Celtics sign "D" Small Forward

[CaptChris]

Celtics today signed former UMass player Tony Gaffney to a non-guarenteed contract for 2010-2011.

He is a 25 year old -- 6'8" -- 215lb. -- SF -- former Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year.

In Gaffney's senior season for the Minutemen he averaged 11.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks (3rd in the nation in 2009.

He was the last guy waived by the Lakers in October. He went to play in Israel, and hurt his foot, and was out for the year.

He can jump out of the gym.

[jeepyj]

I went to many of Tony's umass games his junior and senior years. Tony is a true energy guy, his offence is limited he can hit an open shot out to the college 3 not sure about the NBA 3, his ball handling isnt at the level of an NBA SF however he has good hops and can finish around the rim. Defence is where he might find a niche is the league. At 6'8 he is an above average athlete with good length. Umass used him to trap alot while pressing and to protect the hoop when playing zone. He was a GREAT college shot blocker and moves like a guy much smaller then 6'8. I beleive he could be developed into a poor mans Tayshaun Prince on defence. Tony's biggest issues are that he was a late bloomer and is already 25 and needs to gain some weight to reach his potentail. With all that said he is a great addition for the fact that he is never going to see the court for any real minutes as a celtic but will be a great guy for practice. Maybe Doc and Danny fall in love with him (scal) and he sticks with the team next season is the last guy off the bench and spends his year covering pierce in practice. currently in the NBA his best comparison is Renolo Balkman.

[texascelticsfan]

Reminds me of Matt Barnes.

Edit: Only players that have played for other teams have to be signed by March 1st to be eligible for the playoffs.

[texascelticsfan]

They're also planning on signing a D League Player:

Oliver Lafayette (@TheMadAnts) to be called up by the Boston @Celtics sometime soon. #BreakingNews #YouHeardItHereFirst (http://twitter.com/DLeagueDaily)


Lafayette, a 6-foot-2 guard out of the University of Houston, averaging 17.1 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game in 48 appearances with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants this season.

[hurdler]

Doesn't this move, along with a nonguaranteed contract, give the C's rights for summer league and possibly next season. We have one PG, one SF, and no SGs on the roster after this season. That and we don't have a lot of money to offer so a well placed minimum contract will be very valuable.