81 replies to this topic

[knucklecup]

http://www.bostonher...onHerald.com%29

I'm at work and have zero time to crunch the numbers but I have a raging hard on underneath my desk with the possibility of...

Howard
Garnett
Pierce
Allen
Rondo

Bass, Green, etc.

If Garnett and Allen were willing to take massive pay cuts to end their careers winners, I believe this is a possibility.

Discuss.

[Grin&MartyBarret]

The odds that he makes it to free agency are still very slim. My guess is that Orlando keeps him around through the All-Star Game, which they're hosting, and that he's traded at the deadline.

I've seen this story around on a couple of different blogs, and it seems pretty overblown to me. He basically said that if he reaches free agency, he'd listen to the Celtics. But he still has is list of preferred destinations, two of whom can offer him the same money that Boston can.

[BigSoxFan]

Grin&MartyBarret, on 26 January 2012 - 02:04 PM, said:

The odds that he makes it to free agency are still very slim. My guess is that Orlando keeps him around through the All-Star Game, which they're hosting, and that he's traded at the deadline.

I've seen this story around on a couple of different blogs, and it seems pretty overblown to me. He basically said that if he reaches free agency, he'd listen to the Celtics. But he still has is list of preferred destinations, two of whom can offer him the same money that Boston can.

I just love how you, a Knicks fan, spend so much time explaining how every move that might possibly benefit the Celtics won't happen.

[Grin&MartyBarret]

BigSoxFan, on 26 January 2012 - 02:12 PM, said:

I just love how you, a Knicks fan, spend so much time explaining how every move that might possibly benefit the Celtics won't happen.

Does the team I root for make my response any less rational?

[BigSoxFan]

Grin&MartyBarret, on 26 January 2012 - 02:14 PM, said:

Does the team I root for make my response any less rational?

No, I actually agree with many of your assertions. But since you factor prominently into each and every one of these threads, I'm a bit intrigued. It's almost as if there's a special Batman spotlight that someone sends you every time someone here posts about a low probability target.

[Grin&MartyBarret]

What can I say? I like the NBA, am a stickler for reality, and I spend a lot of time on this website (something I'm sure you can relate to with your 4,340 posts).

[BigSoxFan]

Grin&MartyBarret, on 26 January 2012 - 02:27 PM, said:

What can I say? I like the NBA, am a stickler for reality, and I spend a lot of time on this website (something I'm sure you can relate to with your 4,340 posts).

Fair enough. As for me, I like to avoid reality, which is why I spend so much time on this website.

[jose melendez]

This seems pretty unlikely, but that said, a lot of his top choices have real problems. LAL has a center, LAC I'd imagine has cap challenges (I have no idea about cap stuff) NYC is pretty maxed out, NJ/Brooklyn is a horrible team. To my mind the only reason he'd come to Boston is that he knows exactly how much he can score if Rondo is feeding him-- he might average 40.

[Kutcher Era Youth]

If Orlando is really determined to move him before the deadline, would Rondo, JO( purely for money reasons obviously), and the two picks be a competitive offer? They'd obviously be in trouble at PG after that, but it would open up money to sign D Williams this summer. The core would be Howard, Pierce, Williams, with the ability to sign another max player after Pierce's deal ends in 2 years. Or they could amnesty him. Whatever.

[knucklecup]

Grin&MartyBarret, on 26 January 2012 - 02:04 PM, said:

The odds that he makes it to free agency are still very slim. My guess is that Orlando keeps him around through the All-Star Game, which they're hosting, and that he's traded at the deadline.

I've seen this story around on a couple of different blogs, and it seems pretty overblown to me. He basically said that if he reaches free agency, he'd listen to the Celtics. But he still has is list of preferred destinations, two of whom can offer him the same money that Boston can.

Please, enlighten me.

Is Kobe somebody you want to be paired up with long term? If they trade Gasol, Bynum, plus for him and that team becomes even less intriguing in a long term max deal than it already is.

The Clippers have Jordan. I suppose they could offer a decent package. Probably the most likely team off the top of my head.

The Knicks aren't possible unless they trade Amare for him which would be idiotic of the Magic considering they went the uninsured route on his contract.

