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Celtics Basketball => Celtics Talk => Topic started by: ImShakHeIsShaq on June 11, 2013, 04:29:07 AM

Title: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: ImShakHeIsShaq on June 11, 2013, 04:29:07 AM
http://www.notizie.it/basket-datome-sbarca-in-nba-accordo-con-i-boston-celtics/


Gigi Datome Italian will be the fourth in the NBA next season, the captain of ACEA Rome after playing in a big league jersey Virtus drew upon himself the eyes of many American observers, particularly those of the Boston Celtics, the team with which will play next season. The official agreement will be given only after the conclusion of the championship final, where is engaged.


BTW: I don't know what the article says except for the translation I did through Google.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: LGC88 on June 11, 2013, 04:46:46 AM
Maybe they tried to hide the info due to the team being in playoffs. But it might also be a speculation.
Anyway we need this kind of rotation player for the regular season, so I believe the info is true.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: bfrombleacher on June 11, 2013, 04:48:22 AM
http://www.sportando.net/eng/italy/serie-a/56790/gigi-datome-denied-any-rumors-about-the-celtics.html

Gigi denies on Twitter.

http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1238535&start=45

RealGM's Celtic fans say denials don't mean anything.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: lightspeed5 on June 11, 2013, 04:51:03 AM
it seems hes a 3 pt specialist who can dunk in the lane as well.

lol at that 3/4 court heave that he made

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBeAKDS8uwo
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: bfrombleacher on June 11, 2013, 05:10:32 AM
it seems hes a 3 pt specialist who can dunk in the lane as well.

Micah Downs?
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: CFAN38 on June 11, 2013, 08:07:06 AM
If true a nice pick up, still you at 25. He has great size and from reports and stats seems to be a great offensive player. He may struggle to defend but as a specialist coming off the bench I like the pick up. He could be a slightly more well rounded Steve Novak?
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Boris Badenov on June 11, 2013, 08:53:04 AM
it seems hes a 3 pt specialist who can dunk in the lane as well.

lol at that 3/4 court heave that he made

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBeAKDS8uwo

Connor Henry 2.0
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: PhoSita on June 11, 2013, 01:57:23 PM
I generally assume that when a foreign outlet reports something and we don't get a near-simultaneous report from Adrian Wojnarowski, it's just rumor or conjecture.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: bfrombleacher on June 11, 2013, 08:19:25 PM
Shak, your thread made it to the front page  ;D

http://www.celticsblog.com/2013/6/11/4418584/rumor-celtics-interested-in-gigi-datome
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: bfrombleacher on June 24, 2013, 06:30:07 AM
http://lanuovasardegna.gelocal.it/sport/2013/06/11/news/gigi-datome-a-caccia-dello-scudetto-1.7239632

Quote
After this final will leave for the NBA, Boston destination.

Says Google Translate.

http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1238535&sid=6af3904cd81c88f8c4f322696e342ab2&start=60

RealGM confirms it too.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Lebowski on June 30, 2013, 05:19:16 AM
Quote
Gigi Datome will leave Virtus Roma in the summer, despite one year remaining on the contract, to realize his dream to play in the NBA.

Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies are the two NBA teams interested in the Italian forward who had his best season in career.

Datome was named Serie A Regular Season MVP and ended the year averaging 16.4ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.7apg in 48 games.

Virtus Roma General Manager Nicola Alberani, in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, said "Datome is pursued by Celtics and Grizzlies with Boston as front runners to sign him".

http://www.sportando.net/eng/usa/nba/58116/gigi-datome-between-boston-celtics-and-memphis-grizzlies.html (http://www.sportando.net/eng/usa/nba/58116/gigi-datome-between-boston-celtics-and-memphis-grizzlies.html)
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: vjcsmoke on June 30, 2013, 05:38:12 AM
Well getting another SF is definitely a need with Pierce leaving.  It's just a rumor at this point, but we'll see once the Italian playoffs are over.  Datome will be competing with Olynyk for best hair?  LOL
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Global Celtic on June 30, 2013, 06:09:20 AM
Datome is simply one of the best Euro players... Deadly shooter, high energy guy.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Lebowski on June 30, 2013, 06:25:45 AM
Well getting another SF is definitely a need with Pierce leaving.  It's just a rumor at this point, but we'll see once the Italian playoffs are over.  Datome will be competing with Olynyk for best hair?  LOL

