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.
Think Chicago’s Brad Miller or maybe even Shaquille O’Neal, who soon may have absolutely no reason to return to Cleveland.
Those are two of the best options Ainge will have to plug the hole left by Kendrick Perkins who will be recovering from surgery to repair what is now believed to be the so-called triangle - tears of the anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament and posterior cruciate ligament.
Herald - Big stretch for Celtics
Yes, we laughed hysterically when O'Neal joined the Cavs, but that was because he was billed as a final piece of their championship puzzle. In Boston, Shaq would be a temporary starter and bench player. His numbers in Cleveland were decent; 23 mpg, 12 ppg, 56%FG, 6.7 rpg and 1.1 bpg (And if you are going to mention Shaq, what about Big Z - 7 ppg, 4 rpg?).
As for the easy to hate Brad Miller, he averaged 8 ppg, 43%FG, 4.9 rpg and 1.4 apg. What he lacks in rebounding, he makes up for with jump shooting and passing.
Money will be the biggest factor in who gets signed. I wouldn't give any of the above multiple years and more than $3 million. The lure would be a chance at a championship (provided the Celtics can retool). If the Celtics are willing to dump their entire MLE on a big man, they might be able to lure a guy like Brendan Haywood.
Before you scoff at any of these names, consider the alternatives:
Jason Collins, Nazr Mohammed, Kwame Brown, Ben Wallace, DJ Mbenga, Drew Gooden, Jermaine O'Neal, Jamaal Magliore, Kurt Thomas, Tony Battie, Sean May, Adonal Foyle, Jarron Collins, Etan Thomas, and Rasho Nesterovic.
Another possibility is Semih Erden. I see him filling the Shelden Williams role, provided he leaves Turkey and comes to Boston.
The rest of the links:
Globe - Bradley's itinerary includes surgery, rehab | Herald - Avery Bradley hurtin' | CSNNE - Harangody first class talent, 2nd round pick | ESPN - Nets to meet with LBJ first | ESPN Boston - Odds to win 2011 championship |
