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.
The team has scheduled a meeting with Pierce’s representatives
following the draft. Though it’s unclear whether it will involve a
restructuring of Pierce’s deal, which has two years remaining, or even
an extension, his camp hasn’t sent a proposal or a plan to management.
The looming free agency of Ray Allen will take longer.
Celtics general manager Danny
Ainge and Allen’s agent, Lon Babby, have yet to meet regarding
the veteran guard’s status.
Though both sides want to keep Allen in green, management is said to
be concerned about the length of his next contract demand.One league official recently placed Allen’s value on the wildly
competitive free agent market at approximately mid-level exception
range, or about $5.6 million. This takes into account the number of
premium players who will be contending for max contract money, the
number of second-tier free agents and even some thought to be max-level
honing in on Rajon
Rondo -level
money, or roughly $11 million per season.
Herald: For Celtics, its back to business
That’s less than I thought for Ray. But like we’ve found out in recent off-seasons with people like Glen Davis, it’s not just about what you’re worth… it also about what the market will bear.
It’s like the old cliche goes… you’re worth whatever someone is willing to pay you. You can look at what someone like Brian Scalabrine has been making and say “he’s not worth that”… but someone gave him that money so in a way… he is.
So when it comes to Ray in this market with wild money being thrown around to a lot of guys… there might not be much left for him when it’s his turn to sign somewhere. Who knows if this will turn into another James Posey situation where someone looking for his skill set will overpay for way too long and force Danny to lay down his cards in a “too rich for my blood” moment. The “Is Ray Allen the missing piece” stories are already being written in other NBA cities. But right now, the price seems right.
As for Pierce… he and Doc are the absolute wild cards in all of this. Either can completely change everything with his decision. If there’s a way that Paul can opt out and take less money per year but extend his deal to beyond $21 million over the next few years, then that changes the salary cap situation significantly.
On Page 2: Praising Scal
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
He made $ 3.4 million this past season, and he won’t be seeing that kind
of dough again — if he stays in the league. Basketball people know
he’s more than the fans’ mascot. Said one opposing coach, “He is what he is, but he moves his feet and he stays in front of guys
so they have to shoot over him. That sounds so simple, but I’ve been
trying all year to get my clowns to do that.”
Herald: Celtics roster work cut out
That quote is awesome. I’d kill to find out who said that.
But he’s right. Scal isnt’ going to kill you on the floor. Yeah, people will joke, but Scal does little things right and he keeps things moving. In a game where one bad player can derail things, Scal gives you a few minutes here and there that won’t kill you.
I wouldn’t be shocked if they brought Scal back as a minimum wage guy to fill out the roster. Why would he go anywhere else? When I was in town watching Game 7, the bar ERUPTED when Scal checked in. Scal belongs here.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston: Muddy Rivers | WEEI: Lakers emphasize Green not their color | Fanhouse: The 82 game undoing of the Celtics | D-League Digest: Struggling to assess the 2009-10 Celtics | North Station: What’s next for Boston? Addressing the depth issues | CSL: Gang Green episode 100
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