Their playoffs have finished. Dionte Christmas' Siena team beat Datome's Roma, 4-1. Interesting that the quote comes from Roma's GM this time around. From what I've seen of Datome's game I'd love to have him in Boston, seems like a real low-risk, high-reward signing. With him, Olynyk, and Iverson we'd have quite the coterie of goofy-looking white guys though ;D
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: clover on June 30, 2013, 07:26:47 AM
I'd rather see him as a backup 3 on the team than Kris Joseph.  But with the two of them behind Green on the depth chart, we'd never have to worry about the new coach giving Green enough minutes.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Rickretro on June 30, 2013, 08:08:25 AM
I hope we get this guy.  He really looks like a high energy offensive minded madman out there! When might this be announced??
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: bfrombleacher on June 30, 2013, 08:21:35 AM
A 25 year old, you reckon he'd still want to play for this rebuilding team?
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Sketch5 on June 30, 2013, 08:33:42 AM
A 25 year old, you reckon he'd still want to play for this rebuilding team?

Well before he'd get very little playing time here with PP and Green in front of him. Now with just Green he'll play a lot more and if he dose well his stock will rise for that nice NBA contract.

Plus Im wondering if this was part of the deal all along with the C's. Telling him that in 2013 there would be room for him one way or an other. And thats why we haven't been hearing anything official yet.

Still wont hold my breath for this to happen.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Sully7 on June 30, 2013, 09:13:12 AM
In a lot of ways this is exactly the type of move and player the C"s need to add depth with out improving too much..

- Can shoot the 3 (desperately need this)
- Athletic/Energy
- Offensive threat
- 25 years of age

The world is catching up with America...this guy looks like he'll at very least contribute, as with any player. lets hope for more.

Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Cman on June 30, 2013, 09:18:38 AM

RealGM confirms it too.

Is that an oxymoron?
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: hwangjini_1 on June 30, 2013, 09:34:34 AM
so gigi is really coming to the celtics? that is an excellent addition to the offense for the celtics....and they dont have to expend any resources aside of salary. great job by ainge!!

the celtics offense this coming year was a big question mark. aside from green and rondo there was no one who could reliably make a basket....and on a number of occasions even rondo would have had trouble since everyone would clog the lane.

but with gigi and olynyk, suddenly the celtics have a front line that can shoot from mid-range and beyond.

this confirms for me that ainge is NOT trying to tank into the top 5 picks this year. instead, he is accumulating assets and good role players as a plan to acquire a couple of stars. then hope the brooklyn picks turn into gold.

next year, they might even make the playoffs if they are not careful.  ;D
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: clover on June 30, 2013, 09:37:17 AM
so gigi is really coming to the celtics? that is an excellent addition to the offense for the celtics....and they dont have to expend any resources aside of salary. great job by ainge!!

the celtics offense this coming year was a big question mark. aside from green and rondo there was no one who could reliably make a basket....and on a number of occasions even rondo would have had trouble since everyone would clog the lane.

but with gigi and olynyk, suddenly the celtics have a front line that can shoot from mid-range and beyond.

this confirms for me that ainge is NOT trying to tank into the top 5 picks this year. instead, he is accumulating assets and good role players as a plan to acquire a couple of stars. then hope the brooklyn picks turn into gold.

next year, they might even make the playoffs if they are not careful.  ;D

I think he's trying to accumulate and feature assets next year, but the team will be so young as to opportunistically position them for a good pick in 2014 as well.  (Remember, that too is an asset.)
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: kozlodoev on June 30, 2013, 10:10:07 AM
Sportando has a history of publishing bogus rumors involving the Celtics. I wouldn't make too much of it.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: PhoSita on June 30, 2013, 10:52:07 AM
I don't really see the point in spending money to acquire a 26 year old Italian version of Andres Nocioni.  We already have Green, Wallace, Joseph, and Terrence Williams to play the 3, not to mention Lee.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: clover on June 30, 2013, 10:58:46 AM
I don't really see the point in spending money to acquire a 26 year old Italian version of Andres Nocioni.  We already have Green, Wallace, Joseph, and Terrence Williams to play the 3, not to mention Lee.

