James and the Giant Hole in the Rotation
With Posey gone, the Celtics now have three available roster spots, all three of which will likely be in the rotation (two of which could be the first two players off the pine). Who can the Celtics get to fill these spots? Who's available?
1. Kelenna Azubuike: If you know me, you're probably sick of hearing me gush over Azubuike but I love this kid. He can defend and he can hit the open 3. He doesn't have Posey's height so he won't be as strong against opposing SF's (or the only one that matters, LeBron) but he's better against 2-guards.
Signed Offer Sheet with L.A. Clippers
2. J.R. Smith: J.R. Smith for the MLE would be a steal but the reason I rank him below 'Buike is his defense. Smith has All-Star talent in him but he hasn't been able to put it all together. If there's a chance for him to do it, what better place than alongside Ray Allen, Pierce, and KG?
3. Josh Childress: Can't imagine Atlanta doesn't match but he's basically Posey-lite.
4. Devin Brown: A tough veteran, Brown would be a great, cheap answer however I am a bit nervous about the fact that his three point percentage dipped to 31% last season.
5. Mickael Gelabale: The 6'7 Frenchman probably isn't strong enough to defend LeBron but he is an active defender and shot the ball fairly well last season. Plus, he's got some great hair. The problem, of course, is that he might not be ready (or able) to handle significant minutes, especially come playoff time.
6. Devean George: Fading as he gets older, George can at least still defend and shoot the three.
7. Matt Barnes: I'm not a Matt Barnes fan, especially since his three point percentage dipped this past season, but he can handle the 3 and 4 and wouldn't be a bad signing. If we could get Barnes and a 2-guard lik Azubuike, I'd be happy.
8. Kirk Snyder: Still only 25, Snyder seems like the guy who could be a late bloomer in the right situation. He shot the three pointer better earlier in his career and is potentially a good defender, he might not be a bad option to take over Tony Allen's roster spot.
9. Mo Evans/Keith Bogans: Meh. Either of them wouldn't be a bad last ditch signing but I wouldn't offer much.
10. Ruben Patterson: If it's defense we need, it's defense he can provide. However he most certainly won't fit Posey's three-for-all role in the offense.
After that ten, I'd probably just look to bring back Tony Allen and spend more money on a backup point guard.
