HOUSTON (AP) — A person with knowledge of the deal says the Houston Rockets have agreed to a one-year deal with Argentine forward Carlos Delfino.
Aug 142012
Aug 092012
Aug 082012
The Boston Celtics could stand to add a combo guard to their roster, and free-agent Carlos Delfino would be a great fit.
According to NESN’s Ricky Doyle, the Celtics are interested in acquiring Delfino. Head coach Doc Rivers had this to say: “We’ve looked, and I wish we had the money to add him. We could really use him.”
Unfortunately, the Celtics would only be able to offer the 29-year-old Argentinian the veteran minimum price tag of $1.14 million, which probably wouldn’t be to Delfino’s liking.
Delfino is definitely worth more than the veteran minimum, as he has averaged at least nine points in each of the last four seasons, but the Celtics spent their extra money on Courtney Lee.
Much to chagrin of Delfino, he wouldn’t play as big of a role with the Celtics as he did with the Milwaukee Bucks, but he would have a serious chance to play for a championship-caliber team. At the very least, he would be able to play for a relevant team—something he hasn’t had the opportunity to do since he left the Detroit Pistons.
The pay cut may be too much for Delfino to stomach, but his mind can be changed. The Celtics have one of the most highly respected head coaches in the NBA in Rivers, who would be wise to reach out to Delfino.
If Rivers could convince Delfino to come to Boston, he would add yet another guard to an already deep roster.
The Celtics have two guards who can shoot, but aren’t adept at driving to the hoop. Avery Bradley and Jason Terry can shoot from the outside—more specifically from the wing and the corner.
Lee and Dionte Christmas have the height to drive. Lee has proved he can do a little bit of shooting as well, but the Celtics don’t know what they will get out of Christmas in the regular season.
Delfino would be a surefire success in the Celtics offense. He can shoot (albeit he’s not a sharpshooter), he can get to the rim and can rebound well for a shooting guard.
The Celtics desperately need a guard who can contribute on the boards. Last season, the team finished 30th in rebounds per game. Delfino could help in that department, as he pulled down nearly four a night for the Bucks.
Boston doesn’t need to overpay Delfino and dip into the luxury tax, but if Rivers or someone else can convince him to play for Boston at a bargain rate, he would be the perfect complementary piece in the offense.
Read more Boston Celtics news on BleacherReport.com
Jul 262012
Though the New York Knicks have had a busy and productive offseason, GM Glen Grunwald’s work is anything but over. This team still needs some help on the back end of the bench and given the players still available on the free agent market, he needs to break out the checkbook for players that can be gotten on the cheap.
From pesky defense to guys that are just plain good to have in the locker room on attitude alone, New York is just one or two contracts away from being a full and complete team. On top of all of that, they could potentially be the deepest and most productive.
In fact, I can think of five available players who, if playing for New York, would bring their own unique value to the roster.
No. 5: Brian Scalabrine
Before I go any further, allow me to say this much. I seriously have no clue as to why Brian Scalabrine has been able to hold down a job in the NBA for the past 11 years. He has almost zero athleticism, he looks awkward running up and down the court and, to top it all off, he has only averaged 13 minutes per game for his career. Playing for the Chicago Bulls last season, he averaged just over a point a game in a whopping 4.4 minutes per contest.
Yet, despite his limitations in terms of playing the game, Scalabrine maintains a positive attitude and is apparently a positive presence in the locker room. It’s almost as though he knows he isn’t anything special, but is just happy to be part of a team.
Given how the Knicks could certainly use a team chemistry lesson, bringing him in on the veteran’s minimum and giving him nothing but garbage minutes can’t hurt.
No. 4: Brian Cardinal
Like Scalabrine, Cardinal is a player whose positive attitude has kept him in the league for a dozen years. Yet, unlike the ginger-haired forward, Cardinal can at least be relied upon to make three-pointers consistently. In his 12 seasons, he has shot 37 percent from long range.
That said, though he would almost certainly be the 12th man on the Knicks or any team that chooses to sign him, Cardinal’s jovial attitude would be a welcome addition in New York. This is a team that needs to gel together and given how Cardinal, like Scalabrine, also has championship experience, he could certainly keep his teammates focused and pumped up during a playoff run.
No. 3: Nate Robinson
Robinson started his career in New York and his first go-around with the team was, to say the least, tumultuous. The 5’9″ guard thrived in Mike D’Antoni’s fast-paced offensive system and on top of being a good shooter, he was a phenomenal dunker.
