Celtics Offseason Primer

lexrageorge · Jun 17, 2022

The team fully guaranteed all of Horford's $26.5M salary just before the start of the Finals. They probably figured that a $7M difference is not that material and so there was no point in allowing him to get frustrated about returning next season.

Was (Not Wasdin) · Jun 17, 2022

TINSTATMS-There is no such thing as too much shooting (or, I suppose "too many shooters").

My first priority would be a reliable 3rd scorer and another shooter that you could play at least a little bit. This assumes reasonably good health for both Al and Rob. if they are banged up/worn down, then the priorities change to a playable big.

Lakers signed Malik Monk for $1.8 million (for only one year, so me might be available), and he had a pretty good year for them. I dont know enough to know who is out there or what they can do under the cap, but I'd love a signing or two like that.

Pollard's Spartan Beard · Jun 17, 2022

The list of free agents this offseason is pretty grim, but the guy who I've long thought would be a great fit is Daniel House. He can shoot the 3, plays strong defense, and was one of the only guys who showed up in the playoffs as Utah was collapsing. He's a career 36% shooter from three, but that counts a putrid rookie season where he was well under 30%.

He could help our shooting woes, and given his size - 6'6, 220 lbs - might be able to spell one of Jaylen or Jayson for stretches without letting the defensive intensity fall off a cliff.

JM3 · Jun 17, 2022

I think Bruce Brown would be a nice fit. Excellent switchable defender, good 3-point shooter last year (hopefully sustainable), willing passer, seems like a really good team guy, born in Boston, HS in Wakefield, turns 26 in August.

Not sure how it would work logistically or how much he'd cost, but he's the best free agent fit I see.

BigSoxFan · Jun 17, 2022

JM3 said:
I think Bruce Brown would be a nice fit. Excellent switchable defender, good 3-point shooter last year (hopefully sustainable), willing passer, seems like a really good team guy, born in Boston, HS in Wakefield, turns 26 in August.

Not sure how it would work logistically or how much he'd cost, but he's the best free agent fit I see.

Brown really did a lot of heavy lifting this year for the Nets when Kyrie was unavailable. I would love to have him on this team. Very active player.

Mooch · Jun 17, 2022

JM3 said:
I think Bruce Brown would be a nice fit. Excellent switchable defender, good 3-point shooter last year (hopefully sustainable), willing passer, seems like a really good team guy, born in Boston, HS in Wakefield, turns 26 in August.

Not sure how it would work logistically or how much he'd cost, but he's the best free agent fit I see.

He's going to get paid for sure. I'd imagine something like $13M for 4 years. I don't see how the Celtics could afford him.

JCizzle · Jun 17, 2022

Was (Not Wasdin) said:
TINSTATMS-There is no such thing as too much shooting (or, I suppose "too many shooters").

My first priority would be a reliable 3rd scorer and another shooter that you could play at least a little bit. This assumes reasonably good health for both Al and Rob. if they are banged up/worn down, then the priorities change to a playable big.

Lakers signed Malik Monk for $1.8 million (for only one year, so me might be available), and he had a pretty good year for them. I dont know enough to know who is out there or what they can do under the cap, but I'd love a signing or two like that.

Yep. The Celtics failed to break 100 for three straight games. Just unspeakably poor offense. Their bench had a COMBINED 9 points (excluding deep bench guys in garbage time) over games 5 and 6. I can't get over how bad that was. The defensive versatility and all that is wonderful, but at some point you need to score as well. Starting a small PG is a bit much like they did with IT and Kemba, but there's a middle ground between that and finding a scorer 20-25 minutes of run.

chilidawg · Jun 17, 2022

Either of Brown and House would be good fits, House moreso I think because he's a little bigger.

Somebody to take some of the playmaking load would be good, someone else suggested Rubio who seems like a good idea. If White had hit a few more shots the last few games I might think differently though. When his shot is dropping he seemed like a very valuable player.

What growth do we see from the kids? Still have potential in Nesmith, the two draft and stash kids, and I think we'll see some further improvement from Pritchard. I'm more of a continued building a sustainable competitive team than a all in for next year guy, so I think developing guys is as important as filling holes. GS is doing a nice job of that.

