Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
As it stands, NBA execs are telling us that Tayshaun Prince has the greatest immediate value on the market. He’s on the last year of his contract ($7 million), and, despite a recent hip issue, he’s shown he can still play.
As one source put it, “He knows how to play, and he’s played in big games. Someone hoping to make a playoff run is going to want him, even if it’s just for depth or insurance.”
The problem, according to conversations, is that clubs may hold their breath, keep the second-rounder the Celts are going to want and take their chances that Prince will be bought out if he’s not dealt by a week from Thursday.
Teams have been talking about Brandon Bass since early in the season, but, so far, no one’s come close to offering anything to pry him away.
“It’s crazy,” said one Western Conference source. “People have seen how well he’s played in Boston, but it’s as if they’ve backed off him because of how he played in Dallas or Orlando. I don’t get it. We don’t have a need for him right now, but whoever gets him is going to like what he can do, even if it’s just in limited minutes.”
The Celtics are facing a lot of competition in the sellers market. Brooklyn and Denver are two teams willing to part with almost anyone.
The market for a power forward is flush with names – David West, Taj Gibson, Kenneth Faried, and JJ Hickson. Buyouts are possible for Kevin Garnett and Amar’e Stoudemire.
So any deal for Brandon Bass will likely come at 2:59 pm on February 19.
Looking into my crystal ball, I think Bass gets moved for a 2nd rounder, Prince gets a buyout and Marcus Thornton stays with the team.
On Page 2, keeping Jae Crowder on the cheap.
And in Boston’s 107-96 win over Philadelphia on Feb. 6, Crowder was once again at his best in the fourth quarter.
· A Crowder 3-pointer 13 seconds into the fourth quarter gave Boston a 78-69 lead.
· Crowder’s driving lay-up with 3:58 to play pushed Boston’s lead to 95-82.
· And a steal by Crowder and subsequent lay-up for Avery Bradley increased Boston’s lead to 99-84.Just as important was Crowder’s defense, which is why he has seen significant playing time down the stretch lately.
Whether he starts or comes off the bench, plays small forward or power forward, Celtics head coach Brad Stevens likes what he’s getting from the third-year forward.
“What I like is his versatility,” Stevens said. “And coming off the bench you have flexibility of where you bring him.”
The Celtics will have to make Crowder a $1.2 million qualifying offer at season’s end to retain his services.
For what he brings to the game, that’s an absolute bargain.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston – Power rankings: C’s still climbing | Mailbag: TeamLotto vs TeamEightSeed | Yahoo! – Popovich gets 1,000th career win
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