The Nets are horrible and going no place.

The only leverage the Magic have over other teams is they can offer him more money.

He's not signing long term in Memphis, OKC, Indiana, and other teams with talent/contracts that match up. So those teams aren't likely at all.

I don't understand how the Celtics, with the opportunity to play with this nucleus isn't intriguing.

Seems like a fit for everybody involved. Dwight wants to win and doesn't want to be in a bad market. Pierce, KG, and Ray all want to end their career in Boston (it seems)... Rondo is locked up.

Again, please enlighten me.

[nighthob]

Kutcher Era Youth, on 26 January 2012 - 03:23 PM, said:

If Orlando is really determined to move him before the deadline, would Rondo, JO( purely for money reasons obviously), and the two picks be a competitive offer? They'd obviously be in trouble at PG after that, but it would open up money to sign D Williams this summer. The core would be Howard, Pierce, Williams, with the ability to sign another max player after Pierce's deal ends in 2 years. Or they could amnesty him. Whatever.

Howard, Pierce and Williams would not leave room for another max player. However they would be able to bring back Ray and Kev at discounts and then fill out the roster with ring chasers. I'm hoping that Rich DeVos continues to balk at trades, though, and that Howard gets to free agency.

Edited by nighthob, 26 January 2012 - 03:31 PM.

[Sprowl]

Rondo would make Dwight Howard a much better offensive player. The two things that every team needs: a shot-blocking, rebounding force and a top-notch playmaker at point guard. It's easier to fill in a scoring wing than any other position.

It's fun to dream.

[Marbleheader]

Keep in mind he was asked the question, he didn't just come out with a comment that Boston was in the running. He's smart enough not to slam any doors shut. It looks a whole lot like just being respectful. I'd love to see it, but I'm not getting my hopes, or my crotch, up just yet.

[Kutcher Era Youth]

nighthob, on 26 January 2012 - 03:31 PM, said:

Howard, Pierce and Williams would not leave room for another max player. However they would be able to bring back Ray and Kev at discounts and then fill out the roster with ring chasers. I'm hoping that Rich DeVos continues to balk at trades, though, and that Howard gets to free agency.

No I said that they'd have the ability to add a max deal in two years from now, or if Pierce is a liability salary wise they could amnesty him and it wouldn't kill them.

[Jed Zeppelin]

Marbleheader, on 26 January 2012 - 03:39 PM, said:

Keep in mind he was asked the question, he didn't just come out with a comment that Boston was in the running. He's smart enough not to slam any doors shut. It looks a whole lot like just being respectful. I'd love to see it, but I'm not getting my hopes, or my crotch, up just yet.

Same here. He knows Boston is one of the teams that will have the cap space for him. Strong and stable organization, great coach, great fans. No reason to say he absolutely wouldn't play here. And even if he did say that, you know Ainge is making an offer regardless.

[Grin&MartyBarret]

knucklecup, on 26 January 2012 - 03:29 PM, said:

Please, enlighten me.

Is Kobe somebody you want to be paired up with long term? If they trade Gasol, Bynum, plus for him and that team becomes even less intriguing in a long term max deal than it already is.

The Clippers have Jordan. I suppose they could offer a decent package. Probably the most likely team off the top of my head.

The Knicks aren't possible unless they trade Amare for him which would be idiotic of the Magic considering they went the uninsured route on his contract.

The Nets are horrible and going no place.

The only leverage the Magic have over other teams is they can offer him more money.

He's not signing long term in Memphis, OKC, Indiana, and other teams with talent/contracts that match up. So those teams aren't likely at all.

I don't understand how the Celtics, with the opportunity to play with this nucleus isn't intriguing.

Seems like a fit for everybody involved. Dwight wants to win and doesn't want to be in a bad market. Pierce, KG, and Ray all want to end their career in Boston (it seems)... Rondo is locked up.

Again, please enlighten me.

First, I guess I need to make it clear that I'm not actually Dwight Howard, so there's no need to direct your anger about his preferences towards me. I'm just repeating what's been widely reported about his preferences and the Magic's likely course of action.

