2018 NBA offseason thread

[benhogan]

Isn’t moops saying that we won’t be able to sign both and not necessarily that we don’t need them both? We only got Monroe because we had the DPE due to Hayward.

The Celtics roster is fluid at this stage. We have no idea what will happen with Smart or MaMo (not many minutes with Hayward returning).

Although I was a staunch defender of Yabusele's first season with the Celtics, if he doesn't show up in better physical shape he's pretty worthless and OUT. If Yabu shows up in OK shape and the Celtics don't want him he may of interest to a rebuilding team which opens up cap room.

I'm not sure how much Baynes or O'Quinn will cost at this stage of the off-season and neither does the moops

I do know we were thin at the 5 to start last season and it was the position Danny filled with the DPE. There are several FA BIGs out there and we'll need Theis + 2 more (unless we draft one)

 

[the moops]

Isn’t moops saying that we won’t be able to sign both and not necessarily that we don’t need them both? We only got Monroe because we had the DPE due to Hayward.

Yes :hifive:

 

[JakeRae]

The Celtics roster is fluid at this stage. We have no idea what will happen with Smart or MaMo (not many minutes with Hayward returning). Although I was a staunch defender of Yabusele's first season with the Celtics, if he doesn't show up in better physical shape he's pretty worthless and OUT.

I'm not sure how much Baynes or O'Quinn will cost at this stage of the off-season and neither does the moops

I do know we were thin at the 5 to start last season and it was the position Danny filled with the DPE. There are several FA BIGs out there and think we'll need Theis + 2 more (unless we draft one)

We weren't thin at the 5 last year, we were thin, period. Ainge signed the best available player at the time.

Going into next year, assuming the roster returns as is, Horford, Theis, and Yabusele are already on the roster at the 5. Yabusele will almost certainly get minutes next year to see if he can become a rotation player. Tatum, Hayward, and Morris will eat most of the 3/4 minutes with Semi getting a few too. We could probably use a true center to add to those pieces (someone like Baynes or Dedmon or O'Quinn) for depth and to add size against bigget rosters, but barring a shakeup by trade we not only don't need two such players, we don't really have room for them.

 

[benhogan]

We weren't thin at the 5 last year, we were thin, period. Ainge signed the best available player at the time.

Going into next year, assuming the roster returns as is, Horford, Theis, and Yabusele are already on the roster at the 5. Yabusele will almost certainly get minutes next year to see if he can become a rotation player. Tatum, Hayward, and Morris will eat most of the 3/4 minutes with Semi getting a few too. We could probably use a true center to add to those pieces (someone like Baynes or Dedmon or O'Quinn) for depth and to add size against bigget rosters, but barring a shakeup by trade we not only don't need two such players, we don't really have room for them.

They signed Monroe on Feb.8
Baynes, Theis, Yabusele and Horford were all playing/healthy then. Only Smart (hand injury) and Hayward were out.

So the roster wasn't thin at that point of the season.

If Yabusele shows up in great shape and ready to go then agreed we only need one of Baynes/O'Quinn/Dedmon. Just not confident that Guershon can stay away from the bearnaise.

 

[mcpickl]

They signed Monroe on Feb.8
Baynes, Theis, Yabusele and Horford were all playing/healthy then. Only Smart (hand injury) and Hayward were out.

So the roster wasn't thin at that point of the season.

If Yabusele shows up in great shape and ready to go then agreed we only need one of Baynes/O'Quinn/Dedmon. Just not confident that Guershon can stay away from the bearnaise.

There's no way they need two veteran centers.

Unless this team makes drastic changes, Horford is going to see more time at the 5 with all the wing depth. Theis and one veteran big man is all they need.

And as mentioned earlier, unlikely they could afford both Baynes and OQuinn.Baynes would have to take 5.2Mish or less as a Non-Bird free agent or they'd need the midlevel to sign him, which they'd also need for OQuinn. Unlikely to fit both in there.

 

[JakeRae]

They signed Monroe on Feb.8
Baynes, Theis, Yabusele and Horford were all playing/healthy then. Only Smart (hand injury) and Hayward were out.

So the roster wasn't thin at that point of the season.

