Celtics' pickups are puzzling
Now that the late-summer night's dream team has copped the gold, it's time to get back to reality.
Since our last report on the continuing free-agent roundup, several teams have inked players who they hope will fulfill specific roles. And nobody has been more active in this market than the Boston Celtics.
With the much ballyhooed addition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, combined with the subtraction of Gerald Green, Wally Szczerbiak, Al Jefferson, Delonte West, Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff and Ryan Gomes, the Celtics needed to complete the drastic restructuring of their roster. Danny Ainge's design was to sign only those players who would complement the specific talents of Boston's brand-new Big Three.
Here's whom he came up with, and here's why they either will or will not fit Ainge's master-plan:
EDDIE HOUSE There's no question that the offense will rely almost exclusively on Paul Pierce, KG and Allen. Last season, this trio combined for 73.8 points per game, and there's no reason to doubt that their totals will be similar next season. It's also highly probable that Doc Rivers will take pains to keep at least two of them on the court at the same time. So why do the Celtics need a shoot-first-last-and-only point guard who can't even defend?
Based on his previous seven years in the NBA, House has amply demonstrated that he's incapable of running an offense. And, despite his claims that he'll adapt his personal game plan to suit the needs of his new team, there's no reason to believe that he can make the adjustment.
The Celtics are hopeful that the untested Rajon Rondo can assume the starting point-guard slot. For sure, the youngster can run with anybody, but he can't shoot a lick and he has a tendency to be somewhat wild with the ball. The other semi-credible candidate is Tony Allen, who has a scorer's mind-set, and will most likely back up Rondo. There's also been some talk about Ray Allen playing some point, but not much good will come of this if it ever does happen. The reason being that the added stress is risky business for an aging player who had surgery on both ankles during the summer.
That's why Ainge might have been wiser to recruit a point guard who's more of a facilitator than a scorer. Somebody like Brevin Knight, for example.
Ainge recently stated that since most of the Celtics' offense will run through either Pierce or Garnett at the high post, a traditional point guard won't be absolutely necessary.
Hmmm. Apparently Ainge isn't at all concerned about the importance of having someone who can safely carry the ball across the time-line, make appropriate decisions whenever the Celts are on the run, and execute timely passes into Pierce/Garnett. Could it be that Ainge who believed that Antoine Walker was, then wasn't, then was, then wasn't Boston's savior is once again deluding himself?
Because it's a reach to envision House being compatible with the new-look Celtics, the grade for this particular mismatched signing is D-plus.
SCOT POLLARD This guy is a banger and a screener with a penchant for grabbing offensive rebounds and committing fouls. Indeed, he fouls too often to stay on the court long enough to function as a reliable backup big man. At best, he's a fifth front-liner in a four-man rotation. He will, however, push (and shove, and hack, and whack) Kendrick Perkins in practice. This late in the off-season, the Celtics are still lacking a potent man in the middle.
Oh, yes. Pollard will also sport more 'do's than Mister Potato Head.
Grade C-minus
JAMES POSEY This could possibly be the jewel of Ainge's free-agent signings. At his best, Posey is a lock-down defender and a consistent plugger of treys. However, Posey hasn't been in game-shape since his breakout 2003-04 season with Memphis.
Grade Anywhere from A-plus to D, depending on Posey's off-season workouts.
Here's an evaluation of the other significant FA signings around the league:
BREVIN KNIGHT L.A. CLIPPERS
A nifty, shifty point guard who can do everything except defend and stay healthy, Knight has evolved into an above-average backup. Knight provides adequate insurance if Shaun Livingston can't make it all the way back and Father Time finally corrals Sam Cassell. But if Knight is thrust into the starting lineup, who will back him up?
Grade C-plus
RUBEN PATTERSON L.A. CLIPPERS
He'll be extremely helpful during Elton Brand's recuperation. Patterson can attack the basket, the boards, and anybody he guards. What he can't do is shoot the ball indeed, he couldn't hit himself in the butt with his right hand. The problem will be how to keep Patterson happy once (and if) Brand does return to action. In the past, Patterson has loudly groused in public whenever he wasn't getting enough time and enough shots to satisfy him. There's also the problem of keeping Patterson out of handcuffs.
Grade C-plus
IME UDOKA SAN ANTONIO
Meet the next Bruce Bowen a 3-point specialist who can defend, but can't handle. Give this guy a few months to absorb Pop's scheme of things, and then watch him get meaningful minutes.
Grade B-plus
EDDIE JONES DALLAS
Jones still has enough gas in his tank to help the Mavs, but only if his minutes are severely curtailed. Ten per game would be ideal. At the cusp of age 36, he can still knock down midrange jumpers and is a dangerous 3-point shooter, but is no longer the stopper he once was on defense.
Grade C-plus
ADONAL FOYLE ORLANDO
This 10-year veteran is capable of scoring in the low post against weak defenders (very weak defenders) his weapons of choice being a right-handed jump hook and an up-and-under move. He also uses his left hand to maximum effect. Foyle can bang with the best of them, but is slow reacting on defense and is therefore always in foul trouble. Not a bad backup center, but not a very good one either. He will help the Magic, though, by making Dwight Howard work hard in practice.
Grade C-minus
JARVIS HAYES DETROIT
He's a capable defender, a steady jump shooter and a legitimate threat from beyond the arc. But Hayes' most valuable attribute is his versatility. As a sub at both wing positions, playing for a top-notch ballclub (at last!) should bring out the best in Hayes.
Grade B-minus
ROBERT HITE NEW JERSEY
Hite is a powerful and gifted athlete who's still learning how to play the point. Unless either Jason Kidd and Marcus Williams suffer debilitating injuries, however, Hite will mostly be a spectator with a terrific seat.
Grade C-minus
AUSTIN CROSHERE GOLDEN STATE
He's a better 3-point shooter than he is a finisher, but he always works hard whether he's inside or outside. Croshere can rebound, drive the middle, execute a relatively quick first step and play enthusiastic defense. Used to be that he could score in the pivot with a step-through move set up by multiple head fake but he's become more and more of a perimeter player. Not a creator, Croshere can feast off kick-out-passes. Best of all, he can sit for a week and still be ready to get up and go.
Grade B-minus
There are still a few noteworthy free agents out there, including P.J. Brown and Chris Webber, so the brakes have yet to be applied to the off-season wheeling and dealing.
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