Green's the only one of those I'd count on being with the C's next season.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: PhoSita on June 30, 2013, 11:45:04 AM
I don't really see the point in spending money to acquire a 26 year old Italian version of Andres Nocioni.  We already have Green, Wallace, Joseph, and Terrence Williams to play the 3, not to mention Lee.

Green's the only one of those I'd count on being with the C's next season.

Maybe, but at least some of those guys are probably cheaper than it'd take to get this Datome guy.

Why not just give minutes to Williams and Joseph instead of spending on a Euro role player with no upside who would probably ask for at least a couple million a year?
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Monkhouse on June 30, 2013, 11:46:07 AM
I don't really see the point in spending money to acquire a 26 year old Italian version of Andres Nocioni.  We already have Green, Wallace, Joseph, and Terrence Williams to play the 3, not to mention Lee.

Green's the only one of those I'd count on being with the C's next season.

Maybe, but at least some of those guys are probably cheaper than it'd take to get this Datome guy.

Why not just give minutes to Williams and Joseph instead of spending on a Euro role player with no upside who would probably ask for at least a couple million a year?

Don't know where you'd get an international player would ask for at least a couple million a year...
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: hpantazo on June 30, 2013, 11:52:16 AM
I don't really see the point in spending money to acquire a 26 year old Italian version of Andres Nocioni.  We already have Green, Wallace, Joseph, and Terrence Williams to play the 3, not to mention Lee.

Green's the only one of those I'd count on being with the C's next season.

Maybe, but at least some of those guys are probably cheaper than it'd take to get this Datome guy.

Why not just give minutes to Williams and Joseph instead of spending on a Euro role player with no upside who would probably ask for at least a couple million a year?

Don't know where you'd get an international player would ask for at least a couple million a year...


and I don't know how you get that he has no upsise either. For all we know, he could be the next Manu Ginobili.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: PhoSita on June 30, 2013, 11:59:50 AM
Why would he come to the NBA if he's just gonna get the veteran minimum?  If he's as good as people say he is, he can get that kind of money in Europe.  For reference, Mirza Teletovic is making 3 million a year on the Nets.

As for "no upside," well, he's already 25 and has probably been playing professionally since he was 16 or 17, like most Euro guys.  I'm sure he's a nice player, but is he that much better than Rudy Fernandez or Andres Nocioni?  Italy isn't even the most competitive league in Europe.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: clover on July 01, 2013, 09:49:28 AM
Sounds like he's definitely coming over and the C's are the frontrunners:

http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2013/07/boston_celtics_free_agency_rum.html

Danny knows he needs more shooters and a more efficient offense.  Both draft picks were efficient and this guy can flat-out shoot.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Chris on July 01, 2013, 09:51:58 AM
Why would he come to the NBA if he's just gonna get the veteran minimum?  If he's as good as people say he is, he can get that kind of money in Europe.  For reference, Mirza Teletovic is making 3 million a year on the Nets.

As for "no upside," well, he's already 25 and has probably been playing professionally since he was 16 or 17, like most Euro guys.  I'm sure he's a nice player, but is he that much better than Rudy Fernandez or Andres Nocioni?  Italy isn't even the most competitive league in Europe.

Well, when Andres Nocioni was 25 (or whenever he came over), he was a heck of an NBA player.  If he can give anything close to what Nocioni gave his first few years, he would be a huge asset.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: bfrombleacher on July 01, 2013, 09:57:06 AM
Why would he come to the NBA if he's just gonna get the veteran minimum?  If he's as good as people say he is, he can get that kind of money in Europe.  For reference, Mirza Teletovic is making 3 million a year on the Nets.

As for "no upside," well, he's already 25 and has probably been playing professionally since he was 16 or 17, like most Euro guys.  I'm sure he's a nice player, but is he that much better than Rudy Fernandez or Andres Nocioni?  Italy isn't even the most competitive league in Europe.

Well, when Andres Nocioni was 25 (or whenever he came over), he was a heck of an NBA player.  If he can give anything close to what Nocioni gave his first few years, he would be a huge asset.

I, too, was perplexed as to why Gigi would come now that the Celts are in smithereens.

