Chris Forsberg

  (2:00 PM)

What's going down, everybody? Feeling better after Wednesday's win? Let's dive into your questions.

Rafael Forner (SP - Brazil)

Chris, how do u think that Finley can help us ? U think he can be come like a P.J. Brown was to us ?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:02 PM)

The thing to remember is he can't hurt you. I think Finley brings a championship resume and 111 games of playoff experience to an already veteran team. You'll get a bit of a honeymoon period where he'll look like 27-year-old Finley again, and who knows, maybe that continues into the playoffs. Go in with low expectations and he's sure to exceed.

Drake (Coppell, TX)

Isn't Finley just another over the hill shooter? Do you really think he is bringing anything to the table by coming to Boston?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:03 PM)

We'll find out, but I think the Celtics have a perfect offense for an aging perimeter shooter. They'll get him open looks and it's up to Finley to refind some of that 3-point magic. As long as he can still play average defense, I don't see any way he hurts this team.

Nick (Auburn, MA)

With Finley and Robinson joining the Celtics, who's minutes will drop more Ray Allen or Marquis Daniels?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:05 PM)

Let's hope it's Ray, whose minutes have been kinda ridiculous to this point. Even Doc has acknowledged he's got to get that number down. I think if you trim a little away from Ray, and utilize Finley in a rotation with Pierce, Daniels, and Tony Allen, you've got the opportunity to give everyone manageable minutes down the stretch. Then if Finley exceeds expectations you ramp him up in the playoffs (or vice versa).

James (Pennsylvania)

Michael Finley the newest celtic i think was a good add to the bench but i think another center is in need to come off the bench for perkins?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:06 PM)

I'll buy what you're selling, the Celtics probably would have liked a defense-first, rebounding big man to add depth up front. But since none appear to be available, they're probably content to let Shelden Williams play the "in case of emergency" role. Just means Glen Davis has to continue to come on strong here.

Evan (Boston)

I've been a large Baby supporter but lately with how often he's unable to finish around the hoop I am starting to find my self agreeing with the Shelden Williams fans. Is it time to go over to the dark side (Williams) or should I assume Davis will continue to improve?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:08 PM)

Listen, I'm the first to admit that when Baby put up 14 shots the other night in Detroit, compared to six for Pierce, I was thinking that's not the proportion this team should be seeking. But I remain steadfast that Davis has been one of the brighter spots of this team lately. Yes, he gets a frustrating amount of shots blocked. Yes, his field goal percentage is atrocious right now. But he's still showing signs of getting back to that player he was in last year's playoffs. He's going to be pivotal for this team. Hang in there.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:10 PM)

And I fully expect the "I told you so" from the Shelden Williams fan club today. Doc Rivers summed it up best lately, noting that Boston is blessed to have two consummate pros in Shelden and Scal, who accept their own weaknesses and simply do what's asked of them when called upon. You need guys like that in the NBA. And then Doc compared Shelden to a backup quarterback, which is a PERFECT analogy. People always think that backup is the answer because he hasn't played. But there's a reason he's a backup.

brett (louisville)

is rajon rondo in the long term plans for boston?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:10 PM)

5 years, $55 million ... i sure hope he's in the plans.

Mark (Raleigh, NC)

Why did Rivers refuse to give any PT to Bill Walker? I know him scoring 20 on a HORRID Knicks team does not mean he would have done that here - but Doc could have given him more run. Rondo needs some young legs to run with him on the 2nd Unit

Chris Forsberg

  (2:13 PM)

Yes, Walker has scored 43 points over his last two games (vs. Cleveland and Detroit). As J.R. Giddens jabbed the Celtics on Twitter, it is amazing what people can do when given the opportunity. Look, it just wasn't going to happen here. Fair or not, he was always going to be super cautious coming off the bench and those guys feared that one mistake and they were out. Part of the problem was the Celtics didn't have enough lopsided games this year for them to sorta showcase what they could do late. Walker has a good situation now, he can play without worry, and hopefully it serves him well in his development.

Bill (Hartford)

You really think KG can keep up a high level of play for a long enough amount of time?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:14 PM)

I'd be a lot more comfortable saying yes if he put together a solid stretch of games. He's got a chance now after looking sharp against the Bobcats. He didn't log a whole lot of minutes, so let's see what he's got coming off a day's rest against Philadelphia. I think the playoffs will bring the best out of him, but the next 22 games will also go a long way towards letting us know what we can expect from him in the postseason.

dre (new york ny 10004)

should the celtics bring back tony battie if he's available?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:16 PM)

The deadline for players to be cut and maintain playoff eligibility with their new teams has passed. I think the Celtics had their eye on Battie as one guy who might become available, but it didn't happen. Imagine the free-for-all you would have had if Finley and Battie both came to Boston seeking jersey No. 4. Nate Robinson could have named his price.

