Sorry, couldn’t resist:...
This would also open up a roster spot for Tacko.
Sorry, couldn’t resist:...
This would also open up a roster spot for Tacko.
This fake trade isn't about TL or Tacko. But I didn't realize TL's upside is Rudy Gobert, we're definitely not moving himHeck start the kid. Move some guy that is trending down that wants big money, say Jaylen Brown (I kid, I kid)TL and Tacko are both long shots to hit their upside. TL’s upside is Gobert. Tacko’s upside is more playable Boban. Why would the Celtics prioritize the latter, in order to get Jerami Grant (for one guaranteed year)?
I know everyone wants to see a slightly bigger dude at the “4”, but I just don’t think the Celtics are going to make moves that affect the wing until they see where Tatum, Brown, and Hayward are at after the summer. I get that it’s frustrating, but anything else would be irresponsible imo.
The team has learned from last year that you really, really don’t want minutes logjams with contract year guys, and adding any wing on his final year would create that situation.
Tacko on a two-way, just think of the marketing dollars in Portland. Maine needs that kickstart to the economy.Sorry, couldn’t resist:
I guess I'm fine with them trying to figure it out the first few months of the regular season, but why not add talent now? Especially if OKC is looking to shed $$$ and blow it up, don't you consider it?Re the bolded: how hard is it to understand that Kanter at the 5 isn’t where the Celtics ultimately end up? They’re clearly in a holding pattern while they see what they have at the wings post-Kyrie. At that point, there are a lot of moves that can be made to get better at the 5.
I’m fairly sure the Celtics are fine getting killed on D with Kanter for a couple months while they figure out what they have on the wings. He and VP can absorb the pounding there so you’re not hurting your other guys physically, and Kanter is good enough offensively that he won’t stunt the growth of the guys playing around him.
Bringing in Grant or similar just lowers the number of minutes you have for Smart/Hayward/Brown/Tatum. Why in the world would you do that when a) you need to see what you have b) you just went through a minutes logjam last year?
I'd be fine adding Grant in the abstract--I just wouldn't want to give up on TL to do it. It's all a balancing act. Grant for Theis would be interesting, but can't do that for a couple months.I guess I'm fine with them trying to figure it out the first few months of the regular season, but why not add talent now? Especially if OKC is looking to shed $$$ and blow it up, don't you consider it?
There are enough minutes if you had those 5 (Smart, Brown, Hayward, Tatum, Grant)
1. because injuries happen
2. load management
3. one of them might be dealt
4. playing guys big minutes out of position doesn't tell us exactly what we have
5. Gordon is still a ???
6. if Gordon is back he could opt out at the end of the year
7. Brown is a RFA at year end
8. Simple math tells me we'll have ~154mpg (Smart PG for 10mpg) for those 5 players at the 2, 3, 4
We miss by a few dollars on Semi/Yabu. (Semi becomes redundant w/Grant)I'd be fine adding Grant in the abstract--I just wouldn't want to give up on TL to do it. It's all a balancing act. Grant for Theis would be interesting, but can't do that for a couple months.
Essentially the team isn't going to want to give up on anyone with high upside to make moves at the margins, that's all.
I should probably give examples of when I would trade TL:
If H and the Js are popping, and Capela were available, and Houston really wanted TL or whatever in the deal, I'd definitely do it. Good Capela is what you're hoping TL becomes, he's under contract for 3.5 more year, and that spot on the roster is now redundant. In that case, his longshot upside matters a lot less. That new group also would have championship potential (if H and the Js were popping, nitpickers), and I'm a lot more fine making moves that lock the team in when you're taking a shot at a ring than when you're still figuring out what you are.
In the H and the Js scenario, I'm more interested in Adams than Grant in OKC's fire sale, because he's big enough and good enough on the boards and defensively that he lets the rest of your team play up a position and maximize length, while keeping rebounding and ability to bang with Embiid types.
Yeah I think all of those are fine. I’m sure the team is circling the OKC carcass to see if they like anything right now. The only question with Semi is if you want to see what happens with his 3 point shot, because then he becomes interesting.We miss by a few dollars on Semi/Yabu. (Semi becomes redundant w/Grant)
Maybe we could staple Waters to it if that's more appealing?
That’s really not true though...just for the record Baynes/Horford was still one of the shortest 4/5 combo's in the playoffs last season...but don't let the FACTS get in the way of a good story
Off the top of my head, Lopez and Giannis were 6'11" and 7'0" and Griffin/Drummond are both 6'10" or over.Precisely one playoff team started two front court players both taller than 6’ 10” (Orlando).
