All around the league, power forwards are finding new homes, or returning to their respective franchises. Rasheed Wallace, Brandon Bass and Antonio McDyess all found new addresses and Anderson Varejao, Carlos Boozer and Zaza Pachulia elected to stay put. Meanwhile, Utah’s other free agent big man, Paul Millsap, signed an offer sheet with Portland.
So, where does that leave Glen Davis? Unlike the other big-time restricted big man, New York’s David Lee, Davis hasn’t been reported to be making extravagant money demands, but he’s still out there looking for a team. Perhaps the waiting is getting to Big Baby who posted this on his Twitter page Tuesday.
celtic have to do what best for them and you guys the fans! You guys need to facebook or myspace and tweet everybody. Keep Bigbaby in bos.
And:
Man I love Boston , this is where I started my career! But sometimes you forget that this is a business!!!!
While Davis frets, there were two other moves earlier this week that may have an impact on where Big Baby eventually lands.
First, Detroit traded Arron Afflalo and Walter Sharpe to Denver for a draft pick, and the subsequent cap room. According to reports out of Detroit, the Pistons now have about $3.5 million in cap space to take a run at a free agent big man. Like Davis. (The rest of the names include Joe Smith, Drew Gooden and Chris Wilcox at the high end, all of who are unrestricted.) Would the Celtics match at $3.5 million? That’s a good question.
Owner Wyc Grousbeck certainly sounds like someone who would be interested in retaining Davis.
“We'd love to have Baby back,” Grousbeck said Tuesday in an interview with WEEI.com's Jessica Camerato.
The Celtics will be over the luxury tax next season, as they have been since adding Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. That means any deal for Davis needs to be seen in the context of the dollar-for-dollar tax penalty. Grousbeck and the other owners have not been shy about paying the tax.
“We are investing based on the support and loyalty of our fans and sponsors, the best in the league,” Grosubeck said in an e-mail last week. “We put it right into the team and the supporting staff and hope it leads to more banners.”
Still, there is always a limit and the Celtics have been coy about what that limit actually is.
The other move may not have been so beneficial to Davis. Orlando elected to pick up the tab on Marcin Gortat who had signed an offer sheet with the Mavericks. The Magic also added Bass, ironically late of the Mavericks, and that would seem to take Orlando out of the running.
As for Dallas; owner Mark Cuban said last week (or Tweeted -- it’s really the same thing) that the Mavs were not pursuing Davis and reports there indicate that they may be making a run at Lamar Odom.
New Orleans is still considered a potential destination, but the Hornets are struggling financially and might have to move Tyson Chandler before getting into any sign and trade discussions with the Celtics.
But the biggest domino still to fall may be Boozer. After toying with Utah all season, Boozer elected not to exercise the opt-out in his contract and now he may be in play for a trade. Boozer certainly hopes so. He went on a Chicago radio station and floated the idea himself. Chicago, Miami and maybe even Detroit could all be in the mix.
So, where does this leave Big Baby? Still in limbo, it would appear.
Danny Ainge wisely allowed the market to come back to Davis, and from a financial standpoint that appears to be paying off. At the dawn of free agency there was talk of teams throwing their entire mid-level exception at him. That talk has cooled considerably.
It’s been a whirlwind first week of free agency. Here’s where the teams in the East stand so far.
THE CONTENDERS
Celtics
New addition: Rasheed Wallace
Still to do: Backup point guard and a swing player who can take some minutes away from Paul Pierce. Depending on the Davis situation, another big man wouldn’t hurt. The Celtics do have internal options with Gabe Pruitt at the point and Bill Walker and JR Giddens at small forward. Ainge said after Wallace’s press conference that he didn’t have a positional priority one way or the other, only that he would be seeking the best talent.
Now that the majority of big names are gone and the restricted free agents are beginning to get play, the Celtics will presumably pick over what’s left. It’s worth remembering that Ainge struck gold with Eddie House and James Posey who signed late in the process in 2007. Veterans who are, or who are likely to be bought out (Bruce Bowen, Jerry Stackhouse, Ben Wallace) could also be interesting.
Cavaliers
New additions: Shaquille O’Neal, Anthony Parker.
