Boston Celtics Free Agent Primer 2009

Backup point guard

The target: Jason Kidd

Dallas might, and should, re-sign Kidd. However, Kidd might just have one chance left at a championship and the Mavericks don't seem to have a roster that, on paper, is a true contender. The Celtics will have plenty of competition if Kidd chooses not to re-sign with the Mavericks.

Reportedly, the Cavaliers, Trailblazers, and Knicks are among the other teams who will pursue the free agent point guard. Kidd would have to be willing to play a backup role, but has the size to cover shooting guards, making him a good fit with Eddie House.

The backup plan: Stephon Marbury

Marbury didn't quite have the impact the team was hoping he'd have, but he did show some signs of competency and seemed to get along with his teammates and be the model player. In fairness, he hadn't played in a game in over a year, and never really appeared to have his legs underneath him, so perhaps an offseason conditioning program and training camp would dramatically help him.

He might not have many options available, and was acceptable as a distributor, so a return to the team may still be in the cards.

The long-shot: Allen Iverson

At this point in his career, The Answer might bring more questions than answers to the table for his future employer. The biggest question might just be, will he even have a team? Iverson didn't appreciate his bench role in Detroit, and doesn't have the skills to be a starting guard on a good team.

His options are limited, and perhaps he will be willing to coming off the bench on a team like Boston. More likely, however, he will end up in Charlotte with former coach Larry Brown.

The darkhorse candidate: C.J. Watson (RFA)

Watson is an intriguing player. The former D-leaguer proved he belonged last season, averaging just under 10 points and 3 assists for the Warriors. He certainly showed his abilities with a 38-point, 9-assist, 7-rebound and perhaps even most impressive 16 for 16 from the free throw line performance against Utah.

With the selection of Stephon Curry and return of Monta Ellis, there are a lot of bodies for not a lot of spots in Golden State and with perhaps the most disorganized management in place, a team could steal Watson away.

If all else fails: 1) Tyronn Lue, 2) Anthony Carter, 3) Lindsey Hunter

Next page: Long defensive-minded big

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