If Yabusele shows up in great shape and ready to go then agreed we only need one of Baynes/O'Quinn/Dedmon. Just not confident that Guershon can stay away from the bearnaise.

Missing two 30+ mpg players has no effect?

My point is that the team needed players. The best available player was a big and they had the flexibility to play bigger to make up for their missing wings. They didn't need a big, they needed depth.

 

[benhogan]

There's no way they need two veteran centers.

Unless this team makes drastic changes, Horford is going to see more time at the 5 with all the wing depth. Theis and one veteran big man is all they need.

And as mentioned earlier, unlikely they could afford both Baynes and OQuinn.Baynes would have to take 5.2Mish or less as a Non-Bird free agent or they'd need the midlevel to sign him, which they'd also need for OQuinn. Unlikely to fit both in there.

We should know in two weeks if Yabusele has been working out. Summer League starts July 6th. If he's not in good shape I believe Danny will add two veteran bigs (unless one is drafted) to Theis and Horford this offseason.
Its unlikely to be both O'Quinn and Baynes, as much as I'd like it. I have no idea what a 31yr old Baynes will be looking for or what's motivating O'Quinn this offseason.

Seems like I'm in the minority here so I look forward to seeing how this plays out. I'll gladly offer my mea culpa if I'm wrong come opening day.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

They signed Monroe on Feb.8
Baynes, Theis, Yabusele and Horford were all playing/healthy then. Only Smart (hand injury) and Hayward were out.

So the roster wasn't thin at that point of the season.

If Yabusele shows up in great shape and ready to go then agreed we only need one of Baynes/O'Quinn/Dedmon. Just not confident that Guershon can stay away from the bearnaise.

Dedmon picked up his $7.2m player option today. Yabusele hasn't shown he's close to being an NBA player. In shape or not, Ainge is going to have a veteran physical big who can spot start to protect Horford against the Drummonds, Howard's, etc.

 

[benhogan]

Dedmon picked up his $7.2m player option today. Yabusele hasn't shown he's close to being an NBA player. In shape or not, Ainge is going to have a veteran physical big who can spot start to protect Horford against the Drummonds, Howard's, etc.

Agreed, most importantly Danny/Brad will need a physical, defensive-minded BIG to play Embiid.

My first choice is Baynes, he was key on defense and by the end of the season, he started having confidence in his 3pt shot. Aron is also 31 and can't bear the entire brunt of being the only physical 5 on the roster with guys like Gortat, Kanter, Embiid, Valanciunis, Howard in division/conference. Love Al Horford, but asking him to bang low all season at the 5 for more then 10 mins/gm is not the best use of his talents and will wear him down.

If Yabu shows up in decent shape a rebuilding club, with cap space, may roll the dice on him (3yrs of somewhat cheap control). Danny may opt to move him for a future 2nd if possible.

If that happens Danny will need another veteran big to slot into a #10-15 guy on the roster. Theis should be in top 10 rotation. I'd like it to be O'Quinn, if they can find the cap space. BUT it could end up being a guy like Zeller or another vet big that is ring chasing and comes cheap.

 

[Lazy vs Crazy]

Dwight Howard getting bought out

 

[cheech13]

Dwight Howard getting bought out

Based on perception you'd think Howard was totally washed, but his numbers last year weren't that bad. In fact they were mostly in line with all his post-Orlando seasons. He's kind of a bonehead, but could still contribute in a limited fashion on a contender.

 

[JCizzle]

Based on perception you'd think Howard was totally washed, but his numbers last year weren't that bad. In fact they were mostly in line with all his post-Orlando season. He's kind of a bonehead, but could still contribute in a limited fashion on a contender.

You just have to ask yourself if that level of production is worth the un-measurable locker room impact. He's not a bad person or anything, but it seems clear that teams are dumping him for a reason...

 

[moondog80]

Based on perception you'd think Howard was totally washed, but his numbers last year weren't that bad. In fact they were mostly in line with all his post-Orlando season. He's kind of a bonehead, but could still contribute in a limited fashion on a contender.

All reports are that every locker room Howard has ever been in has been thrilled when he left. Curious to see where he ends up.

