Mickael Pietrus To Celtics?

Mickael Pietrus made some interesting comments that has been hoping he ends up on the Celtics (whenever there is a season)...

"A lot of teams are interested in me, like the Lakers and the Celtics," Pietrus tells L'Equipe via translation from HoopsHype. "This came from the best player in the world: Kobe Bryant. He told me two months ago that he would like to see me with the Lakers."

Obviously the Lakers would seem like the front runners for him, but I hope the Celtics take some interest in this guy. He is a great defensive player, and could be a nice asset as that "wing defender" (that should be on the list yesterday) that the Celtics have been looking for. Not sure why I am a big fan of Pietrus, but it started when the Celtics played the Magic in the playoffs a couple years ago. He just seems like a guy who would fit that "team defense" philosophy the Celtics are so great at. The question is how they would get this done. I would think it would be some kind of sign and trade with Big Baby might get it done.

Ron Artest Taking His Talents To Finland?

Ton of rumors flying around the internet today that Ron Artest is heading to Finland today, and may decide to stay there. This is a very odd story since Artest has 3 years left on his contract with the Lakers. From the Lakers standpoint they have to be praying he goes. He is not worth the money he is getting and his production really fell off last year. Plus, he is fucking crazy, and proved it once again as he is changing his name to Metta World Peace.

Like I said I am perplexed by this story, but then again Ron Artest usually do that to me.

Kevin Love To Lakers?

There is a rumor going around today that the Lakers have offered Pau Gasol (Poopface) to the Timberwolvers for the no. 2 overall pick and Kevin Love. I can't see any reason why the Timberwolves would do this, but some rumors think it's just a starting point, and it could be Pau straight up for Love. That really still doesn't make a lot of sense to me from the perspective of the Timberwolves. Kevin Love is just 22 years old and averaged 20 points and 15 boards a game, and you are going to trade that for the 30 year old Poopface?

I still think someway, somehow Dwight Howard will end up in a Lakers uniform. It just feel right to me. Then again, the Lakers pulled off a silly trade to get Poopface in the first place, so maybe the can make the Timberwolves make a Kevin Garnett-like trade again.

Sounds Like Howard Wants Out Of Orlando

A lot was made last month when Dwight Howard came out and said he wants to stay in Orlando. Not too many of us believed it, and we aren't the only ones...

From Howard-Cooper: "Howard reaffirmed his desire to stay with the Magic, but told NBA.com on Monday that he will definitely become a free agent rather than sign an extension in the next year and also left open the possibility he would reconsider his future in Orlando if the team does not win the title next season ... In a one-on-one interview afterward, though, he made it clear he is not happy with the collective personality of Orlando's roster and that changes need to be made."

I can't blame him a all. I think the Magic are no where close to winning anything, so if I was him I would take off. They have ruined that roster taking on terrible contracts, and I think they are only going to get worse. So, now comes the obvious question of where he will land. There have already been rumors of the Heat trading Lebron for Howard. Although from a basketball sense it makes sense, since he would probably fit better, and combining Howard and Bosh would be pretty special (as DP said while we talked about this). I just don't see the Heat having the balls to do it.

A team that makes a lot of sense are the Nets. Him and Williams being in New York seem like a perfect match. For all the Boston fans, yea I think there is a chance he comes here also. Bottom line I can see him a lot of places, just not Orlando.

Maybe Knicks Avoid The Isiah Storm

Knick fans are pissing their pants that Isiah Thomas might just walk though that door once again. Well, today comes word that the Pistons have him on their short list of candidates for the heading coaching vacancy. The others on the list are Mike Woodson, Kelvin Sampson and Bill Laimbeer.

Why anyone would hire this ass clown is beyond me. He had his chance in the NBA and failed so awesomely that people kind of forget what kind of player he was. The Pistons were a mess last year, and the last thing they need is this jackass walking into the locker room.

Shaq's Mom Says He's Coming Back

Speaking before an event in Louisiana, Shaquille O'Neal's mother Lucille said that her son may not be ready to retire yet.

“He went there to help them win a championship, and they didn’t do that this year,’’ his mother told the New Orleans Picayune. “It bothered him so much that he could not play. He felt like he let the Boston team down and the community down, so I could believe he’s going back to Boston. He’s not in a place to be traded or anything like that (WEEI).’’

Man even after the season is over we can't get away from these Shaq stories. I am not sure if I want him back or not. I love him and all, but I just don't think there is any shot that he can make it through a healthy season. Then again, you aren't going to find another center for only $1 million, so I guess it can't hurt to have him back.

Where The Hell Is Ricky Rubio?

"I do have interest in the NBA, but not as in right away," he's quoted as saying. "I signed a six-year contract with a buyout option after the second season. If I leave this year I would have to pay an amount of money and that's it. It's a unilateral decision that I have to make, although if I had to leave at any time, I would talk to the club and the NBA franchise, which is currently Minnesota."

