Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Boston has gauged the market for both over the last year or so, and its expected price for Rondo has been sky-high, per several league sources. That price will drop as Rondo’s deal ticks toward expiration, but the market for him is thin. Point guard is stacked leaguewide, and Rondo is 28, coming off ACL surgery, and seeking a max contract as he approaches free agency. A few suitors could wait to chase him in the offseason instead of dealing assets now and risking that Rondo walks in July.
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Rondo is a flawed, temperamental player, but he’s a pass-first star who could work as bait for an alpha dog. Without him, Boston is just a collection of unmolded pieces waiting for a unifying force, playing the lottery in the meantime.
Green has a player option for 2015-16, meaning he may be working on a de facto expiring contract. His price will come down as the season moves along, but Boston might be willing to accept a diminished return. He’s a likable guy with more fans across the league than you might expect, and he can split minutes between the two forward positions.
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The Raptors have bad memories of Joe Johnson bulldozing them in the post, and they have all their own picks, plus the midsize expiring deals linked to Landry Fields and Chuck Hayes. Atlanta and Detroit could use a boost on the wing, and it’s easy to see Green fitting as a hybrid forward in both Houston and New York. Denver’s roster seems ripe for a trade, though the Nuggets are crowded on the wing.
Green could fit in lots of places. If Boston doesn’t view him as a long-term core piece, he’ll be easy to move.
Grantland – 33 Crazy Predictions
Zach Lowe titled the column 33 Crazy Predictions, but this scenario he lays out about the Celtics is 100% reasonable.
When you move away from the blowhard side of the media, there’s plenty of experts who – after logically surveying the landscape – see Rajon Rondo staying in Boston long term. That second paragraph highlighted above is the key, “pass first star who could work as bait for an alpha dog.” Despite what slanderous claims Jeff Goodman throws around, I just can’t understand why elite players wouldn’t want to play with Rondo.
As for Green, I think his time in Boston is over. Danny Ainge took a necessary gamble on Green 4 years ago when this team desperately needed wing relief for Paul Pierce. While he’s had some flashes, he’s just not a top 1 or 2 player for a team with legit championship aspirations. Maybe there’s a scenario where Green comes back and plays the Alfred to a yet to be named Batman and Robin (Rondo), but I’m doubtful.
Speaking of Jeff, he’ll scheduled to make his preseason debut tonight against Toronto.
On Page 2, it sounds like Danny is keeping Vitor.
“We like Vitor,” Ainge said. “The thing we want right now is to get him healthy. We thought he would be ready for the start of training camp, but he had a little setback.”
Faverani had surgery last spring to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. Swelling reappeared in the knee at the start of training camp, forcing Faverani to the sideline and, ultimately, to get a second opinion from a surgeon in Spain.
An MRI taken of the knee prior to surgery was inconclusive, and Ainge admitted he still hasn’t heard details of what was found in the knee during surgery.
The Celts also have rookie forward Dwight Powell under contract for next season. Though coach Brad Stevens has been intrigued by Powell’s athleticism and versatility, the team also has to cut down to 15 players by the start of the season.
“We have things we can do before we waive someone,” said Ainge, leaving the door open for another trade.
Powell and Faverani could both stay on this roster if Danny can make Joel Anthony disappear. Question is… who the hell is going to take on his $3.8 million?
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Celtics build synergy with Red Claws | Morrison getting lessons in Stevens’ ways | CSNNE – Lowry rematch gives Smart chance to be aggressive | Vegas says Celtics are long shots to win awards |
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