Erik Hanson's Hook · Jun 17, 2022

I fear Marcus Smart is on the Pedroia timeline, the way he throws his body around. He won't be effective at age 31, 32.

Horford's cooked, too. It's a shame; this was our chance.

DeJesus Built My Hotrod · Jun 17, 2022

People looking to trade Smart need to come up with better ideas. If you came away from the Finals thinking the Cs need different talent instead of more players with skills, I don't know what to say.

They need to add to this group, not reshuffle them. Imperfections are part of every player's game so trading Smart will only expose the other holes on the roster. The core should only be moved for a clear upgrade. Swapping Smart for a retread (Rubio) or shorter backup point guard (Jones) may make your Cs watching better but it isn't likely to help the team.

ehaz · Jun 17, 2022

For backup wing options, are Kyle Anderson and Gary Harris realistic MLE options?

Mystic Merlin · Jun 17, 2022

Erik Hanson's Hook said:
I fear Marcus Smart is on the Pedroia timeline, the way he throws his body around. He won't be effective at age 31, 32.

Horford's cooked, too. It's a shame; this was our chance.

They’re not the mid 00s Pistons, so how could you know this?

Pollard's Spartan Beard · Jun 17, 2022

Erik Hanson's Hook said:
Horford's cooked, too. It's a shame; this was our chance.

I'm not sure what about this season, this playoff run, or last night's game leads you to believe Horford is cooked. He put up 19 points and 14 boards in 39 minutes, and was one of the three guys who actually played with force and pride.

Is there reason for concern given his age? Sure. Reason to think the team needs to find a way to play him less regular season minutes next year to keep him fresh for the playoffs? Absolutely.

Cooked seems like a wild conclusion to draw from what we all just watched.

NomarsFool · Jun 17, 2022

lexrageorge said:
The team fully guaranteed all of Horford's $26.5M salary just before the start of the Finals. They probably figured that a $7M difference is not that material and so there was no point in allowing him to get frustrated about returning next season.

For a media professional not to know this is quite disappointing, to be frank.

Eddie Jurak · Jun 17, 2022

Erik Hanson's Hook said:
Horford's cooked, too. It's a shame; this was our chance.

Anyone who watched the whole playoff run would be to differ with that.

DeJesus Built My Hotrod said:
People looking to trade Smart need to come up with better ideas. If you came away from the Finals thinking the Cs need different talent instead of more players with skills, I don't know what to say.

They need to add to this group, not reshuffle them. Imperfections are part of every player's game so trading Smart will only expose the other holes on the roster. The core should only be moved for a clear upgrade. Swapping Smart for a retread (Rubio) or shorter backup point guard (Jones) may make your Cs watching better but it isn't likely to help the team.

Correct.

Mugsy's Jock · Jun 17, 2022

Erik Hanson's Hook said:
Horford's cooked, too. It's a shame; this was our chance.

"Cooked" seems overstating it for Al. He was exceptional for most of the first three rounds of the playoffs, as well as Game 1 of the Finals, and he played relatively well last night when not having to deal with guarding Curry one-on-one. If the Celtics didn't have two back-to-back seven-gamers, I'm sure he'd have shown more throughout the Finals.

He certainly needs to go on a restricted games/minutes diet, but I see no reason he can't continue to be comparably effective for another year (big man injury concerns aside).

EDIT: put more succinctly by @Eddie Jurak

Return of the Dewey · Jun 17, 2022

Smart is an adequate offensive, and DPOY caliber, guard. Those don't grow on trees, and, IMO, it would be foolish to get rid of him. Championship teams need those type of guards/players.

Auger34 · Jun 17, 2022

DeJesus Built My Hotrod said:
People looking to trade Smart need to come up with better ideas. If you came away from the Finals thinking the Cs need different talent instead of more players with skills, I don't know what to say.

They need to add to this group, not reshuffle them. Imperfections are part of every player's game so trading Smart will only expose the other holes on the roster. The core should only be moved for a clear upgrade. Swapping Smart for a retread (Rubio) or shorter backup point guard (Jones) may make your Cs watching better but it isn't likely to help the team.

