Mark

Blount

Blount and Raef LaFrentz will move around between the power forward and center positions, but each should be eligible as a center in most fantasy leagues. Blount, who was 12-for-13 from the line last night, should be a help in FG%, FT%, rebounds, and blocked shots.

A recent flare-up with Ricky Davis only supports Blount’s desire to leave the Celtics. He’s playing the best ball of his career and will be rewarded somewhere. He’d like to meet back up with former coach Jim O’Brien, wherever he ends up.

“In hiring Doc Rivers, at least they hired a good coach,” said Blount. “But I’d first like to see what players they recruit from other teams and bring in through free agency. I’m still going to keep my options open and test free agency. That’s what [my agent] Mark Bartelstein and I are talking about.” Other teams will be able to offer Blount more than he can earn in Boston. He’s unlikely to return.

Blount is open to re-signing with Boston, but he can get more money elsewhere. Miami is expected to be a strong bidder for his services.

Blount finished with two points and three rebounds in 14 minutes.

Philadelphia has only the $5.1 million exception to offer Blount, so it won’t be able to top Boston’s proposal. It’s expected that Miami will make the biggest offer to Blount.

They must really want Blount out of the locker room and huddle if they’re willing to part with Banks. If Banks remains with the Celtics, they’ll likely pick up his option for 2006-07, which they’ll need to do by the end of October. Given Blount’s play with the Celtics last year, it may be hard for them to find a taker.

Finally! Hopefully he is getting it going now. That’s back-to-back games in double-figure scoring and a monster night on the boards. Raef LaFrentz was in early foul trouble, which appeared to jump start Blount’s night. As badly as he’s been playing, he could be sitting out there on your waiver wire, and if so, now is the time to take a chance on the underachiever.

After a slow start, Blount is beginning to reward those of you patient enough to hold onto him, with 19 points, nine boards and nearly 1.5 blocks per game over his last three. Nice.

He’s been playing a little better lately and could finally be ready to put up the kind of numbers he was drafted for. Keep your eye on the big man.