'Sheed on Way in, Steph on Way Out, Big Baby Situation, and More

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Still, he can be a very productive power forward, and the Celtics still seem likely to resign him.  Right now, the Celtics can afford to play the waiting game with Davis because they have the ability to match any contract he is offered.  And THAT, more than anything, is why you’ve heard a lot more about ‘Sheed than you have about Davis.

All I’ve heard about the Celtics this past week is Rasheed, Rasheed, Rasheed.  Are they targeting any other free agents? – Petey (MA)

According to Danny Ainge, the Celtics have begun talks with at least 10 free agents.  One of them, obviously, is Rasheed Wallace.  Ainge said the Celtics contacted 10 guys the first night of free agency, to see what they were looking for in terms of a contract.

Outside of spending most of his time recruiting Wallace, Ainge seems content to play the waiting game and scoop up whatever free agents fall through the cracks and will be available for the veteran minimum.

It seems to be the same strategy Ainge used last year that really didn’t work out.  He tried to hang back and wait for the cheap free agents, but the Celtics were spurned and ended up losing Posey and every other player they targeted.  I hope Ainge isn’t as nonchalant this offseason and realizes the urgency to sign a few capable subs.

Guys Danny might be interested in are Grant Hill, Anthony Parker, Marcin Gortat, Shawn Marion (for the right price), Chris Anderson, Antonio McDyess and Matt Barnes.

I really liked your (2010 NBA Mock Draft) rankings, but my only question is do you really think that there is that big of a gap between Lance Stephenson and Xavier Henry? I personally think Henry is the better player because he is a better shooter and slightly bigger. – Scott (MA)

I really think Stephenson’s game is far more suited for the NBA than Henry’s is.  Both players are supremely talented and have dominated the high school ranks for years, but Henry doesn’t have the athleticism that Stephenson does.

I have had the pleasure of watching both of them in person, and came away impressed with both players.  I am just higher on Stephenson because his physical makeup shouts NBA superstar, while Henry, for such a stud, lacks the explosiveness to truly become an outstanding pro. 

Don’t get me wrong, I think Henry will be a very good pro—he already has an NBA-ready body and a great shooting stroke.  I just don’t see him as having superstar potential.  I know Xavier is ESPN’s top-rated player, but he just doesn’t have that extra speed most NBA superstars possess.

Stephenson will be drafted ahead of Henry because of his better upside.  He is a scintillating performer who can go by almost any defender and has great strength to finish at the rim.  He isn’t yet as consistent as he will need to be to be an NBA star, but Stephenson has every skill you’d want in a swingman. 

That’s it for today’s edition of the Celtics Town mailbag.  If you have any questions for the next edition, just submit them using the form here.

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