As someone who was advocating for Jones, I guess I need to make my stance more clear. I think Jones would be a good ADDITION to Smart, not swapping them out. That’s why I added in “If they could convince Jones to come to Boston”.

I think he’s an incredibly good backup PG and it allows them to use White and Smart in even more versatile ways.

Now, I don’t think there’s much of a shot that they could convince him to leave Memphis to basically play the same role but who knows

NomarsFool · Jun 17, 2022

RedOctober3829 said:
--What will they do with the TPE's? B-Robb says they won't use it in a sign and trade because that would hard cap them. They'd have to trade a draft pick to use these.

I don't quite understand this point. Does S&T always hard cap you, or is it somehow tied to the TPE?

Regarding the last sentence, you always need to trade a draft pick to use the TPE - right? That's sort of the point, you accept somebody into that slot without sending out a player with salary.

My hope is there is somebody out there that fits the $17 million TPE that would provide some benefit, and the Celtics just use some draft capital to get them.

Given TL's frailty, Theis' uselessness in the playoffs, Grant's disappearing act, and Horford's age - I think a big should be a priority.

Auger34 · Jun 17, 2022

ehaz said:
For backup wing options, are Kyle Anderson and Gary Harris realistic MLE options?

Harris definitely is. I think Anderson may be a bit more expensive

Auger34 · Jun 17, 2022

NomarsFool said:
I don't quite understand this point. Does S&T always hard cap you, or is it somehow tied to the TPE?

Regarding the last sentence, you always need to trade a draft pick to use the TPE - right? That's sort of the point, you accept somebody into that slot without sending out a player with salary.

My hope is there is somebody out there that fits the $17 million TPE that would provide some benefit, and the Celtics just use some draft capital to get them.

Given TL's frailty, Theis' uselessness in the playoffs, Grant's disappearing act, and Horford's age - I think a big should be a priority.

I completely agree but who’s out there that they could realistically get that fits the system? I’ve gone through this exercise at various points and the only one I could come up with was John Collins, and he’s going to cost actual assets

Lazy vs Crazy · Jun 17, 2022

NomarsFool said:
I don't quite understand this point. Does S&T always hard cap you, or is it somehow tied to the TPE?

Regarding the last sentence, you always need to trade a draft pick to use the TPE - right? That's sort of the point, you accept somebody into that slot without sending out a player with salary.

My hope is there is somebody out there that fits the $17 million TPE that would provide some benefit, and the Celtics just use some draft capital to get them.

Given TL's frailty, Theis' uselessness in the playoffs, Grant's disappearing act, and Horford's age - I think a big should be a priority.

S&T always hard caps you.

gammoseditor · Jun 17, 2022

We will quickly see how much ownership is willing to go into the tax. To maximize flexibility in acquiring someone at the deadline they could use all 4 TPE’s and the MLE and add close to 40 million in contracts. That would give them maximum flexibility. Staying out of the tax has been justified recently, but now that they were two wins away from a title they should be committed to spending.

amfox1 · Jun 17, 2022

I think they run this back for next year, in Big Al's last year on the roster. Upgrade Jaylen's/Jayson's backups, use PP/Nesmith/TPEs/MLE if need be. Sign some vet min ringchasers to round out the roster. Leave Madar & Bergerin overseas for one more year.

JM3 · Jun 17, 2022

Mooch said:
He's going to get paid for sure. I'd imagine something like $13M for 4 years. I don't see how the Celtics could afford him.

S&T with the Nets for Theis + flotsam + mediocre picks?

JM3 · Jun 17, 2022

chilidawg said:
Either of Brown and House would be good fits, House moreso I think because he's a little bigger.

My main problem with the House fit is that he can't really pass (plus he's older & not as good of a defensive player).

But if the price is right he's better than nothing.

reggiecleveland · Jun 17, 2022

Erik Hanson's Hook said:
I fear Marcus Smart is on the Pedroia timeline, the way he throws his body around. He won't be effective at age 31, 32.

