No Sam Cassell or Gary Payton, Damon Stoudamire Best For Boston Celtics?

The AM Take: Gary Payton has come and gone. Sam Cassell is still a Clipper. Now the rumor is Memphis’ Damon Stoudamire.

Boston, despite their 29-4 record, has an Achilles heel. Rajon Rondo is their only true point guard; opposing defenses have enjoyed success applying full court, on-ball pressure against back-up Eddie House.

House is a tweener. A shooting guard trapped in a point guard’s body. In December, the Pistons badgered him into committing turnovers when running the offense.

So the Celtics need a second-string ball-handler. Someone to fill-in for Rondo and provide insurance in case of injury. Is Stoudamire the answer?

First off, forget the circumstances surrounding his leave from Memphis. Their separation was mutually agreed upon and reached in an amicable way. The Grizzlies wanted to develop young players, so Stoudamire didn’t fit their rebuilding plans.

Mighty Mouse is still serviceable. He can score, pass, and direct traffic. And the Celtics’ can cover his defensive shortcomings for fifteen minutes a night.

Matching contracts in a trade could be complicated. Stoudamire is owed the balance of this season’s 4 million dollar salary and is scheduled to earn 4.5 million dollars next season.

The green-and-white is already over the luxury tax threshold, which limits what contracts they can assume via trade. Rumor has it Memphis and Stoudamire are talking buyout.

A buyout would allow Boston to sign Stoudamire to a pro-rated, veteran’s minimum contract. The rumor mill would stop and the Celtics could have their final piece.

What point guard should Boston go after: Payton, Cassell, or Stoudamire? Get at us in the comment box below or hit us up in our fan forum.

The AM Take is Oly’s morning thoughts on the NBA. All errors can be attributed to the time and his need for another cup of coffee. Click here to get his AM Take each morning and subscribe to his blog.