I don't care anymore about last season's blunders by Brad, he has admitted as much...off the top of my head playoff teams: Philly, Toronto, Portland, Denver, OKC, Orlando, Mil, Detroit, San Antonio, Utah, Clippers all primarily started a combined bigger 4/5s...That’s really not true though...
Al and Baynes are both listed at 6’ 10”, per B-Ref, which was decidedly average among playoff starting bigs.
Of the final 8 playoff teams, average height of starting 4/5 combo: 81.75 inches. Full 16, it’s 82.1 inches (max 83.5, min 80).
Median height of starting 4/5 player since that does include Draymond, PJ Tucker, etc.: 82 inches. Same if you expand it to all 16 teams.
Precisely one playoff team started two front court players both taller than 6’ 10” (Orlando).
hope the potted plant, 5 wide, no screen offense can hit 3s on the perimeter against lengthy wingspans since scoring at the rim won't be happening against the Sixers. Even with all those ultra-quick wings, creating all those amazing mismatchesWorn down to a nub is a good sign for an aging center who now will be chasing 4s around all season!
I mean, nobody is going to be scoring much on the Sixers this year. When you have a 6-10, athletic PG and an elite center a lot of options open up. There's a reason the Celtics spent 3-4 years focused (some might argue over-focused) on acquiring Anthony Davis. And yes, Horford fits really, really well with them as a result, even though we've been over the reasons I wouldn't have extended him as the Celtics. TBH, Danny was probably selling him over the past year on AD coming as much as he was selling Kyrie on it.hope the potted plant, 5 wide, no screen offense can hit 3s on the perimeter against lengthy wingspans since scoring at the rim won't be happening against the Sixers. Even with all those ultra-quick wings, creating all those amazing mismatches
Unless you're Tacko Fall!hope the potted plant, 5 wide, no screen offense can hit 3s on the perimeter against lengthy wingspans since scoring at the rim won't be happening against the Sixers.
That was in response to rumors the Celtics were looking to trade up to draft Darius Garland.Then again, I’d be happy just taking Tremont Waters a round later.
Waters has been great but there's still a problem with being 5'10" as Goodwin showed by nailing a couple of threes over him. Still, I'm glad the Cs signed him to a 2-way deal.Tremont Waters signed a two-way, which makes me happy- I love the kid and think he’s s lottery pick if he’s 6’3. Some might say three games in to the summer league is too early to be taking victory laps on pre-draft takes, but what else is the summer league for, really?
That was in response to rumors the Celtics were looking to trade up to draft Darius Garland.
Anyway, with Strus inexplicably occupying the other two-way slot, that leaves with a Tacko conundrum- ship him to the G League and leave him exposed to signing elsewhere, or cut Yabu and his potentially-important salary ballast. I kinda suspect Tacko’s acquitted himself better than the Cs expected. From what I’ve seen, there’s a potentially useful player there, and that’s certainly more than I can say about Yabusele. So does Tacko get that final roster spot?
If Yabu's salary ballast is worth so much couldn't they just pay Fall what they pay Guerschon and have both a better player and the salary weight?Tremont Waters signed a two-way, which makes me happy- I love the kid and think he’s s lottery pick if he’s 6’3. Some might say three games in to the summer league is too early to be taking victory laps on pre-draft takes, but what else is the summer league for, really?
That was in response to rumors the Celtics were looking to trade up to draft Darius Garland.
Anyway, with Strus inexplicably occupying the other two-way slot, that leaves with a Tacko conundrum- ship him to the G League and leave him exposed to signing elsewhere, or cut Yabu and his potentially-important salary ballast. I kinda suspect Tacko’s acquitted himself better than the Cs expected. From what I’ve seen, there’s a potentially useful player there, and that’s certainly more than I can say about Yabusele. So does Tacko get that final roster spot?
With Kanter, Theis and Poirier all signed for $5m, Ainge has plenty of ballast. Yabu's days may be -- should be -- numbered.If Yabu's salary ballast is worth so much couldn't they just pay Fall what they pay Guerschon and have both a better player and the salary weight?
They're over the cap (having used the room exception to get there). They can't sign Tacko for more than the minimum at this point.If Yabu's salary ballast is worth so much couldn't they just pay Fall what they pay Guerschon and have both a better player and the salary weight?
