the last 2 guys
right now the roster stands, effectively, at 13.
Rondo / House
R. Allen / Pruitt
Pierce / Scalabrine / B. Wallace
Garnett / Powe / G. Davis
Perkins / Pollard
Inj: T. Allen
Gabe Pruitt and Glen Davis are unsigned but i think that’s a mere formality while Ainge sees what else shakes out in the FA market.
Jackie Manuel will likely be a training camp cut, as by all reports his contract isn’t guaranteed. Brandon Wallace could be cut if something markedly better comes along, but i believe he’ll be given the chance to become a mix of Walter McCarty+Brandon Hunter
This is my current Top 10 wishlist for free agents to fill those final 2 roster spots:
1. Reggie Miller (SG, retired/Indiana) — at first i thought this was a joke but I’m warming to it. he’d be signing on to be a part of this team, a key part rather than just a free ride to a title. more Bill Walton (c. 1986) and Charles Barkley (c. 1996) than Gary Payton (c. 2005, Miami).
2. Adonal Foyle (C, Golden St.) — reportedly has a good relationship with Clifford Ray and would give us more defense, rebounding and shot-blocking from the 5 position. A trio of Perkins-Pollard-Foyle might be the worst offensive center combo, but we only need defense and opportunistic offense from the center spot.
3. Randy Livingston (PG, NBDL/Seattle)— a sentimental pick. first he’s a true PG and second I think he’d be like Reggie Miller: a veteran looking for one last shot to play a real, key role on a title contender. was an NBDL allstar and/or MVP last seasons.
4. Brian Skinner (PF/C, Milwaukee) — I want either him or Foyle — both are solid if unspectacular. Foyle gets the slight edge due to his rock solid rep. But it’s ridiculous that neithr Skinner nor Marc Jackson have been signed. i’m of the opinion you can never have to many big men.
5. Devin Brown (SG, New Orleans) — would join Scalabrine as the only 2 Celtics with any NBA Finals experience and could probably be had for the vet. min or Eddie Houe type money. Played a key role on one of San Antonio’s title runs off the bench. nice fill-in for Tony Allen until he comes back.
6. Keith McLeod (PG, Indiana) — I’d much prefer him to a guy like Gary Payton. he’ll never be much more than a 8th/9th man, but a capable PG who’s played for Jerry Sloan who always develops PGs.
7. Jake Tsakalidis (C, Houston) — He’s slightly ahead of Marc Jackson if for no other reasons than (a) he’s a legit center, whereas Jackson’s more a PF/C combo, and (b) likely has a better attitude than Jackson who’s seemed to have minor problems at several stops.
8. Marc Jackson (PF/C, New Orleans) — If we end up with him as a 3rd big, i’ll be happy.
9. Derek Anderson (SG, Charlotte) — might not have anything left in the tank after injuries that have plagued him, but would be in that Miller, Livingston category of guys with one more shot at a ring.
10. Corliss Williamson (SF, Sacramento) — doesn’t really fill a need other than the role of big nasty. I’ve always loved his game, but it’s more a sentimental hope than based on need. but he has won titles in college and the pros so he could be a great veteran presence.
Guys I want no part of:
Ruben Patterson, Earl Boykins, Michael Olowokandi, Calvin Booth, Allan Houston, Gary Payton, James Posey,
Guys I don’t think we have any chance of landing (and therefore were left off the list):
PJ Brown (will get more elsewhere if he even wants to play), Dikembe Mutombo (will resign with HOU if anyone),
Guys I’m somewhat irrationally intrigued by (i.e. there’s something wrong/off or they don’t fit really, but it would be interesting to see):
Melvin Ely, Jalen Rose, old friend Vitaly Potapenko