Horford's cooked, too. It's a shame; this was our chance.

Agree on both.
Al's postseason reminds me of Jim Rice in 86. I thought we timed a last really good year at the end of an excellent career to get a title. I don't see Mike Greenwell in the wings for the Celtics though.

Smart is a guy that is fairly close to being negative player. When he has a good shooting night he is often the best player in that game that night. But, even some nagging injuries turning him into just a plus defender, makes him hard to play.

JM3 · Jun 17, 2022

ehaz said:
For backup wing options, are Kyle Anderson and Gary Harris realistic MLE options?

I don't think either really solves the wing issue. I think making SloMo a 4/5 would be fun, though.

radsoxfan · Jun 17, 2022

reggiecleveland said:
Smart is a guy that is fairly close to being negative player.

I’m not going to predict the future but Smart is currently 28 and not remotely close to being a negative player. He has been in the NBA awhile and plays a physical style of basketball, maybe he takes a downturn earlier than most, I don’t know.

I wouldn’t expect a lot of improvement at this point, but barring major injury I wouldn’t expect much decline over the next few years either. He’s a guy who relies less on quickness and has good size for his position, both things that could actually help his longevity.

I think “Good White” solves a lot of the problems people are bringing up. It was a hectic year for him with the mid season trade and having a baby in the ECF. I’d inclined to expect improvement from him next year and only tinker on the edges. Most metrics (I know I know…) have this version of the Celtics a 60+ win team, best not to overreact.

Theis doesn’t make a ton of money but he looked hurt or suddenly became useless. I wonder if Brad and Ime think he’s a rotation guy going forward.

Auger34 · Jun 17, 2022

JM3 said:
S&T with the Nets for Theis + flotsam + mediocre picks?

Sadly, Theis is pretty important to next years roster. So that would be plugging one hole and opening another

reggiecleveland · Jun 17, 2022

radsoxfan said:
I’m not going to predict the future but Smart is currently 28 and not remotely close to being a negative player. He has been in the NBA awhile and plays a physical style of basketball, maybe he takes a downturn earlier than most, I don’t know.

I wouldn’t expect a lot of improvement at this point, but barring major injury I wouldn’t expect much decline over the next few years either. He’s a guy who relies less on quickness and has good size for his position, both things that could actually help his longevity.

I think “Good White” solves a lot of the problems people are bringing up. It was a hectic year for him with the mid season trade and having a baby in the ECF. I’d inclined to expect improvement from him next year and only tinker on the edges. Most metrics (I know I know…) have this version of the Celtics a 60+ win team, best not to overreact.

Theis doesn’t make a ton of money but he looked hurt or suddenly became useless. I wonder if Brad and Ime think he’s a rotation guy going forward.

My point is an injury or even a slight physical decline can sap most of his value. His value is being a plus size guy who can bring the ball up, guard the ball. If he slows down a bit he is an undersized, wing albeit a tough physical one, that will struggle to add value on O.

radsoxfan · Jun 17, 2022

reggiecleveland said:
My point is an injury or even a slight physical decline can sap most of his value. His value is being a plus size guy who can bring the ball up, guard the ball. If he slows down a bit he is an undersized, wing albeit a tough physical one, that will struggle to add value on O.

I hear that, but I think you could probably say that for just about any mid career non-star in the NBA. If they have a bad injury or physical decline, they will not be particularly good anymore.

He’s clearly an above average value guy now and don’t see a reason he can’t slot in as a valuable complimentary piece (i.e. starter minutes but not a top 2-3 guy) for the next few years.

JM3 · Jun 17, 2022

tbb345 said:
Sadly, Theis is pretty important to next years roster. So that would be plugging one hole and opening another

Only for the regular season & getting a ~comparable guy to eat center minutes for much less should be much more doable than getting an impact playoff-useful wing.

lexrageorge · Jun 17, 2022

NomarsFool said:
I don't quite understand this point. Does S&T always hard cap you, or is it somehow tied to the TPE?

A team receiving the player in a sign-and-trade must be under the tax threshold after the trade is complete.

