Random Thoughts (July 8, 2010)

With the NBA focusing on "The Decision" of LeBron James, it was quietly reported last night that Ray Allen and the Celtics agreed on a 2-year contract worth a total of $20 million that does include a player option for the second season. Bringing back Allen keeps the Celtics nucleus together through the end of the 2012 season when Allen and Kevin Garnett will become free agents. The move also gives Danny Ainge the ability to focus on putting together the complimentary pieces around his stars that will make the difference between winning a championship or suffering a bitter defeat... One of those complimentary pieces could be Jermaine O'Neal. The 31-year-old center, who played last year with the Heat, would provide excellent insurance for Kendrick Perkins' knee injury and give the team a reliable veteran presence in the middle. It also looks like Rasheed Wallace's expected retirement is not a sure thing. Philadelphia hoops legend Sonny Hill, who has known the Celtics center since he was in middle school, believes all of the retirement talk was based in frustration and that Wallace will play this season. While this is far from a guarantee, it is well known that 'Sheed is an emotional player and maybe the frustration of losing in Game 7 to the Lakers caused him to overreact. I would be welcome to his return, granted that he decides to come in to training camp in relatively decent physical shape, but I still believe he will retire and that the team will use his contract to add one or two players to get younger and round out their bench. If O'Neal does sign, this would be the look of the current C's roster for 2010-2011: 5: Jermaine O'Neal, Semih Erden, Kendrick Perkins 4: Kevin Garnett, Glen Davis, Luke Harangody 3: Paul Pierce 2: Ray Allen 1: Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley The obvious void is behind Pierce and Allen on the wings. Tony Allen is still an option to return although he may look to cash in elsewhere following a solid performance in the playoffs. Tony Gaffney and Matt Janning, currently playing summer league with the C's, could be bargain options to round out the bench. This is where Wallace's contract comes into play. Ainge could use it to make a play for someone like Portland's Rudy Fernandez or Golden State's Anthony Morrow. Both players would bring much needed youth and offense to the Boston bench... I hate to bury this at the end of a "Random Thoughts" post but after landing career hit number 2500 last night, it's time to seriously consider Johnny Damon for the Hall of Fame. With three more quality seasons - which will bring him to age 40 - Damon will be very close to attaining 3000 career hits, which would guarantee him a place in Cooperstown. Even if he fails to reach 3000, Damon still has an argument to reach the Hall. He currently has a career batting average of .288, a career on-base percentage of .355, and has scored 1535 runs as primarily a lead-off hitter. He also has made the postseason seven times and won the World Series with the Red Sox in 2004 and Yankees in 2009. and is a two-time All-Star. I think Damon will need to reach the 3000-hit plateau for the Hall of Fame to become reality but it is a testament to his ability and longevity that it is even a discussion... Happy Birthday Wife, enjoy 29 today...