Still to do: Not much, especially because they locked up free agent Anderson Varejao for a princely sum, although there is word that they have interest in Joey Graham, the better player of the Graham brothers.
The O’Neal trade obviously dominated the headlines, but the Parker signing was a nice under-the-radar coup. The 34-year-old is a solid piece who can add size to the backcourt and also back up LeBron James. The Shaq move carries a whiff of desperation, but bringing in Parker was a solid decision.
Magic
New additions: Vince Carter, Ryan Anderson, Brandon Bass
Still to do: Orlando has been throwing out money at a furious pace inking Bass, re-signing Gortat and taking on the remaining three years of Carter’s contract. It will be interesting to see how Stan Van Gundy plays his new roster. He can move Carter and Rashard Lewis around at the 2-3-4 spots and maybe even team Gortat with Dwight Howard in a twin towers look.
The new additions look good on paper (keep an eye on Anderson as a shooter off the bench), but they came at a cost. Hedo Turkoglu is now in Toronto and he was Orlando’s best (only?) creator off the dribble, a role that Carter now fills. Don’t forget that Courtney Lee went in the Carter deal and he impressed during the playoffs.
THE NEBULOUS MIDDLE GROUND
Hawks
New addition: Jamal Crawford, Jeff Teague (draft)
Still to do: The Hawks have re-signed Mike Bibby and Zaza Pachulia, but they still have restricted free agent Marvin Williams to deal with. Crawford gives them a shooter and adds depth to a backcourt that was not deep, but is that enough to get them over the 45-50 win hump? Crawford has his admirers but he’s essentially a shoot-first guard, which means he’ll fit right in with Atlanta.
Wizards
New additions: Randy Foye, Mike Miller, Flip Saunders (coach)
Still to do: Ernie Grunfeld did his work before the draft flipping his pick and some deep rotation players to Minnesota for Foye and Miller. They should go a long way, along with the return of a healthy Gilbert Arenas, toward making Washington a playoff team again, and really the NBA is a much better place when Agent Zero is around. (Remember when Arenas’ blog was all the rage? It seems so Windows '98 now that we’re in the Twitter era).
There is word that Grunfeld is also working on bringing in Fabricio Oberto, late of the Spurs. Of all the teams behind the top three the Wizards have the best chance to challenge the ruling triumvirate.
Bulls
New addition: Jannero Pargo, James Johnson and Taj Gibson (draft)
Still to do: What, Pargo doesn’t do it for you? Actually, he’s a decent addition for their bench now that Ben Gordon is in Detroit, but Pargo doesn’t really move the needle one way or another. The epic quest for a big man who can score on the low post continues.
(That’s Carlos Boozer over there waving his hand saying, “Pick me. Pick me.”)
Pistons
New additions: Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Austin Daye (draft)
Still to do: That frontcourt is a little thin -- and we don’t mean the 190-pound Daye -- now that Wallace is in Boston and Antonio McDyess signed with the Spurs. The Gordon deal is a little perplexing since it’s been shown fairly convincingly over the years that while he’s a wonderful shooter, he remains completely one-dimensional (witness his 42-point, one rebound, zero assist game against the Celtics in Game 2 of the playoffs).
While he still has some wiggle room, Joe Dumars essentially burned his cap space on Gordon and Villanueva, which will help make them competitive, but not exactly a championship contender.
LOOKING FOR THAT 8TH SPOT
Raptors
New additions: Hedo Turkoglu, Antoine Wright, Reggie Evans, DeMar DeRozen (draft)
Still to do: Bryan Colangelo said there would be more moves coming and he has signed Indiana restricted free agent point guard Jarrett Jack to an offer sheet. In addition to being a competent young point guard, Jack has the added benefit of being friends with Chris Bosh from their time together at Georgia Tech. The Raps should be better, but they still have holes on their bench and asking DeRozen to be an immediate contributor might be asking a bit much.
Sixers
New additions: Jrue Holliday (draft).
Still to do: No one can accuse the Sixers of blindly throwing money around in free agency. They entered the summer with five free agents and they still have five free agents… and no signings. According to GM Ed Stefanski, the Sixers are looking to add a point guard, a wing and two bigs. Aside from that they’re all set.