On defense, however, Robinson is hit or miss and in Mike Woodson’s system, playing tough D is almost a must. Still, the former Washington Husky still has the size and athletic ability to be a pest on the defensive side of the ball. On offense, when left wide open, he is almost a lock to make a shot. Playing for the Golden State Warriors last year, he averaged 11.2 points off the bench and shot 36 percent from three-point land.
Given how he is now 28 years old and more mature as a player, there’s no reason to believe that Grunwald wouldn’t be able to sign Robinson to a one-year deal for a fairly low price, just to be an electrifying guard in the second unit.
No. 2: Matt Barnes
As well as the Knicks have done in free agency this offseason, they could still use a solid swingman off the bench. Barnes averaged 7.8 points and 5.5 rebounds playing for the Los Angeles Lakers last season and given how much effort he puts into his game, it’s kind of shocking that he has yet to receive any contract offers.
The former UCLA Bruin actually appeared in six games for the Knicks back in the 2005-2006 season, during the disastrous year when Larry Brown was head coach, and his overall skills have highly developed since then. That said, will Barnes be one to put up consistent numbers in most major categories if New York were to give him another chance? Most likely not.
Yet, one thing is certain. Barnes would be the bench player who showed the most determination on the floor night after night. The total number of minutes wouldn’t really be an issue for him. He would just get on the court and do his best so that his team could bring the win home.
Seeing as how the Knicks could use that effort in any way, shape and form, it couldn’t hurt Grunwald to at least offer Barnes the veteran’s minimum.
No. 1: Carlos Delfino
At this point in NBA free agency season, Delfino is probably the best available player on the market. Simply put, it’s flat out shocking that the Argentinian swingman has yet to land a new contract. Hoopshype has reported that “several” teams have contacted him, but no agreements have been reached yet.
That said, though the Knicks have already signed a fine defensive pest in Ronnie Brewer, taking a look at Delfino certainly couldn’t hurt. He’s the type of player that will most likely demand a multi-year deal but as I mentioned before, no teams have shown a truly overwhelming interest in him thus far. To be honest, I’m kind of shocked that Ronnie Brewer was able to land a deal before him.
Delfino’s best strengths are his defense and three-point shooting. Playing for the Milwaukee Bucks last season, he averaged 1.5 steals per game while shooting 36 percent from long range. He turns 30 in a month, so age really isn’t an issue, and the only thing that could be keeping teams from signing him is probably his past concussion problems.
Still, if the market for him still doesn’t develop in the next couple of weeks, Grunwald should roll the dice and make him an offer. After all, in basketball, is there really such thing as too much defense?
Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com
Jul 222012
I don’t know about you, but I smiled seeing the Celtics acquire Courtney Lee through a sign-and-trade (ESPN).
Why?
Because NESN had reported that Carlos Delfino interested the Celtics. With Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, Jason Terry, and Courtney Lee as their guards (as well as Paul Pierce and Jeff Green at the small forward position), the Celtics appear to not need the services of Delfino. The Knicks, on the other hand, do.
With Iman Shumpert out injured, the Knicks need depth at shooting guard. Even if Shumpert comes back by January (most optimistic), it will take time for Shumpert to get back into game shape. While J.R. Smith could start at shooting guard, his streakiness makes him better suited coming off the bench.
Coming off the bench, Coach Mike Woodson can play J.R. Smith like a streak shooter. He can ride the hot streaks and sit Smith down if he does not have it. As a starter (and more importantly playing starters minutes), Woodson has to live with Smith’s shooting, in good times and in bad.
Carlos Delfino brings two things that every team desires: three-point shooting and defense.
Over his last four seasons, in the NBA, Delfino has shot 37.0% on three-pointers (38.2% in ’07-’08, 36.7% in ’09-’10, 37.0% in ’10-’11, and 36.0% in ’11-’12). More specifically, he loves setting up in the corner. That ability to stretch the floor and keep defenders honest will create more space for the Knicks stars to operate.
He has the mindset of a role player as well. Therefore, outside of the occasional pick-and-roll, Delfino will keep the ball moving.
Carlos Delfino brings a physical, pit-bull style of defense.
