Rapid reaction: C's set to add McGee

Rapid reaction: C's set to add McGee

By Chris Forsberg | ESPNBoston.com

A handful of thoughts with the Boston Celtics set to sign free-agent center JaVale McGee:

McGee was among the NBA leaders in blocked shots from 2010 to 2013, and led the league in block percentage in 2010-11.

• Position of need: The Celtics have been undersized for most of the year, but the season-ending foot injury to Jared Sullinger last month left Boston particularly small. Boston got 7-footer Kelly Olynyk back Wednesday after an 18-game absence due to an ankle sprain, but in adding McGee they bring in a 7-footer who can disturb shots around the basket with the his length and athleticism. As Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge noted Wednesday, "JaVale is a long, athletic guy and we don't have that type of player -- an above-the-rim offensive and defensive player." But ...

• Defense must improve: McGee has all the physical tools, but it hasn't always translated on the court. In six appearances for the Sixers last month, opponents shot 75 percent (6-of-8 overall) inside of 6 feet, according to the league's player-tracking data. McGee is still working his way back after missing almost all of the 2013-14 season because of a stress fracture in his left tibia, but his playing time in Boston will be dictated by how much he's willing to commit himself to tapping his full potential. He was among the NBA leaders in blocked shots from 2010-2013, leading the league in block percentage in 2010-11 (and finishing second a year later). Combine that with efficient scoring and -- if Brad Stevens can harness his abilities -- there's potential here.

• Low risk, high reward: While we wait for the contract specifics -- Boston had the salary flexibility to outbid some legitimate contenders this season -- it's likely that the Celtics got McGee on a cost-efficient deal that will keep him here next season. Boston has never been afraid to take a flier on a reclamation project and Stevens has gotten the most out of guys such as Jordan Crawford and Evan Turner by putting them in position to maximize their talents. Putting McGee on the floor with an up-tempo, shooting-filled second unit could lead to positive results near the basket. If nothing else, McGee has potential to be an upgrade over what Boston has had for big men at the end of the bench this season.

• A new team record: When McGee makes his debut for the Celtics, Boston will set a franchise record by utilizing 23 different players in games in one season. McGee will be Boston's 41st roster player this season for a team that has made 11 trades and a never-ending stream of roster tweaks. In order to add McGee, the Celtics will have to waive a player as they sit at the 15-man limit. The most likely candidate would seemingly be Shavlik Randolph, who was inactive for Wednesday's game with the return of Olynyk. Randolph is in the final year of a minimum contract.

• Final thoughts: McGee is still only 27 years old. He's been mocked for some head-scratching on-court activities, but the Celtics will put him in a situation where he'll either conform and try to maximize his potential, or continue his journey. And it's that word "potential" that we can't stop using with McGee. He can potentially help this team on a potential playoff push if he embraces his potential.

112288

It is a Danny type of deal. Low cost potential high return. It further helps Danny evaluate the team with a guy who can play above the rim, is athletic both defensively and offensively.

He was one of top NBA leaders in shot blocking between 2011 - 2014.

Cannot fault a guy from getting injured and he comes at a cheap price which allows us to still sign a top free agent center.

112288

112288,

Here's hoping JaVale will flourish under Coach Stevens' "spell."

Sam

Sam,

It is a typical Danny Ainge signing.  Low down side risk,  high up side value. Even Turner is a perfect example.

I am also a very firm believer that half of an athlete's success on the court/field is a direct result of the program they are playing under and how they are taught by the coaching staff in their early years of development.  

I think he exceeded his required basketball knowledge/skills by his pure physical skills to produce great numbers in Washington as there was no one else good on the team and they had a weak coaching staff.  However his ego and his immaturity may have gotten in the way of his development and his weaknesses began to show when he played under a more structured and strong program under coach Karl in Denver.  

Philly is a complete toss out as they have no program or players yet and they drafted 2 young centers that they will grow with in the future so Mc Gee was a toss-a-way.

It could be a great find a-la Red Auerback when it picked people off the scrap heap and tuned them into gold like Don Nelson.

112288

112288,

Now we can praise Danny for refusing to knuckle under to McGee's demands for a player option for next season.  Much of the appeal of this alleged deal was the no-risk aspect of it.

Sam