As we approach the mid-point of the season, its become obvious the Celtics still need a veteran point guard. Rajon Rondo’s been great and frankly, I’m not worried about his play. It’s what happens to this team when Eddie House, Tony Allen and Ray Allen are forced to play the position. The offense becomes dysfunctional. And Ray is a much better weapon coming off screens. In my opinion, it’s coming down to two veterans, the Clippers Sam Cassell and Grizzlies Damon Stoudamire. (Sorry, Mr. Payton. I just don’t see it happening.) Rumors of buyouts and trades are swirling around both players, and the Celtics always seemed to in the mix. Here’s how both players compare head-to-head this season.
With the Clippers and Grizzlies in last place in their divisions, money-saving buyouts are an option. Cassell is making $6.1 million in the final year of his deal, Stoudamire is earning $4.35 million this season and is owed $4.65 next year. The Celtics don’t have the assets/contracts to pull off a deal for each. (Forget it, no team is taking Scalabrine.) So a buyout is the only option, provided Wyc and Co. are willing to spend another $3-4 million (any salary will be doubled due to the luxury tax).
I’m endorsing Cassell. He’s the mentally-tougher player who thrives in the spotlight. He’s won before. Stoudamire remains an offensive threat, who can certainly push the ball, but what about his attitude and those three drug arrests? Sam I Am is the man for the Celtics in ’08.
Today’s Links: Globe – Leon Vows To Be Good Dad | Peter May’s Notes | Herald – Point Guard Problems | House Hopes to Find Home in Boston | Newsday – Big 3 Use Teamwork, Sacrifice | Pistons Lose Again | Vince Carter for Jermaine O’Neal?
And the most entertaining note from the morning, comes from the Bobcats’ Gerald Wallace who sees similiarities between himself and Tom Brady:
“He’s a reflection of myself, a guy who was pretty good coming out of high school, going to a college where he didn’t play that much, then being drafted late,” Wallace told the Charlotte Observer. “Then, once he had the opportunity to play, he proved he’s one of the best players in the league.”
Um, Brady proved he’s the best quarterback of all-time who “hangs” with supermodels in his spare time. There are at least 100 players in the NBA who are better than, or equal to Gerald Wallace. So keep dreamin’ Gerald.
Chuck, how about mentioning that Danny came out in the Herald today and said that we don’t need a backup pg and that our backup has not lost us a game yet this year.
Maybe he’s just saying that to not appear desperate, but interesting and false comments nonetheless.
And of course Cassell would be better, but he’s also going to be much tougher to get (other teams will certainly be interested). And is Cassell going to want to leave LA where he really is the star of a team, to come here and be a backup pg in Boston. I’m not sure.
Danny’s playing a little loose with the truth there. Was there a game where everyone was playing great… and the backup pg came in and blew it for us? No. But lack of Rondo had a detrimental effect.
Danny’s not going to insult his current players by saying we desperately need help. But everyone on the team knows that it would help if we got a true ballhandler in here to come off the bench.
As for Cassell…he’s said that he doesn’t want to leave LA…but I’m not sure how genuine he’s being. A lot of guys will take a reduced role to be on a Championship favorite.
Wow, I thought Gerald was classy until I read that self-centered comment.
is there a good chance we’ll get cassel if he gets bought out because of his connection with kg. there was a link about it the other day…
as for danny ainge’s comment…i don’t trust anything he says when it comes to trades and such.
Did Chuck write that comment about Brady?????
assuming they’re both bought out, could Sam or Damon be picked up after the trade deadline? if so, maybe Danny might do a wink-wink w/Sam and bring him in as playoff insurance sometime between trade deadline and the end of the season. Sam is a better distributor of the ball than Damon, i’d choose him of the two.
C’mon Tim, you’re smart enough to know that what Danny says in the papers, means nothing about his potential deals. Here’s one reason why Cassell would leave LA – they are 12-24 and in last place. That team is going nowhere.
Just because I don’t like the Patriots doesn’t mean I’m not smart enough to recognize greatness. Brady is the best ever. And let the record show that John still believe Bledsoe is better.
Well certainly I recognized that. I thought that was implied by saying it was probably said just not to sound desperate, but I simply thought that it would have been an interesting/essential quote to put in an entry on acquiring a backup point guard, especially since it was made this morning. But then again, I’ve never been to journalism school.
Sam Cassell is one of my least favorite players of all time. That has no bearing on whether he’d help the Celtics, but I wanted to put that out there. Because I already think negatively of him I’m going to assume he would be less than thrilled to be a back up to a 2nd year player. Then there’s the question of if he should even be the backup? Cassell’s been putting up great numbers lately. Wouldn’t Rondo be the better change of pace guy off the bench? I think Cassell brings a potential PG controversy, whereas Stoudamire simply gives us the good ballhandler (and 38% 3pt. shooter) that we need. Also, they have almost the exact same assist to turnover ratio for their careers. Mighty Mouse will save the day!
First rule of journalism school: Don’t believe a word you are told by any person of “official” stature.
I could have made a post based on Danny’s quote and called it a morning. But we all know he’s making a deal. So let’s just save our time and move forward with the debate.
Tim, if you want obvious quotes and BS from Celtics management, read the Globe and Herald.
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I’m like Quentin Richardson to Chuck’s Paul Pierce.
Great analogy.
I live in LA and watch Cassell…let me tell you guys we want him not Stoudamire. Why?
1. Defence – Sam is cunning and tries. Knows team D. And is bigger, Stoudamire has lost his quickness and is severely undersized. Sam could at least try to hold post against Billips which is what we should be concentrating on.
2. Passing – When you watch the Clips you see the subtle PG skills in Cassell a) Players get the ball where quick release is possible, not where they have to give up a pivot foot to get it. b) Feeds the hot hand – he would build up Elton Brand, a streaky fallaway jump shooter of a PF and milk him for the points the team needed c) Provoke the opponent into macho one on one contest and keep key guys like Dirk or Lebron from getting the ball.
3. Finishing – Sam can both hit the big shot and create it.
4. Yak – OK we talk enough smack as it is but this guy is the master of mouth….
Gerald Wallace is no tom brady but he is one of the most well-rounded players in the nba. how many guys can play 3 positions effectively and beast on the defensive end?
AND i wouldn’t gloss over GP as quick as you do, as Doc said we don’t have anyone who can guard the “big” PGs in this league like Deron williams and jason kidd. GP may not be the answer but even at his age i like him better than cassell and stoudemire.