The point guard should be Andre Miller, but things are progressing slowly. Philly is fighting a losing battle for interest in the city and the Sixers still haven’t assimilated Elton Brand yet. So, uh, no rush Ed (either Brandon or Kareem.)
Heat
New additions: None.
Still to do: Convince Dwyane Wade that they’re serious. The flirtation with Allen Iverson seems to be in that vein, but what the Answer can provide at this stage of his career is still very much a question. They have been named in the Boozer sweepstakes and that would make an awful lot more sense than bringing AI to South Beach.
THE REST
Knicks
New additions: Darko Millic, Jordan Hill and Toney Douglas (draft)
Still to do: The Knicks struck out on Jason Kidd and Grant Hill, and now they are left looking at what could be a significantly diminished salary cap in 2010. Mike D’Antoni is already downplaying expectations and if it wasn’t clear what the plan was before it is now: LeBron or bust.
Nets
New additions: Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston, Tony Battie, Terrence Williams (draft)
Still to do: Anyone else left from when the Nets were good? No. Rod Thorn’s work is done here.
Bucks
New additions: Kurt Thomas, Amir Johnson, Brandon Jennings (draft)
Still to do: Shed more salary. The Bucks are in luxury tax hell, which seems odd for a team that isn’t any good. They also still need to re-sign Ramon Sessions, which should be a no-brainer, but hasn’t happened yet (see: hell, luxury tax). If nothing else they have become vastly more interesting with Jennings. Forget Terrell Owens. The free-spirited Jennings and coach Scott Skiles should get a reality show.
Pacers
New additions: Dahntay Jones, Tyler Hansbrough (draft)
Still to do: I’ll admit I have no idea what Larry Bird is doing with this team. Hansbrough was a reach, but why Jones? Did the Pacers really need a defensive-minded swingman for four years?
Bobcats
New addition: Gerald Henderson (draft)
Still to do: Find a new owner, preferably one who will spend money. The shame of it is that Charlotte isn’t that far away from being respectable and with another year under Larry Brown the Bobcats could finally make a playoff push. Raymond Felton joins Sessions as an as-yet unsigned restricted free agent point guard.
PAUL FLANNERY
In the latest edition of the "It Is What It Is" podcast, Chris Price and CSNNE's Mike Giardi take a look at the Patriots offseason on both sides of the ball, try and get a handle on which new guys will make an impact first, and whether or not the Patriots have altered their style when it comes to drafting and developing wide receivers.
Mike Florio joined the program to discuss the Jets decision to release Tim Tebow, he said the situation is as disaster all around for the Jets and that the problems begins with owner Woody Johnson. Mike also said that he was disappointed with the Pats moving back in the first round.
One of the hardest working men in the biz, Mike Petraglia aka "Trags", sits down with Butch Stearns live in Foxborough to help break down all the latest Pats moves. He discusses his reaction to the trade in Round 1 and the guys those picks produced. Also, the boys talk about the decent trade the Pats made in acquiring LeGarrette Blount from Tampa Bay for Jeff Demps and a 7th rounder.
We check in with Danny Ainge for our first talk to him since the Celtics season ended last weekend. We talk about the future of the team, KG, Pierce, Doc Rivers and more, as Danny directly answers the rumors being floated by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.
Jackie Mac joins the show to discuss the trade rumors swirling around Paul Pierce, KG, Doc Rivers and the Celtics. She also discusses the future of the Celtics head coach.
Stephen A. joined the program to discuss the trade rumors he has reported regarding a possible trade including Doc Rivers and the Clippers. Stephen A. also told the guys that he has heard that Danny and Doc may be tiring of working together.
Joe Castiglione talked with John Lackey after he picked up the W against the Twins. Lackey threw seven innings, and retired the 1st twelve batters of the game.
Dave O'Brien talked to John Farrell before the end of the Twins series. The Sox skipper said that Big Papi's success is no surprise given his work ethic.
