Let me start by saying this: BY NO MEANS DO I THINK SCOT POLLARD IS A GOOD BASKETBALL PLAYER. That being said, I didn’t hate the C’s signing Pollard for the veteran minimum, and certainly didn’t expect it to spur the absurd argument between myself and Associate Editor/super-scout Austin Burton.
Austin’s claim: That he can find a center, 6-11 or over, who is out of the League right now, that has no major character issues (sorry Eddie Griffin), that’s better than Scot Pollard, that the Celtics could have signed for the veteran minimum.
Truth be told, I can think of a couple of guys that the Celtics probably considered, talked to and maybe even negotiated with, that are also serviceable. Maybe even someone with a little bigger upside, like Melvin Ely. But with Dikembe unattainable, the serviceable list was extremely short: Austin’s first call of Ruben Boumjte-Boumjte was pure craziness.
Somehow the conversation in the office then turned to Scot Pollard versus the man who was born in better shape than I’ll ever be in, Kevin Willis.
And somehow, I was the only one in the office who would rather have Pollard on my team, who I think will run the floor, set a good screen, get boards, and use his fouls in the 10-15 minutes per game that Doc Rivers gives him.
So I’m putting it out there to you — the fans who aren’t drinking the same green Kool-Aid I’m drinking: Kevin Willis or Scot Pollard? And if you can, give me another center, not on an NBA roster, without character issues, that could be signed for the vet minimum, that you’d take on your team before Pollard.
I can almost picture someone writing Loren Woods‘ name now.
Related posts:
August 8th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Willis says:
Loren Woods. Wait so how old is Willis now? Pollard was a good pick up, maybe they could have gotten a better name, but Scot doesn’t need the ball. In fact he will only touch it if it lands in his hands, and with the KG, Truth and Jesus Shuttlesworth, thats all you need. A guy who is gonna get in there, piss people off, and grab boards. My only qualm is that he has been injured for a few years, and he may not be able to be a garbage man like he used to be with the Pacers and the Kings.
August 8th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
jon says:
uh hello… it’s the nba. the worst guy on the worst team is a great basketball player.
i had the ‘pleasure’ of playing against former laker center sean rooks once in a pick-up game here in laguna beach, ca. dude killed it with jump shots from beyond the arc, the opposite of his nba game. i hate to say it, but it was his way of making the game interesting for himself in the face of inferior competition and the 6′3″ guy (me) ‘guarding’ him.
so you’re correct, scott pollard is not a good basketball player, he is a great basketball player - one of the top 500 or so of active players in the world. so don’t be hating on him.
August 8th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
MiniMe says:
Loren Woods was a good call.
August 8th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
bron42 says:
kevin willis have never been the same since richard jefferson got a piggy back ride from him in the finals.
As for pollard? hes right up there with mark madsen as one of those guys who isn’t really up to par, but is JUST annoying enough to be effective. Sort of like bird man used to be for the hornets. Isn’t he eligible to come back soon? hes been through drug rehab and all that and it was just weed. Can I start printin my “free birdman” shirts? Besides, i’m sure you get get fredrick weiss for $10 dollars and a signed apology from vince carter.
is ryan hollins still signed by the bobcats?
August 8th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
TheJed says:
Chris Anderson is a GREAT call. I actually mentioned him the other day. 100% chance I’d at least have the dude in for a drug test.
I always mention Zendon Hamilton as well. He always seems to do well when he’s on a team, but something must be wrong with him if he can’t stick.
August 8th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
Eric says:
Anderson, sick call!!! Get this guy some clean urine and let him block shots, rebound and clean up underneath. Get me Chris Anderson!!!
August 8th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
bron42 says:
I think he would compliment the rest of the team pretty nice too helpin out KG…just no more dunk contests please.
August 8th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
dagwaller says:
like the pollard signing. something i learned from playing fantasy bball a few years back is that after the superstars, the stars, the starters, the bench guys, etc, there’s a ton of guys that get busted on for no good reason except that they’re not any of the above. that doesn’t make them bad; it just means that you don’t immediately think of them when you think about who to sign. a year ago, kevin willis was retired, so he’s obviously not a shoe-in as better than pollard. i think pollard has sunk to the “bench” level or a little below, but you, i, and the celtics all know that. i don’t think anyone ever made the claim that he was going to go out and dominate or anything like that.
also, as much as i like the birdman, he decisively has some character issues. eddie griffin ain’t got shit on chris andersen
August 8th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
bron42 says:
well not really, chris was just a pot head. and got busted for that. Its not like he was lindsey lohan or something. He got caught during a urine test. wasnt steroids, wasnt badger milk (watch the movie the animal).
but yea, video games will tell you, 98% of nba guys can go off any night and get buckets. I was playin 2k5 and charlie ward put 30 on me…why? because at one point he was nice and he could ball..is he jordan? no but he still has some talent that put him ahead of your every day ymca baller.(i put 98% cuz everyone now and then u get a dunker with no game or a 7′0 who is just…7′0″
August 8th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
achilles says:
Samaki Walker
Somalia Samake (?spelling?)
