The Sharks are Circling

Will Garnett and Pierce be moved?

So, word has it with Rajon Rondo's recent ACL injury that has him out for the rest of the season, the Celtics are receiving tons of phone calls inquiring about the availability of veterans Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

Many are assuming now that the floor general for the Celtics is out, (Rondo was averaging 14pts/11ast a game) the Celtics should blow up the team and start the rebuilding process---as opposed to making a move for a stop-gap PG that will help the current 8th seed team limp into the playoffs.

Currently Pierce, 35 and Garnett, 36, are being sought after by playoff contenders that could possibly use one of the the veterans to catapult them to a championship. Of the two, Pierce is the most movable, only owed $4mil for this season---but is under contract for 2013-14 at $17mill, and a player option in 2014-15 for $15mill (Garnett is owed $18mill, but contract is expiring)

Pierce and Garnett are pretty much the only valuable trade chips the Celtics have at the moment; Avery Bradley's stock is wayyyy down after a pretty lousy season thus far. The only obstacle standing in the Celtics way is pride and loyalty, with the latter being directed at longtime Celtic, Pierce. It's hard to see the Celtics part with Pierce unless Pierce openly asks for one. Garnett doesn't hold the same title in Boston, but his departure would mean the Celtics would most likely miss out of any deep playoff run possibilities this season. Coach Doc Rivers has already said: 

"You can go ahead, but I'm not. We won tonight and so, the way I look at it is, we're going to stay in there. In my opinion, we're going nowhere."

Pride may keep the Celtics from trading Garnett (or Pierce) and giving up on the season. 

Personally, I don't think the Celtics are good enough to reach the Championship this year or next year with their current roster. I think it is in the best interest of the team to trade one of them, if not both, for whatever young talent and draft picks they can get.

Ainge has to do whats best for the team.

However, I'm a big fan of franchise players. I love seeing a player stay with a team his whole career. It would be awfully sad to see Pierce leave the Celtics. Danny Ainge and the Celtics organization are walking a fine line with how they handle Pierce; I think they should ask Pierce whether or not he wants traded---a move that could be beneficial to both Pierce and the Celtics: Pierce could pursue 1-2 more rings with another team and the Celtics could start the rebuilding process

As far as Garnett goes, I think he should be traded for sure...if they can find the right deal.

The only problem I have with all this trade talks is finding a suitable trade partner. I can't see the Celtics trading either veteran player to a team not already poised for a deep playoff run. I mean, why would the Celtics ship off Pierce or Garnett (or Terry) to any other team? It wouldn't be right.

Only 2 teams come to mind as possible suitors:

Memphis Grizzlies
- Grizzlies have been in trade rumors all season, specifically with SF Rudy Gay. The Grizz are playoff contenders. Rudy Gay would be a great rebuilding piece for BOS.

Maybe Rudy Gay for Paul Pierce and Garnett straight up? I'm not sure if the contacts add up, but it has to be close. Probably the best case scenario for the Celtics.

Gay would be best-case scenario for Celtics

Philadelphia 76'ers
- The 76'ers may try to trade Andrew Bynum, rather than resigning him or letting him walk this summer. Bynum has been injured all season so far and hasn't been a part of the teams success this year. They could move him and not risk hurting the team. The addition of Garnett and Pierce could catapult them too title contenders (especially with Jrue Holiday plating at an All-Star level) Andrew Bynum could be healthy when Rondo returns next season. Bynum is young and talented, despite injury concerns. They could take the chance. The fact that this would be a trade within the Eastern Conference may hinder trade possibilities, however.

Bynum would be a high-risk, high reward move

The lack of suitable trade partners (that are good fits for Garnett and Pierce, as well as the Celtics) may mean that the Celtics don't make a move before the Feb. 21st trade deadline. They may just play the rest of the season and let Garnett walk this summer and retain Pierce til his retires...or they blow the team up like everyone is speculating.

Who knows.

Poor Paul Pierce

Did you guys see Paul Pierce fall to his knees after Joe Johnson crossed him up? It was brutal. It was eerily similar to how Kevin Hart described Shaq falling down.

This is the latest in Pierce's growing resume of being victimized by opposing guards:

Jameer Nelson infamously knocked Pierce down awhile back.

The 35yr old SF is still throwing it down this season, leading the team in ppg (19.7), his most since 08-09. His stroke from outside the 3point line has been especially nice.

The Celtics aren't doing so hot thus far, sitting at 8-7. Pierce is going to have to play even better with Rajon Rondo suspended the next 2 games because of his fight with Kris Humphries of the Brooklyn Nets last night. 

"The John Wall"

     Today, on the most fitting of days, the first day of the NBA season, I have coined a new term.  It is a term that describes the imaginary barrier that a player who has high potential cannot seem to pass to become a franchise player.  That barrier, is "The John Wall".

     John Wall, a guy who came into the NBA with such high hopes that he seemed to be the savior of Washington D.C., was a media phenom.  Although I was not one of the rabid followers who flocked to him, I definitely saw why there was hype.  This guy is a beast on paper.  He is 6'4", 195 pounds, and damn fast, with handles to match his speed.  One thing he did lack though, was a shooting stroke.  That tends to be a problem for high flyers going into the NBA though, so not a huge problem off the bat.

     So why can't Wall establish himself as a franchise point guard?  In his seasons playing for the Wizards, his shooting has gotten worse, especially from behind the arc, where he shot 3 for 42 (I'm disgusted and Josh Martin knows that is saying something coming from me).  John Wall also struggles to play the half court game.  He is a cold blooded killer on the break (which I dream of from time to time), but cannot establish himself in the part of the game that concerns his teammates the most.

     Rajon Rondo still seems to be struggling as a "franchise" player.  He has a similar issue that Wall does, with a shooting stroke that just can't seem to be fixed.  He can score in droves from time to time, and pass the ball with the best of them but teams shrug him off at the perimeter, which makes him less of a threat.  This season especially more people are doubting his real potential.

     I know it probably hurts Josh, who has the three point stroke of a golden demigod, to watch players without the long range game he loves.  Damn, it hurts me to watch it and I only put up three's when I think its absolutely necessary, but I think it hurts us both more, to see John Wall struggling to climb "The John Wall".  

     Will John Wall become a franchise guy?  Honestly, in my opinion, I say no.  I was hesitant from the beginning and after seeing his jumper just get worse, I cannot see him progressing into a franchise player.  I know that it seems like blasphemy, but I just can't say he'll be a superstar.  

     For reference on future star point guards, refer to the article below"Thunderstorm in Cleveland" by Josh Martin.  Its about a guard who for sure is a star.  (If John Wall is reading this, highlight that page.)