Howard made a list of preferences. Reportedly, that list consists of the Lakers, Mavs, and Nets and if certain sources are to be believed, the Clippers. I agree that those 4 options are less than ideal, and that each have their drawbacks, but I didn't make them up. That said, if he strays from that list, the Celtics are still not the best option. If he really wants to win and wants to win consistently, he'd demand a trade to Chicago or sign with Philadelphia as a free agent. But for some reason, he doesn't seem to be taking that into consideration. The Mavs and Nets can offer him the same money the Celtics can. They may not offer the ability to win right away like the Celtics do, but again, based on his lack of interest in Chicago and Philly, that doesn't seem to be the driving factor for him.

[Lose Remerswaal]

Thank goodness #12 isn't retired by the C's yet.

Let's revisit this in 4 years and put #12 Dwight Howard up against #12 Tom Brady!

[knucklecup]

Grin&MartyBarret, on 26 January 2012 - 03:58 PM, said:

First, I guess I need to make it clear that I'm not actually Dwight Howard, so there's no need to direct your anger about his preferences towards me. I'm just repeating what's been widely reported about his preferences and the Magic's likely course of action.

Howard made a list of preferences. Reportedly, that list consists of the Lakers, Mavs, and Nets and if certain sources are to be believed, the Clippers. I agree that those 4 options are less than ideal, and that each have their drawbacks, but I didn't make them up. That said, if he strays from that list, the Celtics are still not the best option. If he really wants to win and wants to win consistently, he'd demand a trade to Chicago or sign with Philadelphia as a free agent. But for some reason, he doesn't seem to be taking that into consideration. The Mavs and Nets can offer him the same money the Celtics can. They may not offer the ability to win right away like the Celtics do, but again, based on his lack of interest in Chicago and Philly, that doesn't seem to be the driving factor for him.

There's no anger here.

Just that you attempt to come across like the tell all/end all of every NBA topic, in the process insinuating that anybody with a differing viewpoint isn't living in "reality."

The reality is that the usual suspects, mainly your Knicks, are less feasible options for Howard than the Celtics are. As a result, there is no clear cut team as was the case for Carmelo.

[Grin&MartyBarret]

knucklecup, on 26 January 2012 - 04:26 PM, said:

There's no anger here.

Just that you attempt to come across like the tell all/end all of every NBA topic, in the process insinuating that anybody with a differing viewpoint isn't living in "reality."

The reality is that the usual suspects, mainly your Knicks, are less feasible options for Howard than the Celtics are. As a result, there is no clear cut team as was the case for Carmelo.

Just so we're clear, I posted that the 4 teams on Howard's list are the Nets, Lakers, Clippers, and Mavs. And your response is that the Knicks are less feasible than the Celtics, so there's no clear cut team? For the record, I think the clear cut team is still the Nets, the team that's been mentioned as the front runner for months. They have a star PG to pair him with, a young asset to offer in Brook Lopez, and based on some reports, came extremely close to acquiring him once already this season. Who knows though? Maybe that list is bullshit, and he'll end up a Celtic. I also think, from Orlando's standpoint, that if you can get Bynum to replace him, it's something you have to do.

And, I'm just stating my opinion on the Dwight Howard situation. You're welcome to think the Celtics are a viable, likely option. I disagree. It's not the end of the world.

Edited by Grin&MartyBarret, 26 January 2012 - 04:51 PM.

[BucketOBalls]

Lose Remerswaal, on 26 January 2012 - 04:01 PM, said:

Thank goodness #12 isn't retired by the C's yet.

Let's revisit this in 4 years and put #12 Dwight Howard up against #12 Tom Brady!

No way Dwight wins that one.

Grin&MartyBarret, on 26 January 2012 - 04:42 PM, said:

Just so we're clear, I posted that the 4 teams on Howard's list are the Nets, Lakers, Clippers, and Mavs. And your response is that the Knicks are less feasible than the Celtics, so there's no clear cut team? For the record, I think the clear cut team is still the Nets, the team that's been mentioned as the front runner for months. They have a star PG to pair him with, a young asset to offer in Brook Lopez, and based on some reports, came extremely close to acquiring him once already this season. Who knows though? Maybe that list is bullshit, and he'll end up a Celtic. I also think, from Orlando's standpoint, that if you can get Bynum to replace him, it's something you have to do.

