Amico likes the trade for both teams

Most of the early commentary on the Davis-Szczerbiak trade understandably focuses on how it will affect each team's on-the-court play for the rest of this season. Few give much (or any) attention to the issue that R.M. and I look to first: the implications for rebuilding and long-term financial flexibility.

Put Sam Amico-- long time Celtics fan and national basketball commentator-- in the camp that things this trade is good thing in the short run.

Szczerbiak is having a career year. The 6-foot-7 swingman is averaging 20.7 points and, as usual, is making about half of his field-goal attempts. The Celtics now have three guys who are extremely reliable when the idea is taking -- and often making -- the best of shots in Szczerbiak, Paul Pierce and surprising second-year guard Delonte West.

Szczerbiak is hitting 49 percent from the floor, which is actually a low number for him. Pierce is at 48 percent, and West is a John Stockton-like 51 percent.

Granted, Davis has grown up considerably during his time with the Celtics, and he should be applauded for it. But he is still a bit erratic on the court. Szczerbiak is nothing but steady. Give him an open shot, and he’ll make it. He also has an outstanding mid-range game, a rarity in today’s NBA for players not named Richard Hamilton.

So while Davis is no longer immature, landing Szczerbiak will help stabilize this young, previously inconsistent Celtics team. And don’t forget, Szczerbiak was outstanding in a grueling Western Conference finals loss to the Lakers two years ago -- proving that he knows something about emerging when it matters most.

For these Celtics, right now is when it matters most, especially if they have any hopes of making the playoffs.

I can't help but disagree with Amico on his conclusion. Right now only matters if you are concerned with short-term ticket sales and revenue-- important issues to be sure. If you are also concerned with building a championship team, however, right now doesn't matter nearly as much as what this team will look like in 3-4 years. And unfortunately I think there's a good chance this trade just made that future worse.