Boston Celtics Danny Ainge Deserves A+ For Deep Celtic Roster
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When the off season began, the Boston Celtics had a million questions. Despite being only five points or a healthy Perkins away from banner 18, the team was seriously close to being blown up. Doc Rivers might not have returned due to his family. Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Marquis Daniels, Nate Robinson, and Tony Allen were all free agents. The team that was already a weak rebounding team and missing size was also out Kendrick Perkins until at least January. This left Ainge in a tight spot. However, in a tight spot, Danny handled the situation the way he handled situations on the court as a player: He came out firing intelligently.
Danny knew that the team needed be reloaded for another run. They came too close in 2010 to start over. If Ainge felt this team should be blown up that decision would have been made at the trade deadline and Ray Allen would not have helped shoot Boston to the NBA Finals. The first order of business was Doc Rivers. I know the decision was Doc’s. However, I am sure Danny had more than a few conversations with his coach to stoke his competitive fire. Doc made it clear early on that he would be in. This helped Danny finalize contracts for both Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. Doc on board signaled to them that the team was reloading. The nucleus was in place, now to build around the five starters that carried this team to the Finals. The starting unit can compete with any team. They complement each other’s games so well. Ray’s outside shooting creates space. Paul’s scoring creates space. KG’s scoring and on the defensive end making them all better. Rondo is the engine that runs the show with his speed and passing. Perkins is the beast that does the dirty work in the middle.
Danny knew that his team had flaws last season despite making a run to the NBA Finals. Danny also knew that his cap space meant that he would have to do some major work convincing guys Boston was the place to be. Danny knew he needed a bench that was very diverse and deep to compete and thrive in the new look tougher East.
The draft yielded two solid players in Avery Bradley and Luke Harangody. The signings Boston has made has made Bradley a candidate for the D-League. However, the man is gifted and can score and play defense. He figures to be Rondo’s backup in the future. Harangody is another second round steal by Ainge. Harangody impressed in the Summer League showing a great shot and a nose for rebounds. The team is thin on the small forward front. This means Harangody might get a chance to contribute. No matter what happens this year, Ainge got himself some talent in the 2010 draft that will help Boston down the road.
His first order task was to get size and rebounding. Knowing that teams needing a center would look at Jermaine O’Neal, Danny acted quickly. Despite being injured and struggling in the playoffs, O’Neal was the most talented big man out there. He offered the former all star the mid level exception and locked him up early. He actually locked him up before signing Pierce and Allen. This was another move to let his stars know that the team was reloading for a crack at the ring. Danny targeted Tony Allen next, but was spurned when that piece of human excrement, Chris Wallace, signed him despite having zero need for him. No worries. Danny went to plan B. He resigned both Nate Robinson and Marquis Daniels. This time Marquis will be in his natural role like the one he held in Indiana and flourished .Marquis may be injury prone, but the man needs a big year and this was the right kind of gamble for Ainge. Nate will have the benefit of a full training camp. The lethal shooter knows his role is instant offense and should thrive. The Celtics then took a chance on former Rocket Von Wafer. Wafer struggled overseas after staring in a role for the Rockets in 09. He failed a physical to come back to the NBA last year and left humbled. Wafer needs a big year to continue his NBA dream. Thus the Celtics wisely gambled on the athletic scorer.
The team still needed a big man. Early on Shaquille O’Neal voiced his desire to come to Boston. However, his price was too high. Like a genius, Ainge waited Shaq out and got him for the veteran minimum instead of the 8 million that he wanted. This was some of Ainge’s best work.
The team had one more roster spot and only the veteran minimum. He ends up getting a man that was a key player on Cleveland’s two 60 win seasons. They get a guy that they are familiar with and that has playoff experience in Delonte West. West can play backup point guard or shooting guard. He is a gritty defender and even if he plays the point guard spot on the second unit, he can guard the two guard to make Nate Robinson more effective as a player.
What Danny has done is build a very deep basketball team. Miami may be the most top heavy talented team in the league with Wade, LeBron, and Bosh, but the Celtics now can stack a lot of talented players up against Miami. They also now have the size to match up with teams like LA. The fact the team is so deep at the guard spot means that the team can also throw a ton of defenders at guys like Kobe and Wade. They can give different defensive looks to these great players. They also have a lot more fouls to use. The bench of Glen Davis, Shaq, Nate Robinson, Marquis Daniels, and Delonte West could start for an NBA team and do all right. Do not forget rookie Luke Harangody and Von Wafer. What will they do to another team’s bench? I also believe Danny is not done targeting Portland’s Rudy Fernandez as a final piece to give the team ridiculous depth at the small forward spot. He still has the contracts to make that happen.
Under the shadow of the Miami signings, Danny has put together one of the deepest teams the NBA has seen. He kept together and added to the team that was so close to the promise land in 2010.Paul Pierce had a lot to say this offseason. He should begin training camp with the words thank you Danny for putting me another position for Banner 18. Anything les than an NBA title is a failure for this team. Danny did his job, it is up to Doc and the players to bring it home from here.
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