I guess there's your reason. After a good first year(s), become a huge asset and get a hefty contract.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Chris on July 01, 2013, 09:58:32 AM
Why would he come to the NBA if he's just gonna get the veteran minimum?  If he's as good as people say he is, he can get that kind of money in Europe.  For reference, Mirza Teletovic is making 3 million a year on the Nets.

As for "no upside," well, he's already 25 and has probably been playing professionally since he was 16 or 17, like most Euro guys.  I'm sure he's a nice player, but is he that much better than Rudy Fernandez or Andres Nocioni?  Italy isn't even the most competitive league in Europe.

Well, when Andres Nocioni was 25 (or whenever he came over), he was a heck of an NBA player.  If he can give anything close to what Nocioni gave his first few years, he would be a huge asset.

I, too, was perplexed as to why Gigi would come now that the Celts are in smithereens.

I guess there's your reason. After a good first year(s), become a huge asset and get a hefty contract.

European guys often come to teams that are not contenders.  It gives them a better chance of getting minutes, and establishing themselves in the NBA. 
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: LooseCannon on July 01, 2013, 10:23:59 AM
Why would he come to the NBA if he's just gonna get the veteran minimum?  If he's as good as people say he is, he can get that kind of money in Europe.  For reference, Mirza Teletovic is making 3 million a year on the Nets.

As for "no upside," well, he's already 25 and has probably been playing professionally since he was 16 or 17, like most Euro guys.  I'm sure he's a nice player, but is he that much better than Rudy Fernandez or Andres Nocioni?  Italy isn't even the most competitive league in Europe.

Some people behave in a manner other than seeking to maximize income.  He dreams of playing in the NBA.  He can follow his dream and, if it doesn't work out, go back to Europe.  He doesn't have to play for the minimum.  The Celtics can use the MLE to sign him.

If he puts together a nice season, he's a respectable trade asset, at least.  He has more upside in that regard than someone Kris Joseph.  He doesn't have to be a star, or even a starter, to make signing him worth it.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Monkhouse on July 01, 2013, 01:11:09 PM
Why would he come to the NBA if he's just gonna get the veteran minimum?  If he's as good as people say he is, he can get that kind of money in Europe.  For reference, Mirza Teletovic is making 3 million a year on the Nets.

As for "no upside," well, he's already 25 and has probably been playing professionally since he was 16 or 17, like most Euro guys.  I'm sure he's a nice player, but is he that much better than Rudy Fernandez or Andres Nocioni?  Italy isn't even the most competitive league in Europe.

And what is Mirza doing besides sitting on the bench?

That's the thing. Italy isn't even competitive at all. Gigi did pretty well, so he's definitely going to attract attention. Which is why he'd most definitely would take a league mininum.

People who intern, would you work for free if it meant it wouldn't help your career or it wasn't paid? No!

He's basically trying to join a team which desperately needs offensive scoring, and help. If he can prove his worth, then other teams will be vying to grab him.

I for one would love to see us get our feet wet into international prospects.

Another factor as to why he'll come along to the Celtics for cheap is, a) Celtics have a good history of winning championships. So starting off from there versus the Grizzlies who haven't had exactly the greatest run at winning titles, and just fired their best coach who actually got them this far doesn't seem too appealing. b) More playing time, can squeeze him as a stretch 4 or 3, or even a SG. I doubt he'll be able to guard the quickest SG's, but we can only hope. c) Not too many people knew of who Gigi was, and many people still don't to this day. Which means he's going to definitely take similar or a lower pay cut just to play in the NBA.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Mencius on July 01, 2013, 01:44:16 PM
I don't really see the point in spending money to acquire a 26 year old Italian version of Andres Nocioni.  We already have Green, Wallace, Joseph, and Terrence Williams to play the 3, not to mention Lee.
According to the original article linked, his salary would be $490,180K.  Not exactly breaking the bank.  Williams is gone.  I'm not sure Joseph is NBA talent either.  Also, don't know if he'll be able to do it or not, but I'd have to think that Danny's primary effort in the remainder of the off-season will be to move productive vets that won't be here for the long haul, i.e. Humphries, Wallace, and BB.  Granted, it'll be no small feat to get that done with Wallace, what with his remaining salary, but that'll be the goal, so Datome could conceivably be the backup SF.  At worst, 3rd string.  I don't think we'll be necessarily overly crowded at that position.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Mencius on July 01, 2013, 01:50:42 PM
I don't really see the point in spending money to acquire a 26 year old Italian version of Andres Nocioni.  We already have Green, Wallace, Joseph, and Terrence Williams to play the 3, not to mention Lee.