The article also notes that Rubio has indicated the lockout will be "an important issue" when making a decision on whether or not to come over for next season (ESPN)."

People (myself included) kind of forget that the Timberwolves drafted Ricky Rubio. The Wolves still say they expect him to be in their uniform at the start of next season, but with all this uncertainty with a lockout that might not be the case. Judging my his comments there it doesn't sound like he is in a huge rush.

One guy who is trying to get him over is Kevin Love...

"I still text him every now and then," Love said. "Not too often, once or twice a month. I've always said I hope he comes over sooner rather than later so we can get this thing started (ESPN)."

Damn right he wants to "get it started", because whenever his contract is up you better believe he is going to run for the hills. So, if Rubio wants to play with a player like Kevin Love he better hurry up.

Latest On Celtics Rumors

The Celtics have stated that they would like to go out and find a backup SF to help them through the rest of the season. There are a lot of problems with doing that. First off, Jermaine O'Neal is basically untradable because he has a two year deal, and hates playing basketball. So, most of the rumors with the Celtics (the ones that make sense anyways) have the Celtics getting a player after a buyout.

The one we have been hearing for awhile now is Rip Hamilton. That seems like it could really happen, as there are now rumors that Rip would actually give back some of the money on his contract just to get the hell out of Detroit. The coach and him don't get along, and there is really just no place for him on that team. If he gets bought out the Celtics will be all over him, because he is a perfect fit.

After Rip, it gets a lot less sexy. The names being thrown around the Boston Herald and Celticsblog.com are Morris Peterson, Jason Kapono, Rasual Butler and Sasha Pavlovic. I love Mo Pete, but he never plays. I have no idea what he has left in the tank, but he would give them some size I guess. Another name being thrown around is Troy Murphy, who is expected to be bought out soon, but even if he does the Celtics have a lot of competition for him from teams like the Magic.

The Celtics talked to the Suns about star Jared Dudley, Grant Hill and Mickael Pietrus, but from everything I have read the Celtics really aren't willing to give up much from their roster, so those talks quickly died. Which is really too bad because I am a big Pietrus fan.

The Celtics will get something done, and I have a feeling that Rip is really going to be the one. I don't like him at all, but no one can really argue that he isn't a perfect fit to pickup that bench.

Danilo Gallinari To Clippers?

Well, this didn't take long...

"According to ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard via sources, the Clippers are offering a first-round pick they acquired from Minnesota to Denver for newly-acquired Danilo Gallinari. "Pick is Top 10 protected in 2011, unprotected in 2012," tweeted Broussard (ESPN)."

I keep feeling like the Clippers should be a better team then they are. Gallinari could be a good fit for the Clippers as he is an obvious upgrade of Ryan Gomes (still the man, though). With Griffin being a great low post threat Gallinari could help spread the floor, and hit those open 3's when everyone caves in to stop Griffin. I don't know if the Nuggets will agree to this, but I think it would be a great nice move for the Clippers.

James Posey Coming Back To Celtics?

Celticsblog.com ran through all the different trade ideas for the Celtics (Josh Childress, Richard Hamilton, Troy Murphy, Ramon Sessions). The one they seem to think is most likely is James Posey making his way back to Boston. They kind of think of it as a Hedo Turkoglu back to Orlando kind of deal.

I would be a huge fan of this move. Posey gives the Celtics the perfect backup to Pierce and has shown to be clutch defensively. He isn't what he once was, but he knows the Celtics system, and has enough in the tank to really help that 2nd unit that is so banged up.

So what would it take to get it done? There are two way they could work this deal, Daniels and Nate for Posey OR Jermaine O'Neal for Posey. I am fine with either, but if the Celtics could get that waste of space O'Neal off the books for next year I would be happier with that.

Out of the list above the only other guy that I think has any chance of happening is Troy Murphy, since it is almost guaranteed he's going to get bought out.

No More Hornets In The NBA?

"NBA commissioner David Stern admitted to ESPN's Bill Simmons during Tuesday's podcast that some owners would have no problem if the New Orleans Hornets were disbanded, however it is still the goal of the league to sell the team to someone who can keep it in Louisiana."

Of the 4 major sports (NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB) I think only the NFL has less reason to "disband" any teams. I guess I wouldn't be against it, because teams would get better, but most NBA teams do have at least a couple of really good players, and are a high draft pick away from turning it around.

I would hate to see New Orleans lose their team. I just feel like that city will support whatever professional team is in the area. I mean it's just another excuse to throw a parade and not go to work, so that seems to be right up New Orleans ally. If they were to move I think the only place that makes any sense is Seattle, because they should've never lost the Sonics in the first place, but the places ESPN list are Las Vegas (kinda cool), Anaheim (No), Vancouver (hell no).

