SI's Ian Thomsen: "probably wont see a worthwhile deal for Pierce." Tank.

[Donoghus]

This team has already won too much to start tanking now. 

Their odds in the lottery would be pretty bad.

 

Thats actually true, but we can still use that mid round pick as a trade asset. Its still better than a late first.

I asked this question before, and no one responded:

What is the difference between the #11 pick in this year's draft (late lottery finish) and the #16 pick (making the playoffs as an 8 seed)?

I get to watch my team play in the playoffs.

As much as the odds are stacked against them, its better than praying for Lady Luck to deliver us to the promised land with very low odds of pick #11.

[Yoki_IsTheName]

BAD idea.

I hate the idea of a team "tanking"

And why should the Celtics tank? This Rondo stuff is getting out of control

Nothing against the OP, just all this talk about how the team is neutered without Rondo is irritating.

none taken. I hate tanking as well, it's just an idea that for now I think is making sense, seeing as I agree that we can't get anything of significant value for any trades we might pull.

[BballTim]

This year draft class is not that good..usually theres a clear #1 pick but not this year. If I was a lottery team, i would trade my pick for a proven player

  We've already won 20 games, the door's pretty much closed on getting the #1 pick.

  When my son heard Rondo got hurt he commented that it was too bad we couldn't trade wins to other teams instead of players.

[danglertx]

If we are going to win a championship this year, stop laughing and stay with me here, we are going to have to go through Miami one way or another.  What does it matter what round it is?

So we get them in the first round this year instead of the third round, I think that helps us actually.

We have as good a chance of beating Miami as anyone.  Green has the size, strength and speed to stay with Lebron that very few players have, Bradley matches up well on Wade, Lee can help defend Wade and Pierce can take time on Lebron.  More importantly, Lebron will probably have to guard Pierce on the offensive end and they ask him to do so much, he could definitely have cramping issues again.

I say go for it.

[Galeto]

This idea of tanking now is just stupid.  The Celtics are going to be in for a long rebuild no matter what unless they get lucky in the draft and draft the next surefire Hall of Famer in the next few years.  I much rather see Pierce and Garnett go all out for their remaining years and if it results in not winning a championship, well, so be it.  I just like watching those guys play.

[Moranis]

If the tank mode is on, why not do right by Pierce and Garnett?

Pierce to Clippers for Odom, Butler, LAC #1 to Boston

Garnett, Wilcox to Spurs for Splitter, Diaw, Bonner



Boston picks up another first and their center of the future in Splitter, while KG and PP get legit shots at another title.

[gpap]

BAD idea.

I hate the idea of a team "tanking"

And why should the Celtics tank? This Rondo stuff is getting out of control

Nothing against the OP, just all this talk about how the team is neutered without Rondo is irritating.

none taken. I hate tanking as well, it's just an idea that for now I think is making sense, seeing as I agree that we can't get anything of significant value for any trades we might pull.

Glad you didn't take it personal (lol!!) As for trades, let's see what happens between now and Feb 21. Maybe Ainge can swing something (hopefully.)

I'd like to see us add another PG to replace Rondo and big if possible.

I would keep Paul and KG. HOWEVER, I would make everyone else available for the right deal. That's just me.

This may be the last chance we ever have at getting a sniff of the playoffs for a long time.

[BballTim]

If the tank mode is on, why not do right by Pierce and Garnett?

Pierce to Clippers for Odom, Butler, LAC #1 to Boston

Garnett, Wilcox to Spurs for Splitter, Diaw, Bonner



Boston picks up another first and their center of the future in Splitter

  I don't know that PP and KG would consider trading them away to be doing right  by them.

[angryguy77]

I don't understand the hate for tanking, those ping pong balls have always helped the Celtics out.

[Chris]

I don't understand the hate for tanking, those ping pong balls have always helped the Celtics out.

Maybe they're due?

[angryguy77]

I don't understand the hate for tanking, those ping pong balls have always helped the Celtics out.

Maybe they're due?

With their luck, they would get the top pick in a weak draft.

To be honest, either one last run or tank is fine with me. Now if we had a legit chance at a franchise type player, then I'd be all about sinking the ship this year.

[Moranis]

If the tank mode is on, why not do right by Pierce and Garnett?

Pierce to Clippers for Odom, Butler, LAC #1 to Boston

Garnett, Wilcox to Spurs for Splitter, Diaw, Bonner



Boston picks up another first and their center of the future in Splitter

  I don't know that PP and KG would consider trading them away to be doing right  by them.

I don't think they want to end their careers on losing teams that don't have a whole lot of hope or opportunity to pull out of it.  At least I wouldn't if I were them. 

[wdleehi]

There are young guys on the court now that can learn this season playing with KG and Pierce.  Why rob them of the opportunity? 

[Galeto]

I don't understand the hate for tanking, those ping pong balls have always helped the Celtics out.

Maybe they're due?

Figures they would be due in a very weak draft.  Not that I would mind Noel or McLemore or Shabazz but still, none of those guys are the surefire superstar you want from the number 1 pick.  Next year when Wiggins might be available is more the kind of draft the Celtics experience draft lottery heartbreak.

If there's a team with worst luck in the lottery, it might be Sacramento.  If there is such thing as fate and Sacramento being ill-starred, the Kings will move to Seattle next season and win the Wiggins lottery.

[LooseCannon]

Don't try to lose.  Don't throw Fab Melo out there before the coaches think he is ready.  But do be willing to shut down players, especially Pierce and Garnett, at the slightest hint of injury.  Put Pierce on a more limited minutes regimen.

If the Celtics barely miss the playoffs and draw one of the top three picks in the lottery, will people be more willing to say the lottery isn't rigged or that the lottery is rigged but the league isn't actually biased against the Celtics?