John Farrell postgame press conference
Dale and DJ roll on with their puck talk and chat some more about the goalie matchup in this series, as well as the lack of a quality power play for both of these teams. In fact, DJ says the Rangers are even worse on the PP than the B’s! The guys also get into the resurgence of Milan Lucic and his deceptive speed and grit. Dale and DJ talk about the similar styles of play for these teams and look forward to Game 2.
Dale and DJ get into the two coaches and their polar opposite styles and demeanor. Both teams play a similar style, but the coaches certainly convey their messages in a different way. Dale isn't buying the Tortorella hype and thinks he's a little overrated. DJ thinks he's a good coach, but isn't a fan of anti-media stance. The guys also talk about Jagr and how he has not lived up to the hype. They weren't expecting him to light it up or be the savior, but DJ says he wasn't prepared for just how slow the aging veteran is. Another big topic for B's fans this season is the play of Tyler Seguin and why he has yet to become the superstar everyone anticipates he will be. This leads to Claude Julien's style and if he does actually have something against the younger players. That Iginla trade shows its ugly head again as well.
WEEI.com's DJ Bean joins Dale in studio for Sports Sunday to discuss the Bruins playoff run. Game 2 is later today and the guys discuss the results of the first game of the series. They get into the construction of the lines for the B's and if they would make any changes. DJ has a few ideas for the lines today. The boys also discuss the two goalies - Tuukka vs Henrik Lundqvist and wonder why people automatically think the Rangers have the edge at goalie. Finally, they get into the legacy and the decisions of Claude Julien and Peter Chiarelli.
After hearing the horrible performance by Alexis Normand at the Memorial Cup in Canada Minihane saved us all be delivering a heartfelt rendition of our national anthem.
The guys opened the show discussing the Bruins blowout win yesterday afternoon over the Rangers. Gerry is still waiting for the real Lundqvist to show up in the series.
Shawn joined the program to discuss another overtime win for the Bruins. When asked about Game 7 against Toronto, Thornton said that he would like to keep his specific comments in the dressing room private, but acknowledged that he encouraged Tyler Seguin to up his play and it paid off in overtime.
Bruins rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski has emerged as one of the young stars of the team and he joins Mut and Tom Caron to discuss his role on the team, why he's confident, and the trade that almost sent him to Calgary.
Millar joins the show to discuss the recent Sox slide, Jacoby Ellsbury's lack of power, and hitting in the big leagues.
Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss the Bruins Game 1 win over the Rangers, the play of the three young Bruins defensemen, and the fatigue Jagr has shown on the ice.
We talk all things game one with Jack Edwards of NESN, and get to hear a little from Jack's Finnish protege as well.
We tackle four topics we haven't yet touched upon today.. Joe Thornton and disappointing former Boston athletes, parking in Boston, buying jersey numbers and more...
We talk about the report that Rob Gronkowski may now be a candidate for back surgery with a disc problem. Is Gronk just an injury prone guy? Or is he not rehabbing proberly? Can the Pats build an offense around a guy who is so inconsistently on the field? We discuss.
The Bruins have almost finished raking the Leafs, the Red Sox struggle from the mound, Miami Heat fans show their level of class.
Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th
Today on the Daily Planet the Bruins take a 2-1 series lead, the Red Sox get a run-off win, and we hear about cannibals and bible thieves.
Sounds like a prostate exam to me!
Damn New Yorkers!
Sauce Man stylings!
Linda explains how the shootout transpired in Watertown during the early morning hours. She saw the first suspect mortally wounded and police beginning the manhunt for the second suspect.
More from this showWe check in with Danny Ainge for our first talk to him since the Celtics season ended last weekend. We talk about the future of the team, KG, Pierce, Doc Rivers and more, as Danny directly answers the rumors being floated by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.
More from this showBuster Olney joins the show to discuss the muddled AL East, the average play of Ellsbury and how that will affect him in free agency, and Tropicana Field.
More from this showDale Arnold joined the program to preview the Bruins Rangers series with John, Gerry and Kirk. Dale thinks the Bruins have the advantage in the series over New York.
More from this showBecause it's CUP time. We talk Bruins and NHL hockey with Jack Edwards of NESN live with us in studio.
More from this show