Anthony Pino (NH)

Speaking of Finley, Is Nate Robinson going to give up number 4? Finley's worn it his whole career and Nate just started like a week ago. If you look at it like the swap was House/Giddens/Walker for Robinson/Landry/Finley I like it even more.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:17 PM)

I'll say this: If Nate changes -- it'd be a classy thing to do -- and I'm one of the poor Celtics fans who ordered a No. 4 Robinson jersey this week, I'd be livid. My guess is Finley finds something new here unless he's really attached to that number.

Evan (Boston)

I think I remember you saying the House-Nate swap was more of a shake up than an improvement. I feel that Nate is clearly the superior player, have you changed your mind? Who's minutes do you think Finley cuts into? Do you think he makes an impact?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:19 PM)

Yeah, I'll admit I thought the biggest thing the Celtics would gain from the Robinson-House swap would be the locker room shakeup, but if Robinson can keep playing like he has the last two games, then Ainge and Co. walk away looking like geniuses. I'm amazed at how well Robinson has shot the 3-ball. I've been using the "Eddie who?" joke far too often, but it's truly amazing how he's produced not only what House provided beyond the arc, but ups the energy when he's on the floor. Let's get through the honeymoon period and hope he continues to deliver as he learns the playbook better.

spencer (kansas city)

are you convinced these late season trades can translate into post season glory or is the roster just being shaken up in hopes of a positive surprise emerging?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:22 PM)

Nate Robinson and Michael Finley will not be the reason the Celtics win an NBA title in June. But, at least from what we've seen in Robinson, they certainly won't detour the team from postseason glory. I think the Celtics have done a nice job addressing a weakness with Robinson (backup PG, energy with 2nd unit) and are adding a class act with playoff experience in Finley. I like how the roster is filling out for the stretch run.

Chris (Chicago)

Is Finley really any better than Bill Walker who we just gave away for Nate and has been ripping it up in NYC? I realize he doesn't have the vet experience or even that similar skill set, but might Walker's youth and athleticism been a better sort of injection into the rotation than more aged, cagy, vet legs?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:23 PM)

Long term? Probably not. For right now? Absolutely. Finley isn't going to come into games timid. He's got 15 years of experience, 111 playoff games, like a bazillion minutes. We might ultimately find out that he's got nothing left in the tank. It happens. But sometimes you catch lightning in a bottle (PJ Brown) and maybe it helps you win a game or two in the postseason.

Pat (Norton)

Looking ahead to the offseason, are there any chances the C's can pick up a quality body from the FA market? It seems Rasheed's contract has limited their ability to go out and sign someone like a Joe Johnson (who would have been a perfect fit with Ray's contract up).

Chris Forsberg

  (2:26 PM)

Rasheed Wallace's contract is not what will detour the Celtics from being major players in the free agent bonanza this offseason. Wallace's contract, while lengthy, isn't weighing down your cap at $6.3 million next year (Joe Johnson wasn't coming for the mid-level exception). Boston will have to be thrifty for sure and search for those Marquis Daniels-like bargains. One thing is veteran guys will come cheap for a chance at a title. But they have to show they are still title contenders this season.

Mark (Raleigh, NC)

IF the Celtics were to re-sign Ray Allen this summer (and I think they HAVE to now that they didn't trade him) - do you see a 2 yr, $8-$9 million per deal as reasonable?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:27 PM)

Absolutely. And I think Ray might even see teams offering more money and more years, so he might have to take an "i love this town" discount. He's proven since the trade deadline that's got something left in the tank and, while he may eventually be a 6th man down the road, that price would seem to work for both sides.

dre (new york ny 10004)

im not convinced nate robinson is the true back up point guard the celtics need what do you think?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:29 PM)

You know what, I think they went 28 games without Marquis Daniels, who the team intended to help with ball-handling duties on the second team, and said, "Maybe we don't need a pure backup PG after all." Nate gives you a backup PG with scoring potential and maybe that's more important than a pure distributor on that second unit.

Ryan (LA)

Is it just me or was Celtic nation much more accepting of adding a bum like Starbury last year than we are with adding Nate Robinson this year? And don't tell me it's all because of Eddy House, because he wasn't that great.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:30 PM)

Marbury didn't cost you anything, so fans are always more accepting when there's nothing going the other way. Kinda like Michael Finley here. You don't have to give up anything, so it's universally embraced. It's not like with Robinson where, if Bill Walker goes on to be an NBA All-Star, it won't matter how much Robinson contributes, there will always be some that lament the deal.