August 8th, 2007 at 9:30 pm
TheJed says:
I don’t think all Chris Anderson got busted with was dope. He was suspended for two years for failing a drug test for a drug that was on the NBA “abuse” list. That list (and I’m pasting this right in) consists of:
“amphetamine and its analogs, which include methamphetamine; cocaine; LSD; opiates, including heroin, codeine and morphine; and PCP.”
August 8th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
bigdre says:
what about eddie g? he got character issues but you know he can play.
i’m with jed bout pollard. man can still play a good 10-15 mins a night.
August 8th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Go Get Em says:
I’m going to throw out a couple names…
1. Slava Medvedenko
First off, this guy is an NBA Champion, and if the C’s home to make it to the Finals, it will be good to have at least one guy who has been there before.
2. Vitaly Potapenko
Now V has had his name pop up around the L recently in Miami and Orlando. But lest we forget, he has his most productive season to date in Boston putting up 10.8 points and 7.2 boards per game. Also, I just want to hear Tom Heinsohn give him another “Tommy Point”.
3. Elden Campbell
Another NBA Champion, Campbell is a proven winner and contributer and would fulfill the same role he did with Detroit in 03-04. In 15 seasons in the NBA, Campbell averaged 10.3 points, 5.9 boards and 1.5 blocks per game.
4. John Amaechi
Enough said.
5. Tony Battie
I know he’s not a free agent, but when it comes to team basketball, there is nothing tantamount to trust. While on the Celtics, Battie saved Paul Pierce’s life by rushing him to a nearby hospital after his near-fatal stabbing. Now that is a guy I’d like to see in my locker room.
Honorable Mentions: Xavier McDaniel, Acie Earl, Jerome Moiso, Andrew DeClercq, Travis Knight and Eric Montross.
August 8th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Hampton says:
What about Derek Coleman? Dude can probably still stroke. He had character issues in the past but seemed to be good his last few years.
August 8th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
TheJed says:
The Ukraine Train (Vitali Potapenko) came up. I’d rather pollard. Elden Campbell wasn’t a bad call, but still I’d rather a guy who can run the floor a little bit.
Obviously there isn’t much out there.
August 8th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Anon says:
How about Shawn Kemp? More a PF than a C but I think he’d be equipped to handle the position.
Maybe a few issues around him though - he seems to have cleaned up his act with the drugs but all the failed comeback attempts (missing a session with the Mavs etc) would be a concern.
August 8th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
Jabari Smith says:
Jabari Smith was aiight on the Lakers summer squad.
http://www.nba.com/summerleague2007/players/index.jsp?player=jabari_smith
August 9th, 2007 at 12:09 am
josh says:
luke schensher. the red rocket. Go the Ranga!
August 9th, 2007 at 12:31 am
Anjroo says:
Bison Dele…just kidding
1. Chris anderson
2. Eddie Griffin
3. Zhi Zhi Wang
4. Slava Medvedenko
August 9th, 2007 at 1:33 am
E-ROC says:
Chris Anderson, Eddie Griffin, Wang Zhi Zhi, Elton Brown, Reggie Evans could be available, Candy Man (lol), Jelani McCoy may not make it with the Nuggets, Rashard Jones Jennings (I don’t know if he signed a contract overseas yet)…….that’s about it.
August 9th, 2007 at 2:27 am
Soopa says:
Cant really remember if he is 6′11”+ and i doubt he’s a center, but come playoff time, wouldn’t you want Charles Oakley on your team instead of getting hammered by him?
August 9th, 2007 at 3:03 am
Giacomo says:
ahaha charles oakley, he dosnt need to make a comeback, what he needs is a gig with nba tv/tnt, player has a guaranteed golden quote everytime you listen to him.
hmm a lot of scott pollard haters but given the C’s monetary situation and the free-agent big man pool, i dont think they could have done much better…i dont know if anyone remembers; “hey kids, do drugs” but scott pollard has a bit of a twisted sense of humour, funny shit.
jesus, ticket and truth have all the veteran experience and leadership that you could ask for, so instead of signin a vet like pollard why didnt the C’s take a chance on a D-leaguer, how about elton brown, d-league allstar he had 25-11-3 last season… he at least deserves a 10-day..
August 9th, 2007 at 7:19 am
bill says:
go to australia.. a lot of these guys would be happy to play for next to nothing for a chance to play for the celtics in the nba
Luke Schenscher - pretty weak but young and serviceable and could be nice in a few years
Chris Anstey - very athletic and a great shooter to 3 point range for a 7 footer. Played for dallas and bulls from 97 - 2000 and was the (Australian) NBL’s MVP last year, completely dominating the league. When he plays for Australia’s national team he’s our starting centre. He’s better than Bogut, and famously proclaimed he’d kick Bogut’s ass in a game of 1 on 1.