Regarding the last sentence, you always need to trade a draft pick to use the TPE - right? That's sort of the point, you accept somebody into that slot without sending out a player with salary.

My hope is there is somebody out there that fits the $17 million TPE that would provide some benefit, and the Celtics just use some draft capital to get them.

Given TL's frailty, Theis' uselessness in the playoffs, Grant's disappearing act, and Horford's age - I think a big should be a priority.

The Celtics could still trade a player out, and use the TPE to take in the incoming player. For example, they could trade out Theis' $8.7M and take in a player making up to $17M into the TPE. The Celtics would then get a new TPE from sending out Theis. So there's no rule that they can only trade draft picks.

What they cannot do is take Theis' $8.7M and the $17M TPE and combine them in an attempt to acquire a player making $25.7M.

reggiecleveland · Jun 17, 2022

radsoxfan said:
I hear that, but I think you could probably say that for just about any mid career non-star in the NBA. If they have a bad injury or significant physical decline, they will not be particularly good anymore.

He’s clearly an above average value guy now and don’t see a reason he can’t slot in as a valuable complimentary piece (i.e. starter minutes but not a top 2-3 guy) for the next few years.

He has a lot of miles for 28 yer old guy. I see him as different in that his skill set is unusual. He is just good enough at shooting, bringing the ball up, and scoring to play 1. But a decline means that doesn't work, as it didn't for a chunk of this season. Also, I love him, but I don't see him as a guy who will stop trying to be an impact guy, and just settle into a secondary role. I do think he is, and will next year be an excellent player, but he is the type of guy the wheels could come off suddenly. A good look at how bad tired Marcus was these last few games, is a predictor of what nagging injury Marcus could be like, and it isn't pretty.

Jimbodandy · Jun 17, 2022

reggiecleveland said:
He has a lot of miles for 28 yer old guy. I see him as different in that his skill set is unusual. He is just good enough at shooting, bringing the ball up, and scoring to play 1. But a decline means that doesn't work, as it didn't for a chunk of this season. Also, I love him, but I don't see him as a guy who will stop trying to be an impact guy, and just settle into a secondary role. I do think he is, and will next year be an excellent player, but he is the type of guy the wheels could come off suddenly. A good look at how bad tired Marcus was these last few games, is a predictor of what nagging injury Marcus could be like, and it isn't pretty.

When I read your first post on the matter, I was confused. But I agree with your overall take after reading more. Marcus is a max effort guy who could turn into a pumpkin pretty fast because he has no margin for error. Grant's year 2 is an example of how a guy who operates on the physical margins can go from valuable to unplayable by losing 1 step.

I still agree with the guys who are thinking that future Horford replacement is the first place to focus (big). Also TL depth is Theis, which is fine for a few weeks maybe but not great long-term.

Second, guys like Brown or House are great to look at. I'm not really interested in 1-way guys like Monk or Schroder. We ate 1-way guys to the point of unplayability until the wheels fell off. Robinson and Strus sat, the Milwaukee shooters...we targeted these guys and ate. If we do target a shooter or two, they really need to be someone who isn't a black hole defensively or at least has some length.

Maybe there's another Wiggins-style wing reclamation project out there. I'm still stunned from how fucking effective he was. Length, girth, and effort go a long way, not to mention that he added stuff on the offensive end too. Anyone who watched these finals and pines for skinny, no-defense smurfs is watching a different game than I did.

JM3 · Jun 17, 2022

Ok, I've talked myself into it...

Trade Theis + Flotsam + Capital for Brown S&T.

Trade Capital & use Fournier trade exception to acquire SloMo to be your future Horford in another S&T.

Smart/White/Pritchard
Tatum/Brown/Brown/Nesmith
TL/Horford/SloMo/Grant

JCizzle · Jun 17, 2022

Jimbodandy said:
Maybe there's another Wiggins-style wing reclamation project out there. I'm still stunned from how fucking effective he was. Length, girth, and effort go a long way, not to mention that he added stuff on the offensive end too. Anyone who watched these finals and pines for skinny, no-defense smurfs is watching a different game than I did.

