Wally World Coming To The Garden

Well, Danny Ainge is no lay-about. He pulled off yet another block-buster 4-for-3 trade that, on the surface at least, is a major upgrade for the Green. The centerpiece of the deal is the former All-Star and blazing shooter Wally Szczerbiak coming over from the Timberwolves. The Szcerb-Meister is averaging 20.1 points per game this year--with a nearly 50% shooting percentage and rock solid numbers from the line (think we need some of that action?).

Also in the deal are former #1 overall pick Michael Olowokandi, and a young center from St. Joe's named Dwayne Jones--who could be the sleeper in this thing down the road. The C's gave up Marcus Banks, Mark Blount, Ricky Davis, Justin Reed, and two conditional second round draft choices (with lottery protection).

Losing Ricky Davis is a bit of a downer--since he was the second most reliable scorer behind Pierce and had completely shed his "idiot" image under Doc Rivers. But, even with Davis' scoring, the C's were lacking a pure shooter who can take pressure of Pierce in late situations (we have lost a bunch of games by 4 points or less). Szczerbiak gives us that weapon.

Also, while we are taking on another big contract, we shed a couple as well (Davis and Blount). More importantly, the extra space on the bench gives the kids more opportunity to flow into the mainstream. This deal means more meaningful minutes for Perkins, Jeffferson and West. So, the addition of Wally World may pave the way for a more consistent, youthful, athletic Celtic team NOW. Good deal, Danny.