Saturday, December 25, 2010

Steve Nash to the Celtics?


Obviously when a fan's team spurts for a 14 game winning streak, a fan can only be happy.  After watching the terrible let down by the Perkinless, Rondoless, Westless Celtics, but more specifically back-up Point Guard/Shooting Guard Nate Robinson, I began thinking about any possible addition that my Celtics could swing prior to the NBA trading deadline.  Little Nate shot 2-15 from the field today, unacceptable but not something that is unexpected from the erratic guard, a poor fit for taking over for Rondo's duties while he is injured.  With his size and lack of consistency, I don't think the Celtics would be hurting themselves if they give Nate up in a trade, especially if Steve Nash was coming back in return.

I listed numerous reasons that support Steve Nash coming to Boston, and a one single reason that work against that possibility.  Beginning with the reasons that the scenario would not work, the Celtics may or may not have enough pieces to make the move for Nash.  Most of the Celtics roster is off-limits for a trade as GM Danny Ainge wouldn't want to kill the current synergy that the team shares.  Meaning chances are that Nate Robinson, Semih Erden, Von Wafer, Delonte West, Avery Bradley, and Luke Harangody are the select few that could be available, not the most enticing group of players to say the least.  But if the Suns are indeed entering a rebuilding stage, which is my thought, then recieving youth in return for the old, former 2-time MVP isn't such a bad thing.  Plus, the Celtics have draft picks to offer as well.

Like I just mentioned, I believe the Phoenix Suns are entering a rebuilding stage.  This began when the Suns made a laughable effort to resign the talents of Amare Stoudemire.  GM Steve Kerr was able to acquire Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Richardson in an attempt to put some pieces around Nash.  That obviously hasn't lasted long as the Suns have traded away both Turkoglu and Richardson for the expiring contract of a Vince Carter past his prime.  Carter will not be returning after this season.  I compare the Suns to the Washington Wizards, look at the Wizard teams through the past 3 years.  The Wizards, like the Suns, were expected to put a solid run together to make the NBA Finals the past few years, carrying names such as Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, Brendan Haywood, and Deshawn Stevenson.  At the same time the Suns roster still had Amare Stoudemire, Jason Richardson, Leandro Barbosa, Boris Diaw, Matt Barnes, Raja Bell, and the Big Shaqtus.  Both teams have clearly revamped their rosters compared to what they currently look like.  None of the players just mentioned are currently still playing for that same team, and these aren't really just mediocre players either.

Steve Nash wants a ring.  The passion that Nash plays with game in and game out are proof of his desire to win, something that won't be accomplished with the Suns, a team in shambles.   For this reason, Boston seems to be Nash's perfect fit.  I took a peek at the current top 6 teams in each league, none of which suited Nash better than the Celtics.  The C's are an old team, yes, but all have taken pay cuts with one goal, to win.  The moment the "Big 3" united in Boston, all individual matters drifted away.  Nash is due to make just above 10 million dollars in a contract ending in 2012.  He could probably manage to keep the same salary if he went to Boston, but would probably be asked to take a small pay-cut.

Also, the Celtics and Suns do have experience with trading with each other.  Phoenix shipped Rajon Rondo and Brian Grant to Boston for underachieving Marcus Banks and the Celtics future first round that had been the Cleveland Cavalier's (projected to be a top 10 pick).  That pick ended up being the 24th pick in the draft, Rudy Fernandez, who was immediately traded to the Portland Trail Blazers for trash and cash.  So, these teams are not unfamiliar with each other (By the way, thanks for Rajon Rondo Phoenix).  It would only make sense for the Suns to get some value, and send Nash to a contender before he's too far over the hill to compete.

Overall I think this would make sense for everyone, between the two teams, to the players that would be involved.  Steve Nash is a bro that wants some jewelry, and he can get it in Boston because he would mesh perfectly with the veteran stocked team.  Will it happen? Maybe not. Can it happen? Absolutely.

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