At shooting guard, his size and strength allow him to stay in front of his man. This style of defense led to Delfino giving up only .84 PPP (points per possession). His risk-taking also allows him to create turnovers. This makes him an ideal role player who can start at shooting guard for the Knicks.
However, put him against quicker players (point guards) or stronger players (small forwards). Then, you either expose a weakness or take away a strength.
Also, his risk-taking puts pressure on his team’s interior defense. Without Andrew Bogut, defenders more easily punished the Milwaukee Bucks for Delfino’s gambling.
That is why Delfino should only attract interest from teams who need shooting guards and have big men who protect the rim (which should help the Knicks by lowering market demand).
Now, Delfino had a poor second half.
His shooting—and overall play—suffered after the Monta Ellis trade. I would attribute that to playing out of position at small forward. This should not surprise anyone as Delfino is undersized as a small forward and does not have elite quickness to make up for that.
Also, in the Eastern Conference, the depth of the small forward position is far greater than the shooting guard position (LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Paul Pierce, (drop) Danny Granger, Andre Iguodala, Luol Deng, vs. Dwyane Wade, (drop) Joe Johnson, (drop) Paul George, (big drop) J.J. Reddick?).
With free agents playing a game of musical chairs, the Knicks should wish that Delfino is the one left standing. He fills their needs. He indirectly improves their bench.
And on a team that already has stars, he knows his role.
Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com
Jul 212012
I don’t know about you, but I smiled seeing the Celtics acquire Courtney Lee through a sign-and-trade (ESPN).
Why?
Because NESN had reported that Carlos Delfino interested the Celtics. With Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, Jason Terry, and Courtney Lee as their guards (as well as Paul Pierce and Jeff Green at the small forward position), the Celtics appear to not need the services of Delfino. The Knicks, on the other hand, do.
With Iman Shumpert out injured, the Knicks need depth at shooting guard. Even if Shumpert comes back by January (most optimistic), it will take time for Shumpert to get back into game shape. While J.R. Smith could start at shooting guard, his streakiness makes him better suited coming off the bench.
Coming off the bench, Coach Mike Woodson can play J.R. Smith like a streak shooter. He can ride the hot streaks and sit Smith down if he does not have it. As a starter (and more importantly playing starters minutes), Woodson has to live with Smith’s shooting, in good times and in bad.
Carlos Delfino brings two things that every team desires: three-point shooting and defense.
Over his last four seasons, in the NBA, Delfino has shot 37.0% on three-pointers (38.2% in ’07-’08, 36.7% in ’09-’10, 37.0% in ’10-’11, and 36.0% in ’11-’12). More specifically, he loves setting up in the corner. That ability to stretch the floor and keep defenders honest will create more space for the Knicks stars to operate.
He has the mindset of a role player as well. Therefore, outside of the occasional pick-and-roll, Delfino will keep the ball moving.
Carlos Delfino brings a physical, pit-bull style of defense.
At shooting guard, his size and strength allow him to stay in front of his man. This style of defense led to Delfino giving up only .84 PPP (points per possession). His risk-taking also allows him to create turnovers. This makes him an ideal role player who can start at shooting guard for the Knicks.
However, put him against quicker players (point guards) or stronger players (small forwards). Then, you either expose a weakness or take away a strength.
Also, his risk-taking puts pressure on his team’s interior defense. Without Andrew Bogut, defenders more easily punished the Milwaukee Bucks for Delfino’s gambling.
That is why Delfino should only attract interest from teams who need shooting guards and have big men who protect the rim (which should help the Knicks by lowering market demand).
Now, Delfino had a poor second half.
His shooting—and overall play—suffered after the Monta Ellis trade. I would attribute that to playing out of position at small forward. This should not surprise anyone as Delfino is undersized as a small forward and does not have elite quickness to make up for that.
Also, in the Eastern Conference, the depth of the small forward position is far greater than the shooting guard position (LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Paul Pierce, (drop) Danny Granger, Andre Iguodala, Luol Deng, vs. Dwyane Wade, (drop) Joe Johnson, (drop) Paul George, (big drop) J.J. Reddick?).
With free agents playing a game of musical chairs, the Knicks should wish that Delfino is the one left standing. He fills their needs. He indirectly improves their bench.
And on a team that already has stars, he knows his role.
Read more New York Knicks news on BleacherReport.com
Jul 192012
The Boston Celtics have one glaring hole in their starting lineup at this point. They desperately need a shooting guard.
