Payton Coming Back To Boston

[IronMan]

There was mention of him going to Phoenix or Miami too... but I don't see why those teams would acquire Payton. Nash and Wade... I guess maybe as backup.

[Sauru]

when does he have to sign to be able to play in playoffs

[Andrew]

I believe as long as he's waived before March 1st, he's eligible.

[Sauru]

oh ok, thats cool

[GloveGuy]

Payton's verbally agreed to Boston now, so it's as good as done. Word is, he'll sign with tomorrow at 10AM, and possibly suit up for the game versus Charlotte.

Andrew, you might wanna rethink this:

With Webber now a sixer, is Philly assured the 3rd spot in the playoffs?

Andrew: All but. They're a bit weaker off the bench having given up Williamson, but they're a whole lot stronger in their starting five. They can survive without the Big Nasty, even though I like him as a player to have off the bench. They're basically tied with Boston, so they have no ground to cover before they race ahead.

Is there a discussion for you and Matthew's "Open Court"?

[Indy]

There was mention of him going to Phoenix or Miami too... but I don't see why those teams would acquire Payton. Nash and Wade... I guess maybe as backup.

yeaaaaaah dont think payton would take to kindly to coming off the bench.

[Riot]

Yup, Gloveguy. I have freaking $100 on Boston to win the division since pre-season and I know they can still do it. Philadelphia isn't as good as everyone says they are and Boston is a better team IMO. Plus, Walker and Pierce have played with each other before where Iverson and Webber have not. I think that is an advantage to the Celtics, considering the season is more then 2/3 done.

[Sauru]

i gotta agree with you there riot. also i have felt all season long that the celtics have been underachieving. imo they are clearly the better team on paper, and i think this trade will give them a spark. when payton rolls back into town i see boston being a much better team. i am no longer thinking about a first round exit for this team. before there was talk about teams tanking a few games to grab the 6th seed instead of the 4th, i dont think anyone would do that now.

[Andrew]

It will be interesting if Boston stays atop the Atlantic and Chicago remains in the sixth spot. History suggests the Celtics would prevail, as they are 10-0 against Chicago in the postseason; they are the only team Chicago hasn't registered a single win against in the playoffs. You'll forgive me if I hope that trend is broken.