Green's the only one of those I'd count on being with the C's next season.
Same here, although moving Wallace would be quite the feat on Danny's part.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: saltlover on July 01, 2013, 01:54:51 PM
I don't really see the point in spending money to acquire a 26 year old Italian version of Andres Nocioni.  We already have Green, Wallace, Joseph, and Terrence Williams to play the 3, not to mention Lee.
According to the original article linked, his salary would be $490,180K.  Not exactly breaking the bank.  Williams is gone.  I'm not sure Joseph is NBA talent either.  Also, don't know if he'll be able to do it or not, but I'd have to think that Danny's primary effort in the remainder of the off-season will be to move productive vets that won't be here for the long haul, i.e. Humphries, Wallace, and BB.  Granted, it'll be no small feat to get that done with Wallace, what with his remaining salary, but that'll be the goal, so Datome could conceivably be the backup SF.  At worst, 3rd string.  I don't think we'll be necessarily overly crowded at that position.

A rookie deal would be really nice, if true, although I'd hope we have an option on a second year.  It would be nice to have his early Bird rights if he pans out after two years at the minimum.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: mmmmm on July 01, 2013, 01:59:04 PM
Count me in among those who would love to see Gigi join the Celtics!

This guy is high energy and has a killer shot.  He is a great playmaker.   Even on defense - which is not his strong suite - he has a knack for making good things happen.

He's lanky and mobile and crafty.   I have no doubt he can play in this league.

He would immediately solve a couple of problems with our current roster:  Outside shooting and depth at the 3.   He'd slot in right behind Green.

If we can get him in on a low-cost minimum contract, preserving the MLE, even better.

Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Neurotic Guy on July 01, 2013, 02:24:13 PM
Why would he come to the NBA if he's just gonna get the veteran minimum?  If he's as good as people say he is, he can get that kind of money in Europe.  For reference, Mirza Teletovic is making 3 million a year on the Nets.

As for "no upside," well, he's already 25 and has probably been playing professionally since he was 16 or 17, like most Euro guys.  I'm sure he's a nice player, but is he that much better than Rudy Fernandez or Andres Nocioni?  Italy isn't even the most competitive league in Europe.

Well, when Andres Nocioni was 25 (or whenever he came over), he was a heck of an NBA player.  If he can give anything close to what Nocioni gave his first few years, he would be a huge asset.

I, too, was perplexed as to why Gigi would come now that the Celts are in smithereens.

I guess there's your reason. After a good first year(s), become a huge asset and get a hefty contract.

European guys often come to teams that are not contenders.  It gives them a better chance of getting minutes, and establishing themselves in the NBA.

This may be irrelevant to the situation, but I wonder if in the case of some Europeans that location may play a pretty large role.  Given the report that the 2 main interested teams were Memphis and Boston, I'd imagine that some Italian players may decide that with Boston's substantial Italian/European population the adjustment to the US may be easier.  In fact, the player could have family in the area -- at least more likely in Boston than Memphis.

Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Monkhouse on July 01, 2013, 02:35:31 PM
Why would he come to the NBA if he's just gonna get the veteran minimum?  If he's as good as people say he is, he can get that kind of money in Europe.  For reference, Mirza Teletovic is making 3 million a year on the Nets.

As for "no upside," well, he's already 25 and has probably been playing professionally since he was 16 or 17, like most Euro guys.  I'm sure he's a nice player, but is he that much better than Rudy Fernandez or Andres Nocioni?  Italy isn't even the most competitive league in Europe.

Well, when Andres Nocioni was 25 (or whenever he came over), he was a heck of an NBA player.  If he can give anything close to what Nocioni gave his first few years, he would be a huge asset.

I, too, was perplexed as to why Gigi would come now that the Celts are in smithereens.

I guess there's your reason. After a good first year(s), become a huge asset and get a hefty contract.

European guys often come to teams that are not contenders.  It gives them a better chance of getting minutes, and establishing themselves in the NBA.