Not like Bynum is going to get more durable as he gets older. If I were them, I wouldn't take Bynum unless the other offers were pretty bad. The Celtics are behind the teams you mention(possible next), they would move up if he reached free agency also. But yeah, him ending up a celtic is a huge long shot.

Edited by BucketOBalls, 26 January 2012 - 04:54 PM.

[collings94]

Obviously Howard would give the Celtics the dominant presence that they need, and also give Rondo the athletic running mate he desperately needs (Imagine Rondo swiping the ball and taking it down to the baseline on a fast break, only to throw an alley-oop to a trailing Howard!) The only thing I can picture is KG getting pissed off that Dwight doesn't take the game serious enough, causing a big rift in the locker room.

[gammoseditor]

A few thoughts, it's a huge long shot but the possibility alone should mean the Celtics should not make any trades that commits any money past this season.

To those saying Orlando is going to trade him, I'm not sure I see a fit anywhere. For the Lakers the obvious trade is Bynum, but the Orlando is in the same situation next year, with Bynum coming up on free agency and probably not wanting to stay there. If Bynum wants to extend it obviously changes things, but he's unlikely to say that before a trade because I'm sure he'd rather stay in LA.

For the knicks, who do they have to offer? Straight up for Amare leaves Orlando a pretty crappy team, since Amare can't seem to put anything together with Melo and Tyson Chandler as teammates.

The Clippers, Deandre Jordan doesn't look like enough, Orlando would have to take back crappy contracts with him, and the Clippers aren't doing Blake and Deandre.

Now lets say he does get to FA. What are his choices besides Boston, Orlando, and New Jersey? I don't see anyone else who could offer a max contract?

Ok, all that being said, I do know it's a long shot. But it's also the Celtics best(only) shot to be championship contenders going forward.

[maufman]

If the Knicks continue their lackluster performance, I think Howard's headed to New York at the deadline for Amare.

The Magic are in a tough spot. If Howard leaves for nothing, they're in lottery-land for the foreseeable future. I don't see them getting enough from the Lakers or Clippers to meaningfully change that outlook. Given the grim alternatives, I think DeVos will get comfortable taking the risk that Amare's knee will hold up for at least two more seasons.

Edited by maufman, 26 January 2012 - 06:47 PM.

[mcpickl]

gammoseditor, on 26 January 2012 - 05:25 PM, said:

A few thoughts, it's a huge long shot but the possibility alone should mean the Celtics should not make any trades that commits any money past this season.

To those saying Orlando is going to trade him, I'm not sure I see a fit anywhere. For the Lakers the obvious trade is Bynum, but the Orlando is in the same situation next year, with Bynum coming up on free agency and probably not wanting to stay there. If Bynum wants to extend it obviously changes things, but he's unlikely to say that before a trade because I'm sure he'd rather stay in LA.

For the knicks, who do they have to offer? Straight up for Amare leaves Orlando a pretty crappy team, since Amare can't seem to put anything together with Melo and Tyson Chandler as teammates.

The Clippers, Deandre Jordan doesn't look like enough, Orlando would have to take back crappy contracts with him, and the Clippers aren't doing Blake and Deandre.

Now lets say he does get to FA. What are his choices besides Boston, Orlando, and New Jersey? I don't see anyone else who could offer a max contract?

Ok, all that being said, I do know it's a long shot. But it's also the Celtics best(only) shot to be championship contenders going forward.

Houston could be an interesting spot for him in that scenario. They have plenty of cap space.

And I agree with the choir. He said he'd consider Boston because he has zero reason to say he wouldn't. Chances he'd actually sign here are super slim in my opinion.

[86spike]

The Magic are going to keep him and hope that they can use the extra money they'll have ot offer him as leverage to stay beyond this year. They're playing too well to blow it up, IMO.

And when he hits free agency, if he chooses to leave the extra money on the table, Brooklyn is going to be a real top option.