 

[Sam Ray Not]

All reports are that every locker room Howard has ever been in has been thrilled when he left. Curious to see where he ends up.

Would you guys take him on a minimum contract? If you could deal with the abrasive personality, he seems like he could be a pretty good fit on the Cs. Rebounding travels well, and he remains pretty elite in that regard...

 

[AimingForYoko]

Would you guys take him on a minimum contract? If you could deal with the abrasive personality, he seems like he could be a pretty good fit on the Cs. Rebounding travels well, and he remains pretty elite in that regard...

No. Nope. Nein.

 

[DavidTai]

Why? He demands the ball despite not being even semi-efficient in the post. He'd be basically the post-version of Marcus Morris where you just hatehatehateHATE his shot selection and the disruption he has on the flow of the offense system... and the offensive fouls... and the technicals...

 

[HomeRunBaker]

Would you guys take him on a minimum contract? If you could deal with the abrasive personality, he seems like he could be a pretty good fit on the Cs. Rebounding travels well, and he remains pretty elite in that regard...

The old adage is that you can have one donkey on your team and he'll stay in line but if you have two, they will breed a toxic culture. Ainge has had plenty of donkey's around in Nate Dog, Rasheed, Jordan Crawford, etc so adding Howard should be something that this team can handle for sure. Pop was also unafraid with Stephen Jackson, and then reacquiring him, Jackie Butler the big community college kid with all kind of issues, TJ Ford and his rumors of being a drug trafficker with his posse, etc. Typically you want to add this guy at the deadline so they don't get too comfortable (you never want a comfortable donkey) but on a one-year deal I can see this being an option.

Why? He demands the ball despite not being even semi-efficient in the post. He'd be basically the post-version of Marcus Morris where you just hatehatehateHATE his shot selection and the disruption he has on the flow of the offense system... and the offensive fouls... and the technicals...

I'm not clamoring for Howard but he's an All-Time Top-25 guy in TS% so the not even semi-efficient sounds extremely biased. He hasn't had over 11 FGA/g in 6 years while playing full-time minutes. Baynes attempted more FGA per minute last season than Howard has in 2 of his last 3 seasons. He'd have to accept a new role.....maybe after being told year after year that you aren't wanted the chance at competing for a championship in a complementary role would turn a lightbulb off in his head.

 

[moondog80]

Would you guys take him on a minimum contract? If you could deal with the abrasive personality, he seems like he could be a pretty good fit on the Cs. Rebounding travels well, and he remains pretty elite in that regard...

No. But if the C's did sign him, I would assume that because Ainge and Stevens are so smart, they would know what they are getting into and have a way to make it work, thus I would be excited. Such is the nature of fanhood.

 

[BigSoxFan]

Howard would probably break Tatum's nose in practice with an elbow. No thanks.

 

[Sam Ray Not]

No. But if the C's did sign him, I would assume that because Ainge and Stevens are so smart, they would know what they are getting into and have a way to make it work, thus I would be excited. Such is the nature of fanhood.

Haha, yeah, ditto for me with Howard and Myers/Kerr.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

I'd like Howard a lot more as a mid-season pickup. But if he convinced them he was serious about it, I guess I'd take the shot---you can always Belichick him during the season if he's too much of a turd.

 

[moondog80]

I hope Cleveland signs him right as free agency opens as a way to show Lebron how serious they are about building a great team around him.

 

[DavidTai]

I'm not clamoring for Howard but he's an All-Time Top-25 guy in TS% so the not even semi-efficient sounds extremely biased. He hasn't had over 11 FGA/g in 6 years while playing full-time minutes. Baynes attempted more FGA per minute last season than Howard has in 2 of his last 3 seasons. He'd have to accept a new role.....maybe after being told year after year that you aren't wanted the chance at competing for a championship in a complementary role would turn a lightbulb off in his head.

I look at efficiency to be more how many points overall does he produce with the team vs how many touches does he get? At something like a 57.5 percent TS percentage last year, it looks good, but I think it's much more offset by his 18.7 percent turnover ratio and a 6.9 assist ratio. Individually the counting stats look good, but overall, I compared him to the post-version of Marcus Morris in that other players don't usually get into the flow of -their- offense, and as a result, team offense suffers while the individual stats looks good. Thus, running the offense through him, as he'd want, would be inefficient for the team as a whole. This is a case where I don't think TS percent really indicates how efficient the team would be with him on the floor.