Avery Bradley will suffice, but his shoulder is an uncertainty at this point. Boston’s other option is Jason Terry, but he’s no more than a sixth man at this juncture in his career.
So who will Boston turn to?
They do have a few viable options at this point. O.J. Mayo recently locked up his future in Dallas, but that doesn’t mean quality shooters aren’t still on the board.
With Boston, they don’t even necessarily have to be shooting guards by trade. Paul Pierce is versatile enough to play multiple positions, so a shooting guard/small forward hybrid could be in play as well.
Let’s take a look at three capable scorers Boston is keeping a close eye on.
Carlos Delfino
According to CSNNE reporter A. Sherrod Blakely, the Celtics have expressed some interest in this seven-year veteran:
Milwaukee Bucks swing man Carlos Delfino, a player the Celtics have expressed some interest in according to league sources.
Delfino isn’t a sexy signing, but he’s a quality player who wants to win. He’s toiled away on poor Toronto and Milwaukee teams for four seasons, and he’s not getting any younger.
According to Blakely, the Celtics’ best chance to acquire his services are through sign-and-trade scenarios or with the $1.9 million bi-annual exception. As Blakely alludes to, this would be much less money than Delfino is used to, but the winning factor could play a major role.
Last year, Delfino averaged nine points per game for Milwaukee. He shot 36 percent from beyond the arc, and he’s an above-average defensive player. Technically, he’s a small forward, but his skill set is exactly what Boston needs at this time.
Signing Delfino isn’t going to grab any headlines, but he would be a solid addition to Boston’s rotation. He’s experienced, skilled and scrappy. That fits Doc Rivers’ coaching mentality to a tee.
Courtney Lee
We will stick with sign-and-trade situations. Lee is currently a restricted free agent, and he’s been on Boston’s radar for weeks now. According to A. Sherrod Blakely, that interest hasn’t waned:
With Dallas coming to terms with O.J. Mayo, Courtney Lee sits atop the C’s wish list among unrestricted free agents.
Boston’s best shot at Lee would be to acquire him via sign-and-trade with Houston. In addition to the Timberwolves, Phoenix also remains a strong contender for Lee.
As you can tell by Blakely’s words, it’s not a simple situation in Lee’s case.
Boston needs a sign-and-trade to make the finances work, and they have competition from other teams. Portland‘s re-signing of Nicolas Batum should increase Minnesota’s interest in the Rockets‘ shooting guard.
Lee would be worth the price for sure. He fits exactly what Boston needs, and at 26 years old, he’s still relatively young.
He averaged just over 11 points per game for Houston last season, so the Celtics know he can score. He’s shot 39 percent from three-point land for his career, providing further incentive for Danny Ainge and the Boston brass.
The Celtics are going to have to get creative to bring Lee to Beantown, but he’s the most talented option at this point.
Pietrus isn’t a new target because he played with Boston last year, but his return next season isn’t set in stone. According to Blakely, Boston remains interested in the swingman’s services:
In addition to their pursuit of Carlos Delfino, the Celtics remain very much in the picture for Mickael Pietrus.
His agent, Bill McCandless, has told CSNNE.com that his client has had a number of teams express interest, but the connection Pietrus made with Celtics players and their fans is very strong.
This may be the smartest option.
Boston’s system is built on consistency and continuity, and Pietrus’ one year of experience would be an added benefit. He didn’t light it up last season for the Celtics, but he is a versatile player who contributes on both ends of the floor.
Last season, he averaged nearly seven points per game and just over three boards per contest. He only shot 34 percent from beyond the arc, but he’s had three seasons over 37 percent in his career. He’s never going to be a lights-out marksman, but he’s certainly a threat.
Read more Boston Celtics news on BleacherReport.com
Jul 192012
JR Smith is our starting SG. Actually.
After him we have an injured Iman Shumpert or a PG who will be asked to play out of position in Jason Kidd. Not exactly a deep depth chart.
With the 2-guard a glaring weakness on this team, and nothing but veteran minimum’s left in our bag, who would you like to see the team pursue?
Some names courtesy of Jared Zwerling over at ESPN-NY:
- Ronnie Brewer
- Maurice Evans
- Jodie Meeks
- Mickael Pietrus (who has been discussed on this blog before)
- Sonny Weems
- Marco Belinelli
- Carlos Delfino
I’d like to think a guy like Foye — who remains unsigned — can be added to that list as well. He hasn’t exactly been chased around by suitors this summer, so I’m not completely crazy to think that he might just take the bait and come play for NY under a 1-year deal much in the way Antawn Jamison just decided to do out in LA.
