Friday, February 29, 2008

Yes We Can

Sam ain't here yet, but it's looking good. If it happens, we should rejoice. I know the Cassell-to-Boston thing is pretty played, but it needs to be written about even more. That's because Sam could be so important to this team, the definition of a waiver wire steal. Let me just say that I don't like Sam, I love him. In my mind he is one of the most underappreciated players of the last twenty years, and belongs in the Hall of Fame (look at his numbers, plus how he improves teams.) And the thing is - he's still good. Actually, you could argue he is presently better than Rondo and not seem silly. Rumors of Cassell's defense being porous are not backed up statistically. I don't think it is fair to call him horrible on that side of the ball. And offensively he is still a dynamo. Few point guards have aged as gracefully.

Yes, there are potential drawbacks to this deal, but there were likewise issues with the KG deal. That one worked out alright. One shouldn't expect less of this. Like Simmons and most have said, the positives well outweigh the negatives. And, yes, there is a chance that Glenn will manage to fuck it up - but you have to sign Sam if you can.

Cassell's arrival will in all likelihood curtail Eddie House's playing time, and there could be other ripple effects. Bulpett writes today about the surprising success of Baby and Powe on the court together. They deserve playing time, particularly Powe. I think it has reached the point where Glenn should consider playing Posey more at small forward, thereby opening up more minutes for the young duo. Powe has earned the right to get all of the back up minutes at power forward, plus some more time when KG slides to center. Posey is just (if not more) capable of playing the 3 as he is the 4. This a logical decision that ought to happen. If Cassell comes on board your bench looks rather awesome: Sam, Posey, Powe, Baby, TA, House...all those guys can legitimately play ball. So let's hope for Sam's arrival, he could be a key to paradise.

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