C's Interested in JaVale McGee Again
Would JaVale be #GoodInGreen? |
The C’s infatuation with JaVale
McGee isn’t over yet. At least, not
according to A. Sherrod Blakely. The Celtics
beat writer reports that interest in the former Sixers (and Nuggets and Wiz) big
man has been rekindled even after their failed dalliance last March. Both the C’s and McGee had mutual interest on
a multi-year contract last spring but could not agree on option control at the
end of the deal. Ainge, of course,
wanted a team option while McGee preferred a player one.
But now both sides get a do-over
and with a huge t.v. deal expected to raise the league’s salary cap next year
the belief is that McGee could join Boston on the short-term and explore
options again in 2016. The working theory
here too is that the Celtics and Brad Stevens would be a good place and system for
McGee to play in, learn from and to re-establish himself in the league.
McGee has had an up-and-down seven-year
career so far (averages of 8.4 points, 5.5 boards, 1.8 blocks) but he is 7-feet
tall and only 27 years old. With Sully,
Zeller and Olynyk as the only bigs currently under contract for 2015-16 McGee could step in immediately and provide length and rim-protection.
He is, however, not without his flaws
and character questions and so engaging his services would not be an outright
coup. When the Celtics tried to sign JaVale back in March the team was in the midst of shaping their identity through a then-uncertain playoff run. But now that the C's have earned some playoff stripes would adding McGee tighten their character or disrupt it?
“JaVale is a long, athletic guy,” Ainge said on Toucher & Rich last March. “We don’t have that type of player, above the rim, offensive and defensive player.Ainge added, “He hasn’t lived up to his potential yet. We’re hoping that he can under Brad’s tutelage. I think he’s at a good place emotionally and mentally. I think he really wants to get his career on the right path.”
Let's hope you're right, Danny.
TMZ reported that JaVale recently purchased this mansion from singer/actor Marc Anthony for $2.25 million. Could this be the reason McGee needs to find employment soon? |