Boston Celtics Danny Ainge Let Stiemsma Walk: The Reasons
The Boston Celtics uncovered a hidden gem last season in rookie center Greg Stiemsma. The former D-League player showed a lot of promise. Stiemsma showed an ability to block shots and had solid instincts regarding defensive instincts. His offensive game may have been raw, but he showed some flashes with a solid jump shot and an ability to move well without the ball at times. Many figured the fan favorite was a no brainer to be in the Celtic’s plans for the future and thus return to Boston during NBA free agency. The Boston Celtics surprised everyone by letting Stiemsma walk without even offering up the mid level exception for a young center that has showed promise in a league starving for big men. After looking at the facts surrounding the departure of Steamer, the move makes perfect sense for the Boston Celtics.
Stiemsma returning was never in the cards for Boston Celtics team President Danny Ainge. Ainge and the Celtics are trying to win right now. The team needed players that can not only contribute right now, but not be projects. This is why the team signed both Chris Wilcox and Jason Collins. These veteran guys are the perfect backups for Kevin Garnett at center. Wilcox can bring scoring and athleticism and Collins can be the third man in as a physical defensive presence that can rebound. Both clearly would be ahead of Stiemsma on the depth chart and thus it does not make sense to keep Stiemsma around at the cost the Celtics would have to pay.
Financially this move makes perfect sense for Boston. The team would have had to pay Stiemsma a little less by himself this year then both Wilcox and Collins had they paid Stiemsma the mid level. The team also got to keep the mid level for another purpose should a free agent that can fill a need become available during the season or next off season.
However, depth at the big man spot is a must as injuries have proven that statement to be fact. Boston solved that problem by getting their project guy for depth at the NBA draft. The Boston Celtics had the chance at the draft to draft a guy in Fab Melo that they feel is their center of the future and pounced. Melo has the same defensive instincts that Steimsma has now and has far more upside. Melo also could become a much better offensive player due to the fact that he is far more athletic. The moment Boston drafted Melo, Stiemsma’s days in Boston were numbered.
The fact is Boston could not match the three million dollar offer the Wolves gave him anyways. The Boston Celtics did not even give him a competitive offer by trying to offer the mid level and a chance to win now versus going to a rebuilding project in Minnesota. The reasons make perfect sense and for a little over what the Wolves are paying Steimsma Boston added three guys at the same position. Once again Danny Ainge knew what he was doing as he knew Stiemsma priced himself out of Boston and thus Danny needed to go in a different and more prudent direction to make Boston a true contender. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!!!!!
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