Given the chance to play in NY, maybe he will convince himself that he can outplay his contract this season and go get more next spring, all while trying to win in 2012-13.
If not, who on that list (or on a list of your own) do you like to help with our lack of depth at the 2 given our limited funds?
Jul 192012
In their quest to find a serviceable replacement for the injured Avery Bradley, the Boston Celtics are looking into unrestricted free agent Carlos Delfino, league sources tell Celtics Insider A. Sherrod Blakely of Comcast SportsNet New England.
Delfino, a 29-year-old guard/forward, averaged 9.0 points per game and shot 36 percent from three in 54 games for the Milwaukee Bucks last season.
A first-round draft pick of the Detroit Pistons in 2003, Delfino has also spent time with the Toronto Raptors in addition to playing professionally in Italy and his native Argentina.
Delfino is known for his defense and three-point shooting, both of which would greatly benefit the Celtics in Bradley’s absence. At 6’6″ and 230 pounds, he is strong enough and quick enough to provide depth to both the frontcourt and backcourt.
However, the Celtics only have the bi-annual exception ($1.975 million) to offer Delfino. The Celtics would have to convince him to take less money in order to come to Boston, as Delfino made $10.5 million over the past three seasons with Milwaukee.
Given his versatility, Delfino will definitely attract multiple teams this offseason. As the acquisition of Courtney Lee seems more and more unlikely because the Celtics used their $5 million midlevel exception on former Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Terry, Delfino would be a great value signing and a more realistic option for the Celtics.
Nothing is imminent with Delfino, who will most likely take his time entertaining offers from teams looking to fill out their rosters with quality role players over the next month.
Read more Boston Celtics news on BleacherReport.com
May 312012
After staying at the No.12 pick following the lottery, the Milwaukee Bucks are looking forward to an exciting 2012-13 season.
Speculations have begun on who the Bucks will draft and what moves in free agency they will make. Needless to say, there will be some fresh faces in a Milwaukee uniform.
The real question is, what faces can the Bucks rid themselves of?
Kwame Brown
Monta Ellis was acquired in a trade last season from the Golden State Warriors.
Unfortunately, so was Kwame Brown.
Brown is one of two centers currently on the roster, but that shouldn’t deter the Bucks from clearing roster space.
Kwame signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Warriors before being shipped to the Bucks. He tore a pectoral muscle in January and never saw the floor for the Bucks.
He shouldn’t.
At 6’11″, Brown is dubbed as one of the biggest draft flops of all time. He’s a career 6.8 PPG and 5.6 RPG player.
The Milwaukee Bucks will address their big guy concern this offseason. Whether it is through the draft or a free-agent signing, it will be addressed.
Next please.
Carlos Delfino
Starting 54 games for the Bucks last season, Delfino has worked his way to being a fan favorite in Milwaukee.
However, he may now be in a system where he doesn’t fit.
If Ersan Ilyasova is re-signed and a big man found, Delfino could soon find himself in a spot of irrelevance. Milwaukee is excited about the continued development of Luc Mbah a Moute and getting Tobias Harris more experience.
This doesn’t leave much room for the spot shooting Delfino.
Averaging 9.0 PPG and hitting 36 percent of his threes, look for Carlos to be used as trade bait in the upcoming season.
Shaun Livingston
The starting backcourt of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis has Bucks fans on edge for the season to start. I don’t think that fans are coming out to see Shaun Livingston.
The well-traveled guard will most likely…be more traveled.
The Bucks announced that backup point guard Beno Udrih signed his player option earlier this month, further strengthening the Bucks toughest position.
A point guard by trade, Livingston found little success this year averaging about 18.8 minutes a game and only 5.5 points. Usually playing the off guard spot, Livingston never seemed in place within Scott Skiles’ system.
The Bucks should look for a productive 2-guard to come off the bench to back up Ellis, possibly in a trade with Livingston and the aforementioned Delfino.
Milwaukee is coming off a disappointing end to the 2011-12 season and looks to right the ship moving forward. A huge step was the addition of Ellis, and the coming moves are imperative.
The new faces in green could be the key to getting the Bucks over the hump this season and back to contenders in the East.
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