Alton (Bristol)

I get what you say about Walker never getting time here, but isn't that a failure by the coach and front office in general? This team might think it's making a run, but reality has to have dawned in the front office. With Allen most likely gone and limited cap space don't they need to do everything they can to develop young talent? Is this further proof that the Big 3 veteran status is leading to a rift with the younger players?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:33 PM)

I see both sides of this coin. On the one hand, I think coach and management should see the potential in a guy from practice and recognize what has to be done to bring him along. On the other hand, the bottom line in the NBA is winning. If you have a top 10 as solid as the Celtics, you can't always worry about holding the hand of players 12-15. Maybe that's shortsighted, but if Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge don't win now, they won't be around to see Bill Walker flourish.

Mike (Akron)

As a Cavs fan I have to ask, are you concerned about Rasheed not being very good? He plays between the three point lines (except for some reason against Dwight Howard) and he is only good for about 3-4 plays in the post (I noticed this when the Cavs dominated by putting JJ Hickson on him. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why Rasheed wasn't posting Hickson up).

Chris Forsberg

  (2:36 PM)

Of course. Celtics fans are downright paralyzed in fear at the thought that Rasheed might not ever flip his personal switch. He certainly needs to do a better job identifying when he should be hanging out around the 3-point line and when he needs to take his defender down on the blocks and go to work. The eternal optimist says he's just waiting for the right time to do that. Time will tell.

Ryan (Boston)

"Boston will have to be thrifty for sure and search for those Marquis Daniels-like bargains." Chris, if that's all they can do for next year, who are they most likely to try and add? Does bargain shopping give us any chance at winning next year?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:38 PM)

For all the talk about LeBron, Bosh, Wade, and Co., I'll admit I haven't really examined what the other end of the free-agent heap is going to look like. But Boston is going to need plenty of bodies and they've already committed to 6 players for $63.3 million (the starting 5 minus Ray, plus 'Sheed and Baby)...

Chris Forsberg

  (2:39 PM)

That leaves somewhere in the neighborhood of $20 million for, say, 8 players not named Ray Allen (if my quick and shady math here is correct). Needless to say, not a lot of wiggle room appears.

grandjordanian (San Diego, CA)

Can a team win a championship with a different leading scorer every night? I have my own opinion, but am wondering if you can do a blog post at some point that uses historical stats to answer it.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:41 PM)

Interesting. I'll have to look at the numbers. I'm inclined to say sure, with the caveat that, if you take Paul Pierce off this Celtics' team, and I don't think they have any chance at winning a title. You do need someone who's fearless with the ball, particularly late in games. That's not to say Ray Allen or Kevin Garnett would be afraid to take a big-time shot, but I think you want a proven scorer on the floor in those close games, or when you're trying to rally. It just so happens that Boston has the luxury the past three years of sorta spreading that offensive production around, particularly now as Rajon Rondo emerges.

pat ((brighton/munich))

I thought marquis was signed to the bi-annual exception... so shouldn't he be here next season as well (and thus included in the salary-committed-calculation)?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:43 PM)

The bi-annual exception can't be used two years in a row, which means the Celtics won't have it available this offseason, but Daniels will be an unrestricted free agent following this season. He's expressed an interest in sticking around, but I don't see any way the Celtics find the money to keep him. He's going to command quality coin on the open market.

Tyler (Stratham, NH)

Hey Chris, given Nate's recent surge in production I am looking forward to getting him and Rondo on the court together. Do you think against a team like Philly with a starting backcourt of Holiday and Williams, two smaller guards, we could finally see some extended time for that combination?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:45 PM)

Yes, and that's obviously the ideal time to give this combination a whirl, as opposed to, say, when you've got a 6-foot-6 shooting guard on the opposite side. I think the combo has potential, but I don't want to see a lot of it. I think Nate is just fine being a backup PG to Rondo and the Celtics put themselves in a mismatch situation if opponents go big against a Rondo-Robinson lineup.

Dan (North Andover, MA)

With kevin garnett, paul pierce, and ray allen, all over 30. and all contracts expiring soon, do you see the celtics making any big moves in the free agency or trades in the next few years involving those 3?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:47 PM)

Not for the foreseeable future. You've got KG through 2011-12 and, presumably, Pierce will re-sign, which means the team is going to be hamstrung a bit for the next few seasons. That's a daunting thought consider how old this team has looked at times this season, but, on the flip side, if they stay healthy and play to their potential, this team remains a contender. But at some point, yes, they need to sorta toss the baton to a Rondo and (hopefully) Perkins led squad.

grandjordanian (San Diego, CA)

With Nate's jump shooting ability and high FT percentage, are we going to be seeing him in place of Rondo late in games, particularly come playoff time? If so, how do you see Rondo reacting (with your perspective from being in the locker room so much)?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:50 PM)

Interesting. I see your point here. The Celtics do have a propensity to sorta let Pierce handle the ball late in games and that limits what Rondo is able to accomplish offensively. But I don't think you take Rondo off the court just to have a better shooter in Robinson. As well as Robinson has shot the 3-ball the last two games, I don't see this as a trend. He's got the ability, but that's probably coming in spurts. Though I'd be lying if a Pierce-Allen-Finley-Wallace-Garnett type lineup didn't intrigue me.

