The Dust has Cleared

The Celtics have completed a dizzying week in which they traded longtime starting center Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson for Jeff Green and Nenad Kristic and a 2012 first round draft pick by signing floor-spacing big man Troy Murphy. They Celtics also sent Marquis Daniels to the Kings for cash in order to create space on their roster and Semih Erden and Luke Harangody to the Cavs. Here are some scattered thoughts on each player the C's jettisoned and each player acquired.

GONE:

Kendrick Perkins: Perkins is one of the few big men that can guard Dwight Howard 1 on 1 without getting humiliated. Perkins was a workhorse and brought toughness to the Celtics. Perkins did have some glaring flaws. Perkins couldn't really jump before his huge knee surgery, and now he's practically glued to the floor. He's injured again, and it seems like these injuries could become chronic. His offense was terrible and he couldn't catch. During the playoffs he always had to be benched during the fourth quarter because of his non-existent offensive skills. The Celtics will miss him, but he's certainly not irreplaceable.

Marquis Daniels: Marquis Daniels was enjoying a very solid season backing up Pierce and Allen, but then disaster struck. Daniels landed hard on the floor and he's sidelined for the rest of the season. This was his last year on the team, and the Celtics badly needed wing depth and an injured body wasn't going to provide that for obvious reasons.

Semih Erden and Luke Harangody: Both are rookies that barely hit the floor. Neither of them were likely to be big parts of the C's future anyways and neither were going to play in the playoffs.

Nate Robinson: Although fans seemed to like him, Robinson was anything but a consistent option at the point, something the Celtics really need. Once Delonte West returns West should prove he is more than capable of handling the backup point guard duties for the Celtics.

IN:

Nenad Kristic: In his first four games Kristic has proven to be a valuable scoring option in the post. Doc Rivers will have the option of keeping him in at the end of the game instead of having to take him out of the lineup in the fourth quarter like he had to do with Perkins. His defense is passable, but not great, but it will surely b.e made up for with his scoring.

Jeff Green: Green proved how valuable he will be as an option off the bench with his 21 point outburst against Golden State. Green will be able to defend the likes of Melo and LeBron if it is necessary and will be a valuable scoring option when Pierce and Allen are struggling. The biggest thing is that they will be able to have a small scoring lineup to close out games with Rondo, Allen, Pierce, Green and Garnett.

Troy Murphy: He's pretty much a 6 11 shooting guard with rebound abilities. Murphy should get some playoff minutes.

Sasha Pavlovic: He was brought in to provide depth at the wings, and has the ability to defend small forwards around the NBA. Pavlocic is strong from three point land.

Carlos Arroyo: With Delonte West nearing a return, Arroyo won't see much playoff time. He was mostly brought in to keep Rondo's minutes down.

Clippers 2012 First Round Pick: This pick will prove vital in the reconstruction of the Celtics after the Big Three's time in Boston expires.