You can dismiss the Nets if you want, but losing Brook Lopez to start this year is the reason they've struggled (although they're now 5-7 after starting 1-6, so things have been better and Lope could return in 3-4 weeks). Adding him back will bear results.

Howard would looking at joining the following talent:

Deron Williams (top 5 PG in the game, maybe top 3)
MarShon Brooks (3rd best rookie in the league so far behind only Rubio and Irving, has Kobe-Lite moves)
Brook Lopez (who would switch to the 4 if Howard comes where he can use his jump shot and hook like a poor man's Tim Duncan)
Plus multiple first round picks in the next two years.

Their starting lineup would be:

Williams
Brooks
Random SF shooter
Lopez
Howard

That is a legit team. The move to Brooklyn is going to be a huge hook and the endorsement money for Dwight will be there in New York.

Count the Nets out at your own risk.

[Reardons Beard]

This is fucking AWESOME.

[Three10toLeft]

maufman, on 26 January 2012 - 06:45 PM, said:

If the Knicks continue their lackluster performance, I think Howard's headed to New York at the deadline for Amare.

The Magic are in a tough spot. If Howard leaves for nothing, they're in lottery-land for the foreseeable future. I don't see them getting enough from the Lakers or Clippers to meaningfully change that outlook. Given the grim alternatives, I think DeVos will get comfortable taking the risk that Amare's knee will hold up for at least two more seasons.

Didn't the Magic use their amnesty clause on Arenas, and isn't Stoudemire's contract uninsured? That seems suicidal to make a Dwight for Amar'e swap if I'm the Magic. If that's the best offer you get for D12 at the deadline, you let him hit free agency.

[Brickowski]

I don't know if tonight's win (with the Celtics coming back from 27 down) will make Howard more disposed to signing with the Celtics, but he has to realize that he isn't winning an NBA championship with Orlando. The Magic are a flawed team and Ron Jeremy is on borrowed time.

Edited by Brickowski, 26 January 2012 - 11:32 PM.

[knucklecup]

86spike, on 26 January 2012 - 10:23 PM, said:

MarShon Brooks (3rd best rookie in the league so far behind only Rubio and Irving, has Kobe-Lite moves)

How is he the 3rd best rookie in the league? Is this being based off of playing time?

I think the Nets are a defintite option for all the reasons you mentioned. This part caught my eye though.

And I agree. The Magic should keep him and offer him the guaranteed max contract only they are allowed to offer.

Edited by knucklecup, 27 January 2012 - 12:22 AM.

[dolomite133]

knucklecup, on 27 January 2012 - 12:20 AM, said:

How is he the 3rd best rookie in the league? Is this being based off of playing time?

I think the Nets are a defintite option for all the reasons you mentioned. This part caught my eye though.

And I agree. The Magic should keep him and offer him the guaranteed max contract only they are allowed to offer.

Supporting evidence...

http://www.nba.com/rookie-ladder/

http://www.nba.com/s...sExp=0&splitDD=

[86spike]

knucklecup, on 27 January 2012 - 12:20 AM, said:

How is he the 3rd best rookie in the league? Is this being based off of playing time?

I think the Nets are a defintite option for all the reasons you mentioned. This part caught my eye though.

And I agree. The Magic should keep him and offer him the guaranteed max contract only they are allowed to offer.

Nets fansite Netsdaily has been monitoring the various ranking analysis with a new post on it yesterday here: http://www.netsdaily...o-3-in-rankings

[maufman]

Three10toLeft, on 26 January 2012 - 10:28 PM, said:

Didn't the Magic use their amnesty clause on Arenas, and isn't Stoudemire's contract uninsured? That seems suicidal to make a Dwight for Amar'e swap if I'm the Magic. If that's the best offer you get for D12 at the deadline, you let him hit free agency.

DeVos is an extremely competitive billionaire; his risk tolerance is different from many other owners. He's not going to land a free agent as good as Amare with the cap room that would be created by DH leaving; therefore, bringing Amare into the fold makes the on-court product better. If Amare's knee holds out for two more years, it's a good basketball deal.