Steve (NYC)

Um, didn't Quis have his best season last year and only get a 1-year 1.8 mil contract? Why do you think he's going to make money this offseason, especially since he missed half the season?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:53 PM)

Remember that his minutes were way up last year (31.5 per game compared to 20.9 the year before that), so it's not surprising he had his best statistical year. The Pacers didn't want to pay him $7 million per to stick around, so he took a cut to come to Boston (he probably still could have made more money elsewhere). I don't think it's unreasonable to think he'll creep back towards the $6-7 million, mid-level range this offseason if he shines during the postseason. There are teams that need a player like him in their starting lineup.

Alton (Bristol)

I think you could argue pretty easily that the Celtics don't have a top 10, 15, or even 20 player. You need one to win a title. Do you think they are sure Rondo develops into that or are there avenues for them to acquire one?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:55 PM)

I'd say Pierce and Garnett remain top 20 players in this league. And while Allen's near that group, you've also got Rondo climbing. While most teams have a big drop off from their superstar down through the rest of the lineup, the C's have a pretty solid starting 5 (Perkins being undervalued as he is).

Steve (Boston)

So Chris are the Celtics done after this year considering there cap next year?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:57 PM)

I'll admit it will be tough to squeeze another year or two out of this core if they continue to battle the injury bug as they have. But I'm not necessarily convinced the window closes if they don't win a title this year.

Chris Forsberg

  (2:58 PM)

Lightning round to wrap this up.

Chioke Hassan (Baltimore,Md)

Could you see the Celtics getting Iverson?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:58 PM)

::Shudders:: No.

dre (new york ny 10004)

do the celtics have a roster spot available and if so what do you think they should do with it?

Chris Forsberg

  (2:59 PM)

They do. I don't see any need to fill it immediately. I say they hold on to it and use in case of emergency.

sanabeans (CT)

hey, you're my fav dude on twitter!! anywho's...how do u see micheal finley fitting in?

Chris Forsberg

  (3:00 PM)

::blushes:: My Twitter followers are the best. Finley, if he can find his 3-point stroke, helps this team spread the floor and provides an outside presence, while also keeping minutes down across the board.

shawn (boston)

Does the big 3 stay together next year?

Chris Forsberg

  (3:01 PM)

Yes. Unless they lose in like the first round. Then something drastic has to be done. Hopefully it doesn't involve Pierce enacting his early termination option.

Justin (On way to Philly)

Going to the game tonight, please tell me they don't pull a Nets game and lose?

Chris Forsberg

  (3:02 PM)

No, they already had their letdown game against the Sixers in Boston. Plus 'Sheed's playing in his hometown, he'll have it going tonight.

Ryan (Massachusetts)

Can't the Celts afford to bring in a max player after this season? Just resign Ray to smaller deal

Chris Forsberg

  (3:03 PM)

No, it's that simple. Dropping his $19 million salary doesn't free up extra money.

Alton (Bristol)

I've gotta ask this question, if the C's are in the West, are they any better than the Spurs right now?

Chris Forsberg

  (3:04 PM)

No doubt, the East is very top heavy and the Celtics have benefited from the fact that even the Hawks and Magic haven't been able to get far ahead of Boston.

Drake (Coppell, TX)

What are your thoughts on having Ray Allen come off the bench as a 6th man?

Chris Forsberg

  (3:04 PM)

In 2 years, that wouldn't be a surprise.

guided by voices (Dayton OH)

Playoff predictions (as of today) for who the C's play and how far they make it?

Chris Forsberg

  (3:06 PM)

I think C's end up with the third seed, which gives them a team like the Bulls or Raptors in the first round, and that *should* be a breeze for them (again, it's a top-heavy East). By avoiding the 4 seed, they skip the Cavs in the second round, and likely draw the Magic. Buckle up for another seven-game series and let's see if the C's stay healthy enough to survive. I can honestly see this team getting to the Easter finals against the Cavaliers -- who they also match up decent with -- but I gotta believe LeBron and Co. are motivated after last year's letdown in the ECF.

Chris Forsberg

  (3:07 PM)

That's it for this week. Thanks as always for hanging out. I appreciate all the questions. If you have more, send them to the mailbag, or come on back here next week. Enjoy the game with the 76ers tonight.