The Sam Cassell situation continues

So he’s not bought out yet and he needs to be this week in order for him to play with another team (such as the Celtics) in the playoffs. It’s like the September 1st deadline in baseball - player can join the team for the stretch run just not the postseason. Here’s some coverage from LA. Also, here’s a fun Lakers-Celtics article where a Lakers writer goes wishing….Meanwhile, Marc Spears from the Globe reports
“An NBA source said that the Spurs, Rockets and Suns are now the front-runners to sign soon to be free agent guard Brent Barry. Barry will clear waivers Tuesday morning after being released by Seattle following a recent trade from San Antonio. The Celtics now seem to be a long shot.”

Seems to make sense for Houston to grab somebody if they can with Yao Ming done for the season.It’s not exactly another center but Barry could help. Personally, I don’t know how this could happen - he plays a full game two nights ago, practices fully yesterday and bam out for the season. I’m not going to question Yao playing thru pain - it’s just strange to not see him go down in a game and then be out for four months.

C’s and Cavs tomorrow and now the matchups look like this:

Rondo vs. West - Delonte is quick and a shooter but Rondo should be able to stick with him as long as he makes the southpaw go right

Ray Allen vs. Devin Brown - advantage Allen, the experience factor and really offensive talent factor sways this one. Brown’s on his 5th team in 7 years in the league by the way.

Pierce vs. LeBron - Hoo boy. Actually, Allen guarded LeBron a bunch last time they matched up as did Posey and Tony Allen. They all did the best they could but James kept hitting impossible to guard fallaways. LeBron should guard Pierce to start and Paul should try to get LeBron in foul trouble if he can.

KG vs. Ben Wallace: a physical matchup for sure: Assuming Ilgauskas plays tomorrow (he didn’t tonight with an “upper respiratory infection”), this matchup would be one to watch every time down the floor just like Amare vs. KG was in PHX

Perk vs. Ilgauskas: If Perkins can make sure he doesn’t give up plenty of offensive boards and stays with Big Z on his jumpshots, this could be a push…

Bench vs. bench: Anderson Varejou is back, Wally, Joe Smith and Damon Jones are the main threats. Another important one for Posey, Powe and Davis to matchup defensively with a lot of athletic semi-big guys that can shoot.