Howard will recoup in endorsements the difference between what Orlando can offer and what Brooklyn can offer. He's not staying in O-Town.

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

Grin&MartyBarret, on 26 January 2012 - 03:58 PM, said:

First, I guess I need to make it clear that I'm not actually Dwight Howard, so there's no need to direct your anger about his preferences towards me.

I have to say, it would be really funny and hugely ironic if you were Dwight Howard.

86spike, on 27 January 2012 - 12:38 PM, said:

Nets fansite Netsdaily has been monitoring the various ranking analysis with a new post on it yesterday here: http://www.netsdaily...o-3-in-rankings

From that post: "Sebastian Pruiti, on Grantland, says nice things of Brooks' offense, but hammers him on his "matador defense ... It wasn't good enough for your JV coach, and it isn't good enough in the NBA"." I'm would bet DA isn't losing much sleep over him.

Edited by wade boggs chicken dinner, 27 January 2012 - 01:25 PM.

[Lose Remerswaal]

He's looked like shit in 6 of his last 8 quarters against us. And he has ugly knees.

[JakeRae]

If Howard reaches free agency without a trade and if Howard is set on not returning to Orlando despite their ability to offer him more money, the Celtics could make an intriguing offer. Howard seems to care greatly about winning a championship and if (you may be noticing there are a lot of ifs in this paragraph) the Celtics can convince KG and Ray to return for cheap to make another title run alongside Howard, a starting 5 of Rondo, Ray, Pierce, KG, and Howard would easily be the best starting 5 in the league even with the Big 3 another year older.

I don't see that perfect storm of ifs all coming to fruition. But, the Celtics ability to offer him an instant shot at a title could be a huge draw. The Nets roster would be a very good team with Howard, but he's played on very good teams before. There is a real draw to the opportunity to play on a great team that shouldn't be overlooked and the Celtics are the only team who are likely to be able to offer him that this offseason. I doubt it's enough, but we can always dream.

[Nick Kaufman]

jose melendez, on 26 January 2012 - 02:41 PM, said:

This seems pretty unlikely, but that said, a lot of his top choices have real problems. LAL has a center, LAC I'd imagine has cap challenges (I have no idea about cap stuff) NYC is pretty maxed out, NJ/Brooklyn is a horrible team. To my mind the only reason he'd come to Boston is that he knows exactly how much he can score if Rondo is feeding him-- he might average 40.

The real reason I d be salivating would the possibility of pairing with Ray Ray. Orlando supposedly tries to play the inside outside game, but Dwight and Ray together is the best possible combination for that sort of game plan.

[86spike]

JakeRae, on 27 January 2012 - 05:16 PM, said:

If Howard reaches free agency without a trade and if Howard is set on not returning to Orlando despite their ability to offer him more money, the Celtics could make an intriguing offer. Howard seems to care greatly about winning a championship and if (you may be noticing there are a lot of ifs in this paragraph) the Celtics can convince KG and Ray to return for cheap to make another title run alongside Howard, a starting 5 of Rondo, Ray, Pierce, KG, and Howard would easily be the best starting 5 in the league even with the Big 3 another year older.

I don't see that perfect storm of ifs all coming to fruition. But, the Celtics ability to offer him an instant shot at a title could be a huge draw. The Nets roster would be a very good team with Howard, but he's played on very good teams before. There is a real draw to the opportunity to play on a great team that shouldn't be overlooked and the Celtics are the only team who are likely to be able to offer him that this offseason. I doubt it's enough, but we can always dream.

the question is: Does Howard want to win one ring or does Howard want to win a bunch of them?

Playing with that older stars is a recipe to win now and then get stuck for the last4-5 years in a midling rebuild. That might be fine with him. Or he might want to play with stars his own age and try to build a recurring winner.

[NHbeau]

86spike, on 27 January 2012 - 05:27 PM, said:

the question is: Does Howard want to win one ring or does Howard want to win a bunch of them?

Playing with that older stars is a recipe to win now and then get stuck for the last4-5 years in a midling rebuild. That might be fine with him. Or he might want to play with stars his own age and try to build a recurring winner.

