Smaller Targets
While the Celtics are looking at a lot of big names, either in deals or in the draft, we shouldn't forget to keep an eye out on smaller targets that could help the team out. My main smaller target in the offseason would be:
Jose Calderon, PG Toronto Raptors: I don't know why the Raptors are looking to move him but word around the deadline was that they were offering him up for Anderson Varejao. Calderon is a 25 year old true PG who has played well for the Raptors this season while backing up TJ Ford, and also filled in admirably when Ford was out. I'm not sure how likely it is but I'd be willing to give up a good amount for Calderon. Ideally, the offer would be something like Perkins or Gomes and Telfair but I might even be willing to give up both Perk and Gomes (or Perk and West) if we also got back a future pick of some sort.
As for free agents, there's a number of guys that I'd like to keep an eye on:
Defensive Minded Swingmen:
While I'd love to get Gerald Wallace, he's likely going to be a) too expensive and b) his shot isn't great which is something we need with Rajon Rondo looking to be our best PG. Charlie Bell, G Milwaukee Bucks: With Mo Williams, Earl Boykins, Bell, Patterson, and young Turk Ersan Ilyasova all looking at free agency, it's doubtful the Bucks will be able to keep everyone. Bell's a tough defender who can hit the three and might be interested in leaving Milwaukee since he could see more playing time and a bigger role in Boston. His playing time shot up this season but with Michael Redd and Bobby Simmons healthy next season, those minutes might be gone. Bell is a longshot but would be a great fit alongside Pierce.
Devin Brown, G New Orleans Hornets: Solid defense, solid three point shooter. With Tony Allen possibly out for some of next season, Brown is an affordable backup/spot starter.
Ime Udoka, SF Portland Trailblazers: Udoka is basically everything that the Knicks wanted Jared Jeffiries to be, except a a fifth of the cost. Like Brown, Udoka is a solid guy to have coming off the pine as his shooting has improved and he is a solid defender. He could fill in as a starter now and then.
Roger Mason Jr., G Washington Wizards: When Mason's gotten the chance, his stroke has been pure and he could be a solid combo guard to bring in if we end up dealing Delonte. Mason's all-around game is tough to gauge as he currently plays alongside Agent Zero and most of his offense is basically waiting to see if Hibachi, Butler or Jamison need to kick it out. Backup Big Men:
I'm still a believer in Kendrick Perkins but the guy just can't stay healthy. And while Brian Scalabrine has been much better this season, the Celtics need to find a useful big to replace Kandiman. Mikki Moore, C New Jersey Nets: A journeyman, Moore has been very solid for the Nets this season and would be the perfect candidate for backing up Perkins or Jefferson in the middle. Unfortunately, it might take more than he's worth to get him out of New Jersey.
Melvin Ely, PF/C San Antonio Spurs: Ely, one of the many mid-first round big men sleepers who never awoke, is a big body and seems to have the potential to be a decent backup. You could do worse.
Primov Brezec C Charlotte Hornets: Brezec would be a nice signing for cheap but there's a lot of issues. He's been banged up all season, is terrible awkward on defense, and is a prime candidate for good numbers on a bad team. If he opts out, he'll likely be looking for more than the 2.8 million he is set to receive and he seems like too big of a risk to be worth that.
If none of these guys are the answer than the Celtics best option will likely be to draft someone in the second round. A risky pick would be Sean Williams, out of (literally) Boston College or a Euro like Marc Gasol. Flyers aka Allan Ray's spot:
Most of these guys will likely be re-upped by their current team but if an opportunity opens to sign Washington's Aundray Blatche, Milwaukee's Ersan Ilyasova, Detroit's Amir Johnson, Miami's Earl Barron or Indiana's James White, it would be worthwhile to save a spot for them.
While I'd love to get Gerald Wallace, he's likely going to be a) too expensive and b) his shot isn't great which is something we need with Rajon Rondo looking to be our best PG. Charlie Bell, G Milwaukee Bucks: With Mo Williams, Earl Boykins, Bell, Patterson, and young Turk Ersan Ilyasova all looking at free agency, it's doubtful the Bucks will be able to keep everyone. Bell's a tough defender who can hit the three and might be interested in leaving Milwaukee since he could see more playing time and a bigger role in Boston. His playing time shot up this season but with Michael Redd and Bobby Simmons healthy next season, those minutes might be gone. Bell is a longshot but would be a great fit alongside Pierce.
Devin Brown, G New Orleans Hornets: Solid defense, solid three point shooter. With Tony Allen possibly out for some of next season, Brown is an affordable backup/spot starter.
Ime Udoka, SF Portland Trailblazers: Udoka is basically everything that the Knicks wanted Jared Jeffiries to be, except a a fifth of the cost. Like Brown, Udoka is a solid guy to have coming off the pine as his shooting has improved and he is a solid defender. He could fill in as a starter now and then.
Roger Mason Jr., G Washington Wizards: When Mason's gotten the chance, his stroke has been pure and he could be a solid combo guard to bring in if we end up dealing Delonte. Mason's all-around game is tough to gauge as he currently plays alongside Agent Zero and most of his offense is basically waiting to see if Hibachi, Butler or Jamison need to kick it out. Backup Big Men:
I'm still a believer in Kendrick Perkins but the guy just can't stay healthy. And while Brian Scalabrine has been much better this season, the Celtics need to find a useful big to replace Kandiman. Mikki Moore, C New Jersey Nets: A journeyman, Moore has been very solid for the Nets this season and would be the perfect candidate for backing up Perkins or Jefferson in the middle. Unfortunately, it might take more than he's worth to get him out of New Jersey.
Melvin Ely, PF/C San Antonio Spurs: Ely, one of the many mid-first round big men sleepers who never awoke, is a big body and seems to have the potential to be a decent backup. You could do worse.
Primov Brezec C Charlotte Hornets: Brezec would be a nice signing for cheap but there's a lot of issues. He's been banged up all season, is terrible awkward on defense, and is a prime candidate for good numbers on a bad team. If he opts out, he'll likely be looking for more than the 2.8 million he is set to receive and he seems like too big of a risk to be worth that.
If none of these guys are the answer than the Celtics best option will likely be to draft someone in the second round. A risky pick would be Sean Williams, out of (literally) Boston College or a Euro like Marc Gasol. Flyers aka Allan Ray's spot:
Most of these guys will likely be re-upped by their current team but if an opportunity opens to sign Washington's Aundray Blatche, Milwaukee's Ersan Ilyasova, Detroit's Amir Johnson, Miami's Earl Barron or Indiana's James White, it would be worthwhile to save a spot for them.
