celtics out of the Josh Howard sweepstakes?  Were they ever in it?