Maybe not a smurf, but Poole is pretty close to no-defense and had a pretty impactful 15 points last night. I think the team could use someone in his role, they have plenty of players on the roster that can provide similar-ish defense to Wiggins (Smart, White, Tatum, Brown, etc.).

Mooch · Jun 17, 2022

JCizzle said:
Maybe not a smurf, but Poole is pretty close to no-defense and had a pretty impactful 15 points last night. I think the team could use someone in his role, they have plenty of players on the roster that can provide similar-ish defense to Wiggins (Smart, White, Tatum, Brown, etc.).

I was thinking about this same thing. Sometimes, you can have a one-dimensional offensive playmaker on the floor provided that the other four guys are plus defenders and can help and rotate. That's exactly what they got out of Poole.

JM3 · Jun 17, 2022

JCizzle said:
Maybe not a smurf, but Poole is pretty close to no-defense and had a pretty impactful 15 points last night. I think the team could use someone in his role, they have plenty of players on the roster that can provide similar-ish defense to Wiggins (Smart, White, Tatum, Brown, etc.).

He's 6'4 with a 6'7 wingspan & wasn't nearly as impactful as GP2 despite running amazingly on banked 3s (not that I'm bitter).

It's not a bad archetype to have as an option but I think it's a bad option to invest a lot of capital in.

snowmanny · Jun 17, 2022

Is Rubio an actual option? Because that seems like a great fit. My recollection is that at the start of the year people here were concerned about not having a real point guard. Smart and Tatum exceeded expectations as play-makers, but eventually it kind of caught up and the C’s could have used minutes from someone who could push the pace here and there and drive the lane with a clearer purpose and a better handle.

Would be fine with me to bring him back very slowly.

Auger34 · Jun 17, 2022

Going into the off-season we all have to hope that ownership is willing to spend what it takes to realistically improve and compete. I think they will.

I think POBOBS needs to make another trade similar to the White trade (multiple 1st round picks) for either a wing (preferably a bigger one) or an Al replacement.

If it’s an Al replacement, I think Wendell Carter would be my top target. Another option would be John Collins. IMO, this is the spot wheee they should dump the most available resources towards as this is a unique type of player that’s hard to find.
Wings would be players like OG Anunoby, Gary Trent, Jerami Grant (if he decides he likes winning more than putting up empty stats on terrible teams), or Josh Hart.

I think the chance for trading for a star is pretty much done but obviously Brad needs to do his due diligence and check on guys like Beal, SGA, and Mitchell.

I think Theis should be offloaded (really like the Bruce Brown idea)

It would be nice to add a veteran point guard and big as well.

Free Agents that are interesting:
Bruce Brown
Kyle Anderson
Gary Harris
Isaiah Hartenstein
Damian Jones
GP2
Otto Porter
Ricky Rubio
Tyus Jones

I think it should be a priority to bring in at least one or two veterans with experience who have “been there”. Another veteran voice to pair with Horford.

The core overall is very, very good but Brad still has a lot of work to do on the margins and figuring out the right mix.

Should be an exciting offseason

JCizzle · Jun 17, 2022

JM3 said:
He's 6'4 with a 6'7 wingspan & wasn't nearly as impactful as GP2 despite running amazingly on banked 3s (not that I'm bitter).

It's not a bad archetype to have as an option but I think it's a bad option to invest a lot of capital in.

You know who's 6'7 with a 6'9 wingspan.

JM3 · Jun 17, 2022

JCizzle said:
You know who's 6'7 with a 6'9 wingspan.

Ermahgod are they playing Sauce Castillo's entry music?

BaseballJones · Jun 17, 2022

Erik Hanson's Hook said:
I fear Marcus Smart is on the Pedroia timeline, the way he throws his body around. He won't be effective at age 31, 32.

Horford's cooked, too. It's a shame; this was our chance.

Horford is cooked? Dude had 19 points on 6-8 shooting (4-5 from three), to go with 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block. For the NBA Finals he averaged 12.5 points on .605 shooting (15-24 from three - .625), 8.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. At the very end of a very long and draining season.

