Matt Barnes would be an excellent pick up for the Celtics. He would fill the need for a tough, defensive wingman who can hit the three.
Gary Washburn, of the Boston Globe reports….
Barnes appealing
Since losing Tony Allen to the Grizzlies, the Celtics have warmed to the idea of signing Matt Barnes, according to an NBA source. Barnes, a defensive specialist, played last season with the Magic but didn’t get an offer to return. Barnes’s subsequent Twitter post expressing his disappointment drew the ire of Orlando general manager Otis Smith.Barnes is precisely what the Celtics are seeking in a market that is becoming increasingly shallow. The 6-foot-7-inch swingman averaged 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in 81 games last season, with 58 starts. He is considered a staunch defender and streaky 3-point shooter.
Being over the salary cap, the Celtics can only offer Barnes the veteran minimum. The Heat also are on Barnes’s list.
Unless Danny has something up his sleeve – I say…Go Get Him.
Under the circumstances, barring a trade that would get someone better (I don’t have a list), Matt Barnes would be a solid acquisition for the Boston Celtics.
The fact that he has gone nose-to-nose with Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett in the past just makes me like him a little more. That he talks junk on the court to all three should get him an honorary Celtic t-shirt anyway. Not having to play against them might just make him a quieter, but still effective player on the court. I have come to like him more as time has gone on.
He can be inconsistent and has his flaws (passing, shot selection?), but for the vet minimum, you won’t do better. And his scrappy toughness would fit right in on a team that is defined by those characteristics.
He would be a key acquisition for a critical role. Will it happen? According to Barnes’ own twitter, we will find out soon. A number of other teams are interested in him.