Celtics' Walking Wounded

The Celtics bench is the walking wounded right now. First, let's start with the good news. Delonte sounds like he will be back either Sunday or Wednesday. Doc said whatever game he does come back he will likely only play 10 mins, but Doc would like to get Delonte a game before the All-Star break.

There isn't much news on Shaq. His Achilles is still acting up and there is basically no shot we seem him until after the break. Nate Robinson had to leave the game last night with a bruised right knee. He is expected to have an MRI today to determine the extent of the injury. That one really hurts, because until Delonte is back the Celtics will have Von Wafer and Avery Bradley in the backcourt behind Rajon.

Not much news on Daniels, but ESPN is floating the rumor the Celtics might waive him, since they have a full roster and needs more healthy bodies with all these guys out. Don't be shocked if the Celtics make a move for a SF at some point...

"The bottom line is every team goes through these situations," Ainge told The Boston Globe. "Right now, I can't say anything. I have to manage our future payroll. I have to manage our team next year. There are a lot of things to weigh and there will be a lot of things that come across my desk. Just because a guy plays small forward doesn't mean he's better than the guys we have. We want to add quality to our team (ESPN)."

Carmelo To Lakers?

"The Denver Nuggets have had preliminary discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers on a Carmelo Anthony trade, league sources told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard on Tuesday (ESPN)."

The report goes on to say that the deal would have to include Andrew Bynum, which they say would work financially. If my eyes in the Lakers do this it is a complete overreaction to their recent struggles. Melo has made it pretty clear that he wants to go to the Knicks and nowhere else. So, the Lakers would be giving up a 23 year center for a couple month rental. Sure a lineup that had Gasol, Bryant, and Melo would be fun tto watch, but I still think they would have a hard time getting to the finals, especially if they ran into the Spurs during the playoffs.

I just don't see this deal happening, and I think most likely either Melo goes to the Knicks in a trade, or he rides out the season in Denver and goes in the offseason.

Artest Wants Out Of LA

"One source close to the situation insists that Artest wants out," he wrote. "Asked to react to that, Artest's agent David Bauman declined comment ... I've nonetheless been assured this week that Artest -- though he hasn't outright demanded a trade and is likely to publicly deny it -- is serious about wanting to be dealt somewhere 'he can have fun again (ESPN).'"

There have been rumors going around about the Lakers making a trade ever since the Celtics beat them. The problem here is Artest is due $21.7 million over the next three seasons. and is having the worst year of his career. On top of that he is crazy, so he is really unlikely to move unless it is part of a bigger deal. What we can learn from this is that the Lakers are in a lot of trouble, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of ways out of it.

Rip Hamilton To Celtics? (UPDATED)

"Detroit’s Richard Hamilton would intrigue Ainge, but the Pistons would have to work out a buyout of his remaining $30 million, which includes an early termination option for 2012-13. It seems hopeless that Hamilton and the Pistons can continue beyond this season (Boston Globe via Celticsblog.com)."

If the Melo trade never happens (I still don't buy it) then this could get interesting. The Pistons are going to try to buy him out if they can't deal him. No one is going to want to pickup that contract unless it is part of a bigger deal, so this could get interesting.

I hate Rip Hamilton, but if you're asking me if I'd rather have him then a combo of Nate Robinson/Von Wafer or Hamilton I'll take Hamilton everytime. Celticsblog describes him as a "poor man's Ray Allen". That sounds perfect if you ask me. There wouldn't need to much of an offensive change then from the first to second unit. Rip scores off running around off picks, and getting open looks. Sounds perfect for a 2nd unit that will have Big Baby and Shaq down low setting picks.

I don't like it just because of my hatred for him, but from a basketball standpoint it would be a great move. IF he gets bought out.


***UPDATED***

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated joined the Dale & Holley show Wednesday morning to talk about the Celtics and the NBA.

There's a rumor going around that the Celtics are interested in Pistons shooting guard Richard Hamilton, but Mannix downplayed it.

"That's just a rumor," he said. "The only way they acquire him is by buyout. Right now, the ownership situation in Detroit is in such flux that that buyout, it ain't coming anytime soon. And I'd be really surprised if it came before March 1st."

Mannix acknowledged that "Hamilton would be a great asset in Boston" and "something has to happen" because Hamilton and coach John Kuester are at odds. However, Mannix said, "I just don't see him getting bought out right now. He's owed $25 million over the next two years. If he's not willing to take a significant pay cut from that — and I'm talking in the $16 [million], 17 million range — he's just not going anywhere. Now as long as the ownership situation is so up in the air out here (WEEI)."