Part of the reason the Nets would be buying him out would be because they expect him to pout on the bench behind Jarrett Allen. I don't think he's gonna be happy here when they're gonna want the ball in everyone else's hands other than his, and when he's unhappy, well...

 

[HomeRunBaker]

I look at efficiency to be more how many points overall does he produce with the team vs how many touches does he get? At something like a 57.5 percent TS percentage last year, it looks good, but I think it's much more offset by his 18.7 percent turnover ratio and a 6.9 assist ratio. Individually the counting stats look good, but overall, I compared him to the post-version of Marcus Morris in that other players don't usually get into the flow of -their- offense, and as a result, team offense suffers while the individual stats looks good. Thus, running the offense through him, as he'd want, would be inefficient for the team as a whole. This is a case where I don't think TS percent really indicates how efficient the team would be with him on the floor.

Part of the reason the Nets would be buying him out would be because they expect him to pout on the bench behind Jarrett Allen. I don't think he's gonna be happy here when they're gonna want the ball in everyone else's hands other than his, and when he's unhappy, well...

Offense hasn't been run through him for over half a decade though so I don't know why you feel it would begin to occur now when in Boston when the ball wouldn't even be in his hands. Atlanta and Houston rarely ran plays for him and the only reason Charlotte did was due to their enemic offense sans Kemba. He'd be Greg Monroe with the second unit and start against those certain matchups to save Horford.

 

[DavidTai]

Atlanta and Houston had to start running plays running through Howard when he complained about his role in the system. Charlotte increased his role because they had the big man coach that worked with him in the past, and the results were, eh.

Either way, I don't think he'd buy into being a complementary piece; he'd complain about the lack of touches.

I can see why you'd think he'd be in that role; I just don't think he'd -buy- into being in that role, and he'd insist on being that guy he was in Orlando despite results to the contrary.

If we're looking for a Greg Monroe for the second unit... I'd sooner just get Greg Monroe.

 

[cheech13]

Would you guys take him on a minimum contract? If you could deal with the abrasive personality, he seems like he could be a pretty good fit on the Cs. Rebounding travels well, and he remains pretty elite in that regard...

If I were GM of a contending team with a desperate need for rebounding and/or rim protection, sure. Worst case scenario he's washed or too much of a headache and you eat his contract at the deadline (a la Derrick Rose on the Cavs last year).

 

[Cesar Crespo]

I think Howard would actually be a pretty good fit on the Celtics. He would fill a couple of needs. It would just be contingent on him accepting a 20-25 minute role.

 

[Montana Fan]

Howard will not be part of the Celtics. He is a notorious pain in the ass. The Hawks players cheered when he was traded and rumbling is that the reason Charlotte dumped him is because he was a horrible teammate. He's such an asshole that the Nets have no use for him.

There is no way in hell Danny is bringing him in.

 

[Devizier]

Howard definitely has the skills to be a productive bench player for years to come. I don't think he'll accept that role, however.

 

[Sam Ray Not]

Fun sighting over Barclay’s Center from my office in Lower Manhattan: three planes flying around with banners saying “#23 + [Liberty Bell] = [Goat]” I guess LeBron is in town and they’re wooing him to Philly?

 

[Reardon's Beard]

If he wants to play for a contender, if you are crystal clear about his role off the bench, and if he accepts that, I would absolutely sign him. Probably too many ifs though. We'll see, but would be a terrific complement to Horford in the paint when you play big and need shutdown D.

 

[Ed Hillel]

If he’s willing to sign a vet min and leave money on the table, I’d absolutely give him a shot. Worst thing is he fails or becomes a PITA and you trade him. He’d be perfect for what they need in 20-25 minutes a game.