I have to think if thats the case he'd be in chicago already. Chicago is the premier spot for him to lan if championships are what he is after. Chicago has the peices to move to get him on top of that. A rose/howard combo is a legit contender for the next 10 years.

[Three10toLeft]

86spike, on 27 January 2012 - 05:27 PM, said:

the question is: Does Howard want to win one ring or does Howard want to win a bunch of them?

Playing with that older stars is a recipe to win now and then get stuck for the last4-5 years in a midling rebuild. That might be fine with him. Or he might want to play with stars his own age and try to build a recurring winner.

KG and Ray are gone at the end of this year unless they want to come back at an extremely team friendly rate, Ainge already seems antsy to blow it up. With D12 and Rondo in the fold, I don't see how it would be too difficult to convince some supporting talent to sign up. Even if you need to amnesty PP to reload, you do it. Thanks for everything Paul, but it's a business.

With the expiring deals that the Celts have, after signing Dwight, would they have anything left over to possibly make a run at Eric Gordon? I understand he will be a restricted free agent, I'm just curious, seeing as though I don't know all the nuances of the NBA salary cap.

[86spike]

NHbeau, on 27 January 2012 - 06:10 PM, said:

I have to think if thats the case he'd be in chicago already. Chicago is the premier spot for him to lan if championships are what he is after. Chicago has the peices to move to get him on top of that. A rose/howard combo is a legit contender for the next 10 years.

There has been speculation that Chicago is a no-go for Howard because Derrick Rose is already an Adidas athlete in Chicago and therefor Howard would get a smaller package from them in that market (also speculated that Adidas don't want two of their top guys in the same market and have told him that). LA or New York will get him the biggest sponsorship payout from Adidas.

[jose melendez]

Another interesting factor in our favor seems to be Doc. If I recall, Howard is really unhappy with Stan VG. The extent to which Doc is liked and respected has to be a real asset.

For the record, I thing it's very unlikely that he comes here--5% maybe--but still, at that probability it's probably a good enough reason to not completely blow up the team. trading PP, Ray etc for a pick in the 20s is not terribly enticing.

[Riles335]

jose melendez, on 28 January 2012 - 11:12 AM, said:

For the record, I thing it's very unlikely that he comes here--5% maybe--but still, at that probability it's probably a good enough reason to not completely blow up the team. trading PP, Ray etc for a pick in the 20s is not terribly enticing.

Exactly or acquiring mid level prospects that are going to tie up your salary flexibility that you really aren't in love with because those are the types of offers/players you are going to acquire for Ray, KG, Paul. This team still has a shot and the greatest possibility would let this team have another successful season and attempt to make a run in June while letting the books clear heading into the off season. The possibility for a championship run is still there. People like to compare this big three to the past big three and Red/Ainge's inability to blow up the team but DA is in a much more reasonable position with Ray and KG coming off the books anyways. It isn't like they will be rotting on the books for another two or three seasons. In the offseason if you do miss out on Howard, then you can think about trading Paul Pierce. Not now. Not for any of the big three.

[knucklecup]

86spike, on 27 January 2012 - 12:38 PM, said:

Nets fansite Netsdaily has been monitoring the various ranking analysis with a new post on it yesterday here: http://www.netsdaily...o-3-in-rankings

Marshon Brooks is a dime a dozen scoring SG/SF who has "played well" because he's getting playing time.

He's not an asset that Howard would be swayed by.

[mahky bellhorn]

knucklecup, on 28 January 2012 - 03:20 PM, said:

Marshon Brooks is a dime a dozen scoring SG/SF who has "played well" because he's getting playing time.

He's not an asset that Howard would be swayed by.

Have you seen his wishlist of players he wanted Otis to target? Arenas, Monta Ellis, Captain Jack, FFD. He's a terrible talent evaluator, it's not a reach to say that he views MarShon as a +. It seems reasonable to envision him becoming a slightly more efficient version of Monta, which isn't much in reality but ppl overrate guys who score lots and defend little. So who knows.

