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Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
As Doc Rivers told reporters in Charlotte Monday, "I think what we have to do really is wait and see with the Marquis situation, how long that will be. If [it’s] that long then we have to do something."
Their options are limited because their roster is full and they do not have many tradeable assets to swing a deal. Here are some possible remedies:
The Celtics have 15 players under contract, the maximum number allowed by the league. If they want to add a veteran free agent, like say, Adam Morrison, or a player from the D-League on a 10-day contract, they would have to remove a player to open a roster spot. Wafer was thought to be on the bubble earlier this season, but his contract has become guaranteed and removing him simply opens another hole.
[…] Remember also that the Celtics are over the cap and any trade would have to send back matching value in terms of contracts, which would likely eliminate any of the higher-priced options. All of this puts Ainge in a tough spot. He has pulled rabbits out of his hat before and has a well-deserved reputation for making creative deals, but Ainge is not dealing with many assets this time around.
If you're looking for under-the-radar names, keep an eye on the Cleveland duo ofAnthony Parker and Jamario Moon, both of whom are in the last years of their contracts and both make around $3 million.
WEEI: No easy answers for Marquis Daniels or Celtics
I only took bits and pieces from this, but this piece from Paul Flannery is a must-read for a complete breakdown of what the Celtics are facing with Marquis Daniels.
We all knew from day one that Marquis was the one bench guy the Celtics could least afford to lose simple because we don't have another guy like him around. Now that he's gone, we're scrambling to figure out what to do.
My opinion: Stick with what you've got. Don't make a panic move. Of course, that assumes Quis is coming back in no more than two months and will be fully functional physically and mentally (meaning he won't be playing timid when he returns because he's afraid of a repeat of the injury). You can mix and match at the three and make it through the regular season without him. Von Wafer can fill in for stretches, although that means going small. Big Baby and Luke can give you some time there… although that means giving up speed. There's no perfect in-house solution. If there was, then we wouldn't still be talking about this then, would we?
If Quis can't make it back, that's when we have to look at other options. I like the idea of Anthony Parker. And I'd be ok with giving up Nate to do it. The problem is (a) the salaries don't match so the C's would have to get something else back… and I don't see Parker + a pick or cash just to get Nate happening and (b) would the Cavs even WANT Nate Robinson. You could make a case that they could start Nate out there and give him free reign to chuck the ball as much as he wants… maybe drumming up some excitement. But again… there's no perfect solution there either.
Related Links: Globe: They didn't see this coming | ESPN Boston: Celtics might finally need reinforcements
On Page 2: Pierce gets the showdown he wants
Paul Pierce will defend his 3-point shootout title against a field that includes fellow Boston Celtics All-Star Ray Allen and NBA scoring leader Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City.
Allen is on the verge of becoming the career leader in 3-pointers made. He won the title 10 years ago while playing for Milwaukee. Pierce was the champion last year in Dallas, scoring 20 points in the final round to beat Stephen Curry.
The remainder of the field announced Tuesday is Miami’s James Jones, Golden State’s Dorell Wright and Cleveland’s Daniel Gibson.
Herald: Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Durant in 3 point contest
Pierce tweeted a week and a half ago that he wanted to face Ray in this contest… and Ray responded a few days later in an expletive-laden rant by simply saying he likes his chances.
So we get the matchup we wanted… but will we get the final we want? Pierce versus Ray in the Final would be fantastic… especially if they end up tied and have to go to a shootout.
Yep… that would be a storybook ending. And since we all want that so badly… that now, of course, means we should congratulate the 2011 shoot out winner, Dorell Wright.
Related links: ESPN Boston: Pierce, Allen in 3 point contest | WEEI: Pierce joins Ray in 3 point contest
The rest of the links:
ESPN Boston: Perk's punching the clock | Power rankings: C's slip to 3 | Snapshot: Reggie and history | Herald: Avery Bradley gets some needed prepping | Globe: Chat with Nate today at 2 | CSNNE: Truth & Rumors | Celtics aim: their best against the worst
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