David Andersen - born in 1980, he was drafted in the 2nd round by atlanta in 2002. He now plays for euro powerhouse CSKA and played key roles in winning them the 01, 06 euroleague championship and 07 runners up.
all these guys are better than pollard. Anstey and Andersesn particularly, and they have experience playing all over the world.
August 9th, 2007 at 8:03 am
David Anderson says:
I think an NBA team owns David Anderson’s rights. And don’t you think there is a good reason Chris Antsey and Luke Schenser aren’t in the L?
August 9th, 2007 at 9:07 am
jjankechu says:
Not sure if these two are FAs or not, but I bet they could be had for cheap:
Kelvin Cato, Marc Jackson
I love scott pollard for that “hey kids do drugs” bit but he hasn’t been a decent bench guy in years.
August 9th, 2007 at 9:35 am
kudabeen says:
I like the Pollard signing. Ainge clearly stated why they got him. He is a proven offensive rebounder and post defender. He will get under guys skin and the key…He doesn’t need the ball and won’t turn it over.
I also like the Kemp mention, keep hearing he’s in great shape and wants to play, but nothing else. Hopefully that shape isn’t an oval…
Chris Anderson wasn’t booted for weed, thought it was for Crystal Meth…
Also did toronto pick up Jelani McCoy?
August 9th, 2007 at 10:05 am
meadowlark says:
Anderson was booted for ecstacy, which is in the amphetamine “family”. Ridiculous punishment for a crime committed by millions of high school ravers every year. He should be eligible soon though, and he’s the best name floating around these comments.
August 9th, 2007 at 11:21 am
summertime says:
Curtis Borchardt. He might still have a Celtic jersey in his closet.
Michael Olowokandi, a free agent who spent time in celtics training camp.
Both these guys have been celtics before and Kandi man used to play with Garnett in Minn.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Danilo says:
Every team must me funny in order to win. So, Pollard was a really nice adition.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
B says:
Keon Clark!!!
August 9th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Lucky Lester says:
Get Pip on the floor - he’ll play any position, that guy still thinks he’s better than Mike.
August 9th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Bron42 says:
pip never said he was better than mike. He said “every team needs a scottie pippen.” Mike even agreed with him saying “he never won a ring without me and I never won one without him.” Pippen was right too as we see now. you can have a star player (kobe) but if you don’t have that second in command who COULD be a star but doesn’t mind being his partner, then the star is pretty much on a island.
August 9th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Chester says:
1. Curtis Borchardt — Former Utah Jazz center is is more brittle than glass, but should have had time to recover by now after a couple years out of the league. He’s a seven-footer and can block a few shots and is still young enough to have some upside. Could be better than Pollard.
2. Karl Malone — With Utah on the brain, what about bringing in the Mailman? Not really a center, but could play PF next to KG at center. Old, but I bet he could still play 15-20. One more shot at a ring for arguably the greatest power forward of all time?
August 9th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
kudabeen says:
I don’t think the Jazz have sign Rafeal Araujo (spelling) yet… He might be a solid enforcer type guy.
August 9th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Brian says:
Wang Zhi Zhi is a great call!!!!!!!
August 9th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
JayTea says:
John Sally baby… at least for comedic value and Tom Arnold could cater.
August 9th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
gordon comstock says:
Celtics have a history of signing stiff 12th men. Greg Kite, Brad Lohaus, Fred Roberts, Eric Fernstein, Mark Acres, Joe Klein, Joe Wolf, Wayne Kreklow….
The list goes on and on and on….
Note a pattern?
August 9th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Blako says:
Keon Clark if he isn’t in prison. He’s only 32 and used to be able to jump out of the gym. What a waste of talent.
August 10th, 2007 at 6:19 am
stu says:
wang ZhiZhi he was pretty good with hitting the 3.. plus his not really soft like other asian center… problem is he sucks at rebounding so maybe they can use him when garnet rest..
August 11th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Wilson says:
What about Jelani McCoy, Jahadi White? I got a few others that are better then Pollard. The “C”s need a sufficient big man to compliment KG, Pollard was never on the list..
August 15th, 2007 at 2:35 am
Ian says:
ill go with chris anderson isnt he called like the birdman or something
bron lol on the madsen comment da man sucks and is annoying as hell
August 15th, 2007 at 8:24 am
Celts Fan says:
I like Wang, I’d take Foyle, and I really like (for the 12th man mind you) the Kandi-Man. Obviously I’d prefer PJ Brown or Dikembe, but that’s probably not gonna happen…
August 15th, 2007 at 8:42 am
Adam says:
PAUL SHIRLEY!
August 19th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Mark says:
How bout Keith Van Horn?