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.
At 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, Delfino has the size, speed and athleticism to play both shooting guard and small forward.
In addition, the 29-year-old (he’ll be 30 next month) has played under defensive-minded coaches in Milwaukee (Scott Skiles) and Boston (Larry Brown), so the adjustment to Doc Rivers wouldn’t be quite as startling as it would for some players.
But the challenge for Boston in acquiring a player like Delfino isn’t all that different than it was for Lee and Mayo — money.
Short of a sign-and-trade, Boston’s only shot at acquiring Delfino would be to offer him their bi-annual exception which is worth about $1.9 million.
Coming off a three-year deal worth $10.5 million, it’s not a given that Delfino would be willing to accept significantly less money, especially if he could get more elsewhere.
However, Delfino hasn’t been on a playoff team that made it past the first round since he left Detroit following the 2006-2007 season.
CSNNE – Delfino on Celtics radar
I’ve always liked Delfino’s game. He can shoot and he’s not afraid to mix-it-up. Of course, I only watch him play a handful of games each year.
For those unfamiliar with Delfino’s game, here’s John Hollinger’s scouting report:
+ Mellow, solidly built wing who likes corner 3-point shot. Rebounding tailed off.
+ Good handle and court vision but no burst or explosiveness. Runs floor well.
+ Solid defender. Average mobility but big for position with great hands.
If OJ Mayo was only able to secure $4 million per on this market, I think Delfino is attainable with the bi-annual exception. The market is drying up.
Is Delfino really an upgrade over Mickael Pietrus? The Celtics must think so. The seem interested in exhausting all other options before signing Pietrus.
There’s a new report (paragraph 6) out of Phoenix that intimates the Suns will not engage Courtney Lee. That could lower the price for Boston.
The rest of the links:
Herald – E’Twaun Moore confident he’ll return | Globe – Tyronn Lue getting job done as summer league coach | Celtics earn another summer league win | ESPN Boston – JaJuan Johnson knows consistency is the key | WEEI – Dionte Christmas is chasing his dream
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