[mahky bellhorn]

jose melendez, on 28 January 2012 - 11:12 AM, said:

Another interesting factor in our favor seems to be Doc. If I recall, Howard is really unhappy with Stan VG. The extent to which Doc is liked and respected has to be a real asset.

For the record, I thing it's very unlikely that he comes here--5% maybe--but still, at that probability it's probably a good enough reason to not completely blow up the team. trading PP, Ray etc for a pick in the 20s is not terribly enticing.

More like 1%

If the C's are playing bad enough such that blowing it up becomes a good idea, those odds go to 0% so it really shouldn't factor in whatsoever.

[RoDaddy]

Lose Remerswaal, on 26 January 2012 - 04:01 PM, said:

Thank goodness #12 isn't retired by the C's yet.

Let's revisit this in 4 years and put #12 Dwight Howard up against #12 Tom Brady!

You mean the C's never got around to retiring Willie Naulls!?

Howard will very likely end up on another team, in which case we'll hate him for the next 10 years. OTOH, in the unlikely event he somehow comes here, he'll be one of the most beloved Boston players of all time. It's funny - or should I say effed up - how that works in professional sports; the same player and person being either loved or hated depending on which team he ends up on. Anyhow, I'm with Sprowl on this one - It's fun to dream

[smastroyin]

I don't think Dwight will end up here.

But I do have to imagine that there is more appeal than people are saying for a guy like him. We value defense and the work you do there, we are not worried about you carrying the load offensively, etc. I think Danny and Doc value everything that is good about Howard's game and C's fans have gotten accustomed to it as well. On the offensive end, you can show him video of all the times Rondo fed Perk and feeds KG in perfect position for Dwight to flush over and over again. On the defensive end, you can show him what he already knows, that the C's are committed to team defense and he won't be on an island expected to clean up when the wings play matador style over and over. I think you could make a case. I don't know how good the case is without another star (it would help to have Paul or Ray be 5 years younger again) but it's a case.

[TheRooster]

smastroyin, on 29 January 2012 - 09:59 AM, said:

I don't think Dwight will end up here.

But I do have to imagine that there is more appeal than people are saying for a guy like him. We value defense and the work you do there, we are not worried about you carrying the load offensively, etc. I think Danny and Doc value everything that is good about Howard's game and C's fans have gotten accustomed to it as well. On the offensive end, you can show him video of all the times Rondo fed Perk and feeds KG in perfect position for Dwight to flush over and over again. On the defensive end, you can show him what he already knows, that the C's are committed to team defense and he won't be on an island expected to clean up when the wings play matador style over and over. I think you could make a case. I don't know how good the case is without another star (it would help to have Paul or Ray be 5 years younger again) but it's a case.

Abso-freaking-lutely. Nobody every would have thought Ray or KG would have come here either. And the way it has worked out for both those guys has to have an impact for some (admittedly not all) guys around the league. I'm not banking on Howard, but I bet someone "surprising" lands here. Playing for a great org and a respected coach does matter.

[mahky bellhorn]

smastroyin, on 29 January 2012 - 09:59 AM, said:

I don't think Dwight will end up here.

But I do have to imagine that there is more appeal than people are saying for a guy like him. We value defense and the work you do there, we are not worried about you carrying the load offensively, etc. I think Danny and Doc value everything that is good about Howard's game and C's fans have gotten accustomed to it as well. On the offensive end, you can show him video of all the times Rondo fed Perk and feeds KG in perfect position for Dwight to flush over and over again. On the defensive end, you can show him what he already knows, that the C's are committed to team defense and he won't be on an island expected to clean up when the wings play matador style over and over. I think you could make a case. I don't know how good the case is without another star (it would help to have Paul or Ray be 5 years younger again) but it's a case.

You can't just sell him on these points compared to what other people have to other. LA has warm weather, better nightlife, and he can choose between playing with Chris Paul or Kobe Bryant. Plus there are the Nets w/ D-Will (maybe), the Bulls with Rose, and the Mavericks with Dirk and the GOAT owner. It's hard to sell him on having old dudes that can play D when we're up against that, and basically need him to come for the team to not fade away to lotto land.

[smastroyin]

So if the Celtics have nothing to offer should we just fold the team?