The Big East doesn’t really get you much credit anymore, and he did it as a 22 year old playing for a bad team. He’s alright though- the Nader comp just got stuck in my head and now I can’t unsee it, but Strus can shoot, plus he’s got some size and athleticism. He’s fine for a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency bench wing who’ll have to really shoot if he wants a permanent role.As I mentioned in the SL game thread, Strus scored 12 points in 15 minutes and both his threes were steps past the line. Also, it's clear that no one plays harder than him. And he averaged over 20 ppg in the Big East. Not sure what more people want from someone who wasn't drafted but he's not, for example, Jerome
Again, what difference does it make where he was drafted? The question is whether he is more worthy of a roster spot than the other guys competing for the 15th spot right now.Waters has been great but there's still a problem with being 5'10" as Goodwin showed by nailing a couple of threes over him. Still, I'm glad the Cs signed him to a 2-way deal.
As I mentioned in the SL game thread, Strus scored 12 points in 15 minutes and both his threes were steps past the line. Also, it's clear that no one plays harder than him. And he averaged over 20 ppg in the Big East. Not sure what more people want from someone who wasn't drafted but he's not, for example, Jerome Moiso.
I still think Tacko signs with Maine and gets his Exhibit 10 bonus. But he is not getting a Celtics roster spot. I would put money on that.
I'd say it's a coin toss that Tacko gets one of the 17 roster spots. A lot of questions need to be answered between now and when they need to set those rosters/offer him a contractWaters has been great but there's still a problem with being 5'10" as Goodwin showed by nailing a couple of threes over him. Still, I'm glad the Cs signed him to a 2-way deal.
As I mentioned in the SL game thread, Strus scored 12 points in 15 minutes and both his threes were steps past the line. Also, it's clear that no one plays harder than him. And he averaged over 20 ppg in the Big East. Not sure what more people want from someone who wasn't drafted but he's not, for example, Jerome Moiso.
I still think Tacko signs with Maine and gets his Exhibit 10 bonus. But he is not getting a Celtics roster spot. I would put money on that.
Tacko is already signed to an Exhibit 10 contract. If they waive him at the end of training camp, he can report to Maine. If he stays there for 60 days, he gets a $50K bonus. By the time those 60 days are up, NBA rosters start becoming more fluid as trade restrictions ease on 12/15. By then, if Tacko shows anything in Maine, the Celtics would have an easier time opening up a roster spot (2-way or otherwise).I'd say it's a coin toss that Tacko gets one of the 17 roster spots. A lot can happen between now and when they need to set those rosters/offer him a contract
If the Celtics only offer Tacko a spot on the Maine roster, doesn't he have the option to shop for a 2-way or roster spot for another NBA team?
that's great lex, thanks!Tacko is already signed to an Exhibit 10 contract. If they waive him at the end of training camp, he can report to Maine. If he stays there for 60 days, he gets a $50K bonus. By the time those 60 days are up, NBA rosters start becoming more fluid as trade restrictions ease on 12/15. By then, if Tacko shows anything in Maine, the Celtics would have an easier time opening up a roster spot (2-way or otherwise).
Yes, another team could sign him to a 2-way contract during those 60 days. But he would lose a $50K bonus in doing so, which is a big deal given that 2-way players make about $75K-80K when on their G-league team. And it's not clear he would get the full 45 days on an NBA roster. He could also be signed to a full NBA contract at the rookie minimum ($900K). But I'm not sure there's a team that would be itching to do that; rosters are filling fast, and Tacko seems more suited to G-league play right now.
Once those 60 days are up, all bets are off. But Ainge will have had some time to see Waters, Strus, and Tacko play some games in Maine, and so any roster decisions will be made with more data on hand, which is always good. And Salary Ballast may be gone right about that time.
EDIT: There is the possibility of Tacko signing overseas as well.
Where or whether a player was drafted has to do with upside expectations, but you know that. I don't know what you precisely mean by "upside potential" but if I think everyone on this board would take the bet that none of the three become regular NBA starters.Again, what difference does it make where he was drafted? The question is whether he is more worthy of a roster spot than the other guys competing for the 15th spot right now.
We know with close to certainty that Yabu is not an NBA rotation guy. After that, I'd put Strus last in the Fall/Waters/Strus group in terms of potential to become anything.
There is no equivalent to NFL's injured reserve. A team can dress 13 players and have 2 inactive, which goes up to 4 inactives if their 2-way players are called up.that's great lex, thanks!
the overseas interest is a good pick up
any idea on how the 17 would work if we lose someone to injury for a few months?