 

[Big John]

I don't think Howard would be perfect at all. Aside from being an egotistical jerk, he does not space the floor, he can't shoot free throws with any consistency and he loafs half the time. If the Celtics can't resign Baynes, put me down for Kyle O'Quinn or someone whose last name begins with Z.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

I don't think Howard would be perfect at all. Aside from being an egotistical jerk, he does not space the floor, he can't shoot free throws with any consistency and he loafs half the time. If the Celtics can't resign Baynes, put me down for Kyle O'Quinn or someone whose last name begins with Z.

It's not like Baynes and Monroe spaced the floor either, at least non playoff Baynes. The Celtics have room for a big who doesn't space the floor and stretch bigs aren't readily available. Howard at the vet minimum is a no brainer imo. There's little to no downside.

 

[Big John]

Well, first you have to get superman to agree to play for the vet min.

On another front, Austin Rivers has opted in to his $12.5M deal. Thanks Dad!

 

[Cesar Crespo]

Well, first you have to get superman to agree to play for the vet min.

That's what the question was. "Would you take Dwight Howard at the vet minimum?"

Of course he won't, and he probably won't accept a 20-25 minute role of the bench either.

 

[JCizzle]

 

[benhogan]

We should know in two weeks if Yabusele has been working out. Summer League starts July 6th. If he's not in good shape I believe Danny will add two veteran bigs (unless one is drafted) to Theis and Horford this offseason.
Its unlikely to be both O'Quinn and Baynes, as much as I'd like it. I have no idea what a 31yr old Baynes will be looking for or what's motivating O'Quinn this offseason.

Seems like I'm in the minority here so I look forward to seeing how this plays out. I'll gladly offer my mea culpa if I'm wrong come opening day.

Love the pick...Now that we drafted Robert Williams just need to sign one veteran BIG and we are set.

 

[Montana Fan]

Now that we drafted Robert Williams just need to sign one veteran BIG and we are set.

That's easy. Baynes, he fits and keeps the continuity, that I like when putting together a team, intact.

 

[ifmanis5]

No surprise here.
Shams Charania‏Verified account @ShamsCharania
Sources: Carmelo Anthony has informed the Oklahoma City Thunder that he has opted into $27.9M deal for 2018-19 by not exercising his early termination option.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

That's easy. Baynes, he fits and keeps the continuity, that I like when putting together a team, intact.

What if Tyreke is available at the MLE which I've layed out the reasoning why previously? Do you pass on him in favor of Baynes especially if Marcus gets a big offer? I certainly don't.

 

[nighthob]

It’s more important to keep someone like Baynes around to spare Horford the beating against the semi-regular behemoth than to downgrade Smart.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

It’s more important to keep someone like Baynes around to spare Horford the beating against the semi-regular behemoth than to downgrade Smart.

I agree if it's a one-year deal but if Baynes gets a 3/$18m offer he's gone imo.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

I agree---I think one has to assess what's happening with Smart first. That helps you assess whether to keep or flip Rozier, and whether you need a shooter. Then you fill in with a vet big based on what's left.

 

[Jed Zeppelin]

 

[HomeRunBaker]

Olynyk was in Recruiting trips too. When he receives an offer that we won't come close to matching common sense usually prevails.

 

[Reverend]

Olynyk was in Recruiting trips too. When he receives an offer that we won't come close to matching common sense usually prevails.

Even IT has good things to say about the Celtics even after what happened.

The chemistry of this organization is bordering on alchemy.

 

[nighthob]

I agree if it's a one-year deal but if Baynes gets a 3/$18m offer he's gone imo.

I don’t think Baynes wakes up at night hoping for a minutely over-MLE deal from a cellar dweller so that he can leave to not play games when it matters.

And even if he did leave that would mean that the MLE would have to be used on a Baynes replacement on not on downgrading at another spot.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

It’s more important to keep someone like Baynes around to spare Horford the beating against the semi-regular behemoth than to downgrade Smart.

Where do you draw the line on Baynes in both years and dollars? More than one year? More than two? I know I don't.

I have no problem going into the year with Theis and Williams behind Horford since Baynes role will significantly decrease now that Hayward is back to play the smallball lineup Stevens has said they would. The drafting of Williams and now he looks early on in workouts will also factor.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

And if it is a need, they can always pick up a big mid season.