leon powe has been cast aside

Posted on | July 1, 2009 | Comments

I’m sick about this. It now occurs to me that my two favorite players in the NBA do not play for the Boston Celtics (James Posey and Leon Powe). I’m shocked by the Celtics decision to not extend Powe a qualifying offer. Powe’s agent said it best:

What does it say when a player like Leon Powe, a great human being, who played through injury and pain for three straight years for the Boston Celtics, including in a playoff game after tearing his ACL, is rewarded by the team saying to him “we only have a short window to win, and you are not a part of our plans because you are now injured.”

It shows you the true state of the NBA.

The Celtics are traditionally a class act. I have great respect for the organization as a whole, but they truly missed it on this one. (Via True Hoop)

The minute Leon went down, I was afraid this was going to happen… I just didn’t think it would. I suppose there is always a chance that Leon could end up back with the Cs, but I’m not getting my hopes up. If this truly is goodbye, then I just want to say thank you to Leon for all the great memories and for being the heart and soul of my favorite team.

You will be missed!

Related news:

True Hoop: Leon Powe is Unemployed
Red’s Army: The sad reality about the Leon Powe decision
FanHouse: Leon Powe Will Prove the Celtics Wrong
BostonHerald.com: Powe feels Celtics career over
BostonHerald.com: Leon Powe, Celtics say goodbyes
NESN.com: Ainge pulling plug on the Powe show?
NESN.com: Questionable move to let Powe go
Celtics Hub: Farewell, Leon

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Update #1: This is from the official Celtics site…

Powe’s Progress

As for Leon Powe, who’s an unrestricted free agent, Ainge said that the C’s would be keeping tabs on his progress as he rehabilitates his left knee from the ACL/meniscus injury he suffered in Game 2 against the Bulls. Powe just went home to California to continue his rehab but is no longer under contract with the Celtics.

With a long rehab ahead of Powe, the Celtics aren’t breaking ties with him, but there’s a lot of uncertainty about when he would be ready to contribute again. When that time comes, he’ll be free to sign with any team he wants.

“We know that Leon is not going to be available to play until late in the season, possibly,” Ainge said.

So, I guess there is always the possibility he could be back. I know I’ve been drama queening out on Twitter today and no player is above the team… but if there was ever a player who could be above the team, it’s Leon. Life goes on, though and I guess like everyone else, I’ll just have to wait and see what happens.

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Update #2: According to The Boston Herald & NESN.com, Powe thinks he’s done in Boston based on a convo with Danny Ainge.

“They told me, ‘Good luck with another team.’ Doc (Rivers) told me that he wanted me there, and he would do whatever he could to make sure I came back, but Danny came to me yesterday saying that they only have a two-year window, and I would be taking up a roster spot for someone else,” he explained.

But that doesn’t mean he is officially off the C’s radar.

“We love Leon, and would consider having Leon back at any time, once he gets healthy,” Ainge said.

That’s where Powe’s and Ainge’s feelings begin to differ.

“I wasn’t feeling a vibe like that,” he said. “I knew they wouldn’t (offer a qualifying offer), so I just have to move on.”

Sigh.

Not ready to give up? Sign the petition to re-sign Leon Powe — Powe-tition!