Shipping up to Boston
Celtics fans, welcome the newest member of the Boston brethren, P.J. Brown. The 38 year old forward was signed for the veteran minimum ($1.2 million) prorated for the rest of the season. P.J. locked in his decision after having a conversation with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen during the All-Star festivities in New Orleans.
“They just pulled me over and said, ‘Man, we’d really love to have you on the team,’ ” said Brown. ” ‘With your experience, we think you can help our young guys and add some stability to our team. As a player, we still think you can play. Your defense and rebounding fits in with what we’re trying to do.’
“That made a huge difference in this whole deal. If that doesn’t happen, you probably don’t see me here today.”
But don’t worry, Brown’s signing doesn’t stop Beantown from adding another piece. P.J. is the 14th man on the roster, leaving that one last spot open for Sam Cassell, Brent Barry or Flip Murray. If it’s going to be Cassell, he will need to be bought out by the Clippers before Saturday’s deadline.
When he suits up, P.J. will be wearing number 93, which is the year that he came into the League.
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February 28th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Brown says:
It’s about time. I thought this deal would go down at the beginning of the year. I’m not sure why PJ waited so long. It was obvious that the Celts needed another big, especially after KG went down. They just didn’t have the depth to get by without KG, but now they do. I think PJ will get a lot of tick come playoff time. They may even start him at the 5 if he’s in shape to handle starters minutes.
This is a great move, but they could use another PG, which everyone has known since the summer. I’m not sure why the Clippers are dragging their asses on buying out Sam Cassell. That team is going nowhere this year, and Sam is a free agent after this season, so buying him out is a win-win for both sides. Sam deserves another shot at a ring and the Clips should do the classy thing and buy him out.
February 28th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Prof. TX says:
It’s probably best that it happened now instead of earlier. PJ might not have been good for 80-100 games, but I think the Celtics will get more out of him if they play him in limited minutes across 30-40 games.
February 28th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Celts Fan says:
nodding happily and holding back the “93, I thought that’s how old he was” joke… great move by Danny.
February 28th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Celts Fan says:
exactly Prof. TX, plus him not being signed earlier gave incredibly important minutes and experience to Big Baby and Leon Powe, giving them the confidence to know they can play in this league…
February 28th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Brown says:
TX and Celts, you guys are bang on. Good points.
February 28th, 2008 at 11:55 am
GEE... swag it out! says:
Boston has just went from @$#@ to sugar. They have really changed in the matter of 1 year. Amazing and just smart moves. Plus it’s not like they still not automatic contenders for the next 2 or 3 if they don’t win this year.
I applaud Boston and other teams should really take note.