Poirier’s deal is only the veteran minimum:With Kanter, Theis and Poirier all signed for $5m, Ainge has plenty of ballast. Yabu's days may be -- should be -- numbered.
The word "upside" never even appeared in my post.Where or whether a player was drafted has to do with upside expectations, but you know that. I don't know what you precisely mean by "upside potential" but if I think everyone on this board would take the bet that none of the three become regular NBA starters.
So I don't know how you compare them. Purely in terms of basketball skill, Waters surely ranks the highest and in terms of uniqueness, Fall is on top there. Waters will probably have the longest NBA career as a backup PG because he seems to check all of the boxes - great handle; good vision; good enough shooting even now; and great hands on defense.
However, if you are talking about highest upside "value," I'd probably give it to Strus - only because true 3 & D wings - guys who can guard on one end and on the other end sit in the corner and hit open jump shots - are insanely valuable in the NBA. (I would add that making 1 out of 3 three pointers is a lot more difficult than making 3 out of 9, particularly when the guy doesn't get to touch the ball a lot.) Strus will have to improve both his defense and his shooting to reach this - and, as noted above - he's already older - but to me he's got a much higher chance at being a real NBA contributor than Fall or Waters.
Even though Fall and Waters are both a ton of fun to watch in SL.
Yes, even on the same Summer league roster. Javonte Green has looked pretty good (although he's an inch or two shy of 6-6).Finding a 6'6 wing who is a crafty scorer, and pretty much nothing else...those guys are around.
Yabu waived, roster crunch no more.If he gets a job in Europe, we retain his rights, correct? Solves the roster crunch then.
That felt inevitable. What a waste of a pick he was.Yabu waived, roster crunch no more.
If you go back and watch the video of his injury, you would give him that award just for stepping back on a court a year later.The NBA players voted Hayward the comeback player of the year.
https://twitter.com/brohrbach/status/1148946341361569793
Under the exhibit 10 contract that Tacko currently has, the answer is no. Assuming a one year contract with the overseas team, he would be UFA next offseason. It's not the equivalent of a draft-and-stash in which the drafting team owns the rights of the player for a year.If he gets a job in Europe, we retain his rights, correct? Solves the roster crunch then.
Yeah, had they gone Zizic/Siakam instead the team's fortunes would be quite bright now with Siakiam/Tatum/Brown starting on the wings and Hayward/Smart anchoring the second unit. Even with the gaping hole at the C spot that's a team that would make some playoff noise.That felt inevitable. What a waste of a pick he was.
In retrospect they should have paid someone to take James Young's contract the year previous, Yabusele had nothing to do with the summer 2017 cap space, they would have had room for Hayward then anyway (since they actually signed Yabu Dabu Du that summer). But getting rid of Young during the 2016 season would have opened the two max slots without their needing to pass on useful NBA players.Well, the pick that was used to draft Yabusele may have helped the Celtics at least somewhat, even if he did not.
The Celtics got the pick from Dallas in 2014 in the deal for Rondo, and it also brought Crowder in. Yabusele then was drafted in 2016 and stashed overseas in order to maintain cap space for Horford/Durant, which ultimately ended up being Horford/Hayward.
Of course, it would have worked out far, far better if Yabusele had developed into a credible NBA player, but he didn't. Now, I am guessing that Ainge considered Yabusele's roster spot became more valuable than anything the Celtics might have received in a trade.
Per source, the Celtics might even ultimately add 2 more players and enter training camp with 16 guaranteed contracts, as they've done in the past. It's pretty clear that with so many young guys and unknown quantities, they want to get a look at as many players as possible.
ThanksUnder the exhibit 10 contract that Tacko currently has, the answer is no. Assuming a one year contract with the overseas team, he would be UFA next offseason. It's not the equivalent of a draft-and-stash in which the drafting team owns the rights of the player for a year.
May be moot, as the Celtics now have an open roster spot.
It would make sense if the Celtics believe that Tacko would benefit from a year in Maine. Waters could still play in Maine as well.Celticsblog floated the idea that they could convert Waters’ two-way contract into the full roster spot vacated by Yabu and then hand Tacko a two-way with the spot that frees up. Does that sound like a better way of keeping Tacko than using Yabu’s spot?
Marcus Smart was the #6 overall pick, he’s not “non-lottery.”when does Felger start his hot take? since the Nets trade, the only non-lottery draft picks to pan out into legit NBA players are Kelly Olynyk, Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier
I'll hang up and listen