Celtics Feel The Need, The Need For Sheed

As we wrote a couple days ago there are rumors going around that Rasheed Wallace wants to come out of retirement for the Celtics. When I first heard it I agreed with most analyst that say there is just no room for him. Looking at the roster ti made sense with Perkins/KG close to returning and the addition of Shaq and Jermaine O'Neal. But as day said in his Celtics recap, O'Neal is hurt again.

I don't think Jermiane O'Neal is ever going to be healthy. His knee keeps swelling up on him, and at this point even when he is healthy he isn't bringing a whole lot to the table.

Listen, Sheed is a pain in the ass, but at least you know when the playoffs come he is give it his all. Can you say that about Jermaine O'Neal? We saw him roll over to the Celtics last playoffs, and I really don't have any real memories of him doing anything in the playoffs. All this adds up to the fact the Celtics have a need, and that need is for Sheed.

Rasheed Wallace Coming Back To Celtics

Well it looks like DP was right all along...

"Stephen A. Smith joined the show to talk about the NBA and the latest trade rumors. Smith said that the Celtics counter the Heat's athleticism with "brute size" and Rasheed Wallace will come out of retirement to come back to the Celtics. Smith said Wallace told him that's the plan, because he wants another shot at the Lakers in the NBA Finals (Celticsblog)."

Wow, I really didn't think we'd see him come back. If this is true it is going to be real interesting to see how he fits back in with the Celtis now that they have Big Baby, KG, Perkins, Shaq, Jermaine O'Neal, Semih Erden, and Luke Harangody already on the roster. Like I said I don't know how he'll fit in, but one this is for sure...the Celtics have more characters on their team then anyone in NBA history.

Jonny Flynn To Be Traded?

The Timberwolves are expect Ricky Rubio to come and play for them next year, so Jonny Flynn could be trade bait. The Timberwolves certainly have a lot of other holes on their team, so it might be a good idea...

"The Timberwolves grow more confident by the day that Rubio will finally come over from Europe to join their squad next season, effectively making Flynn expendable," wrote Bill Ingram of HOOPSWORLD. "Recognizing this, no fewer than seven teams have reached out to the Timberwolves with interest in Flynn, with interest ranging from teams looking for a solid back-up to teams looking for a long-term starter."

Ingram lists the Kings, Clippers, Blazers, Raptors, Knicks, Bobcats and Cavs as the seven teams that have expressed some level of interest in Flynn (ESPN).

They could wait until after the season to make a deal, which might be smart just to be safe if Rubio screws them over, but if the right deal comes along I think they have to jump on it.

Carmelo Is Going To The Knicks

Some writers are starting to connect the dots, and they all seem to end with Carmelo Anthony joining the Knicks...

"These are some of the dots: He's selling his Littleton estate; the constant reports of Anthony telling friends that he wants to play for the New York Knicks; his New York wedding; his East Coast upbringing; summer trade talk that has cropped up twice in his time in Denver, which hasn't always made him feel wanted; oh, and not signing a contract that averages around $21.6 million per year for the next three years, a sizable amount of money that he may not be able to earn with a new collective bargaining agreement.

Anthony has connected some dots of his own. Even if he was completely happy with the Nuggets now, in three years he may look around at a team that is a shell of the one that reached the Western Conference finals in 2009. It could be young and inexperienced. It could be filled with mediocre talent. His NBA biological clock would be ticking loudly because he would be in his 10th season. There's no way he wants to start over 10 seasons into his career (CBS)."

Way back when all the Lebron stuff started I bought that he was going to the Knicks. Obviously later Miami was the one that could put him and his two fuck buddies on the same team. Yet, once again I am going to buy this. I think Melo really does want to play in NY, and even though the Knicks don't deserve it they will eventually have a couple high profile stars, just because of the city of NY.

The Knicks are a joke, and they are so lucky that so many people want to live in NY. If it wasn't for that this would be a bottom franchise year in and year out forever.

Shaq Talks Celtics On Jimmy Kimmel

Boston appears to be sticking out as Shaquille O'Neal's top suitor of the last week or so. As we told you earlier on Tuesday, he was talking about playing for the Celtics last night on "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

Kimmel said he couldn't see O'Neal in a Boston uniform and O'Neal responded, "The Celtics would be a good program." O'Neal also said it would not feel weird to wear a Celtics uniform since he has played for the Lakers.

I know, not very ground breaking stuff, but considering his only other option right now seems to be playing in Europe this might be good news for the Celtics. I was not all that enthusiastic about Shaq joining the team, but you what? Fuck it, it's way better then anything else out there, and the Celtics need a big body.

Europe could be very attractive for Shaq, as they can offer him a lot more then what he is going to make next year in the NBA. Plus, think of the advertising. Still, Shaq is a very prideful guy, and I just don't see him turning down the chance to make another run at a championship.