This may be irrelevant to the situation, but I wonder if in the case of some Europeans that location may play a pretty large role.  Given the report that the 2 main interested teams were Memphis and Boston, I'd imagine that some Italian players may decide that with Boston's substantial Italian/European population the adjustment to the US may be easier.  In fact, the player could have family in the area -- at least more likely in Boston than Memphis.

You're right that could definitely play a big role. Although, I'm pretty sure for Italians NYK would've been a better bet.

But hey if Gigi can prove to be a solid back up or sixth man, then for under a million that's a great pick up.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: clover on July 01, 2013, 02:42:14 PM
Why would he come to the NBA if he's just gonna get the veteran minimum?  If he's as good as people say he is, he can get that kind of money in Europe.  For reference, Mirza Teletovic is making 3 million a year on the Nets.

As for "no upside," well, he's already 25 and has probably been playing professionally since he was 16 or 17, like most Euro guys.  I'm sure he's a nice player, but is he that much better than Rudy Fernandez or Andres Nocioni?  Italy isn't even the most competitive league in Europe.

Well, when Andres Nocioni was 25 (or whenever he came over), he was a heck of an NBA player.  If he can give anything close to what Nocioni gave his first few years, he would be a huge asset.

I, too, was perplexed as to why Gigi would come now that the Celts are in smithereens.

I guess there's your reason. After a good first year(s), become a huge asset and get a hefty contract.

European guys often come to teams that are not contenders.  It gives them a better chance of getting minutes, and establishing themselves in the NBA.

This may be irrelevant to the situation, but I wonder if in the case of some Europeans that location may play a pretty large role.  Given the report that the 2 main interested teams were Memphis and Boston, I'd imagine that some Italian players may decide that with Boston's substantial Italian/European population the adjustment to the US may be easier.  In fact, the player could have family in the area -- at least more likely in Boston than Memphis.

You're right that could definitely play a big role. Although, I'm pretty sure for Italians NYK would've been a better bet.

But hey if Gigi can prove to be a solid back up or sixth man, then for under a million that's a great pick up.

Not just a great pickup, but also a possible asset as Danny cranks up into wheel and deal mode next year.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Tr1boy on July 01, 2013, 04:34:05 PM
So if we get Datome, we can say goodbye to wallace.

Looks competative on some youtube clips i saw. But like Rudy Fernandez i feel will struggle in the nba.I'm not disppointed nor excited if we get this euro import.

Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: erisred on July 01, 2013, 05:44:15 PM
I don't really see the point in spending money to acquire a 26 year old Italian version of Andres Nocioni.  We already have Green, Wallace, Joseph, and Terrence Williams to play the 3, not to mention Lee.

Green's the only one of those I'd count on being with the C's next season.
Same here, although moving Wallace would be quite the feat on Danny's part.
Yeah, Williams is gone already and I doubt Joseph sticks around long after he arrives on the 12th. Wallace on the other hand is going to be hard to move.

Wallace's $30M over 3 is a tough pill to swallow, especially for the sort of numbers he put up last year. I think he's going to have to have his stock raised before the C's can deal him off...even with other assets going along. Of course, Danny could stretch waive him where his contract would be about 4.3M a year over the next 7 years (Twice contract length + 1 year). That's a lot of "dead money" tied up all the way to 2020, though.

Gigi is an interesting case, though. If he *would* sign for min money, I think it would be worth a shot.

3: Green [32], Wallace [8], Datome [8]
4: Wallace [24], Datome [16], Olynyk [8], Bass*
5: Humphries [24], Sully [16], Melo [8], Iverson*

*Send Iverson to Europe for a year, and do your best to trade Bass. Pump Wallace and Humphries and hope to trade them off at the deadline.

Edit: sometimes I hate those smiley faces!
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: vjcsmoke on July 01, 2013, 06:50:47 PM
We have had Euroepeans become decent role players for us before - remember Brian Shaw and Dinjo Radja?
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Celtics18 on July 01, 2013, 07:02:42 PM
We have had Euroepeans become decent role players for us before - remember Brian Shaw and Dinjo Radja?

I don't think Brian Shaw is European.
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: The Rondo Show on July 01, 2013, 07:05:23 PM
Sign me up for him
Title: Re: Is this real? Gigi Datome will play for Celts next season...
Post by: Celtics18 on July 01, 2013, 07:06:49 PM
We can definitely use some dead eye shooting on this team.  I'd love to have Gigi.