In what way is he "cooked"? He looks anything but cooked to me. He played with fire and intensity and hustled his ass off all over the court. He looks as good as he normally looks, IMO, and the numbers bear that out.

Jimbodandy · Jun 17, 2022

JM3 said:
He's 6'4 with a 6'7 wingspan & wasn't nearly as impactful as GP2 despite running amazingly on banked 3s (not that I'm bitter).

It's not a bad archetype to have as an option but I think it's a bad option to invest a lot of capital in.

That's my thought. Sure, I'll take Poole on the roster. He's not Malik Monk. But what does it take to get that guy. Hell, I'll even take Malik Monk as an upgrade on bench guys who aren't going to play too. But we have a certain amount of capital. I want to spend it on guys who can play. Hoping to find the next Poole for free is nice but not realistic.

Jed Zeppelin · Jun 17, 2022

tbb345 said:
Going into the off-season we all have to hope that ownership is willing to spend what it takes to realistically improve and compete. I think they will.

I think POBOBS needs to make another trade similar to the White trade (multiple 1st round picks) for either a wing (preferably a bigger one) or an Al replacement.

If it’s an Al replacement, I think Wendell Carter would be my top target. Another option would be John Collins. IMO, this is the spot wheee they should dump the most available resources towards as this is a unique type of player that’s hard to find.
Wings would be players like OG Anunoby, Gary Trent, Jerami Grant (if he decides he likes winning more than putting up empty stats on terrible teams), or Josh Hart.

I think the chance for trading for a star is pretty much done but obviously Brad needs to do his due diligence and check on guys like Beal, SGA, and Mitchell.

I think Theis should be offloaded (really like the Bruce Brown idea)

It would be nice to add a veteran point guard and big as well.

Free Agents that are interesting:
Bruce Brown
Kyle Anderson
Gary Harris
Isaiah Hartenstein
Damian Jones
GP2
Otto Porter
Ricky Rubio
Tyus Jones

I think it should be a priority to bring in at least one or two veterans with experience who have “been there”. Another veteran voice to pair with Horford.

The core overall is very, very good but Brad still has a lot of work to do on the margins and figuring out the right mix.

Should be an exciting offseason

Agree on the White-level trade. You don't want to make deals just to make them, but now is not the time to hold back and I'm so far very encouraged by POBOBS' process and talent assessment. Win titles now, worry about draft picks later.

Some interesting names there and I'm sure there are trade targets we aren't even thinking of.

I don't know how his play has been recently but every time I have watched Josh Hart I've thought he would be a great guy to have.

NomarsFool · Jun 17, 2022

The only thing I don't know is whether the Celtics' defensive system makes it more difficult to absorb all offense, no defense guys. For teams like the Heat, who will routinely run zone to hide Herro, etc., it's not a problem. But, with the Celtics' switch everything approach - with a Poole on the floor are they potentially not as able to hide them?

Thinking about the team moving forward, I think I'd spend my resources on a 4/5 who can stretch the floor. I have no confidence in Grant Williams anymore, and Al's days are numbered.

Euclis20 · Jun 17, 2022

reggiecleveland said:
He has a lot of miles for 28 yer old guy. I see him as different in that his skill set is unusual. He is just good enough at shooting, bringing the ball up, and scoring to play 1. But a decline means that doesn't work, as it didn't for a chunk of this season. Also, I love him, but I don't see him as a guy who will stop trying to be an impact guy, and just settle into a secondary role. I do think he is, and will next year be an excellent player, but he is the type of guy the wheels could come off suddenly. A good look at how bad tired Marcus was these last few games, is a predictor of what nagging injury Marcus could be like, and it isn't pretty.

Certainly possible, although I think it's also possible the latter half of his career looks like Kyle Lowry's. Not as good of a shooter but bigger and can certainly age well. They have some obvious similarities. Like all players, he'll need to learn how to play with decreased athleticism as he's in his late 20s and early 30s, but as he continues to incrementally improve as a shooter and passer, I could definitely see him using his size and strength to bully opposing point guards for awhile. Seeing him trying to play tired and injured for a few weeks isn't exactly the same as the normal aging process - it takes time to learn to play when you're a bit slower.

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