Tristan Thompson to Boston: 2 years, $19M, player option to re-up with Khloé Kardashian

[NomarsFool]

There have been plenty of situations (MaMo for example) that have been difficult to manage and haven't always gone great. Hey, I like him as a coach - but it's a tough situation not to play a vet as much as they are expecting. Just look at his answer to the question around the 2BIG lineup? He said that the 2 BIG lineup was a way to get RWIII minutes. Obviously, the way to get RWIII more minutes is to play him instead of Theis or TT. But, the tacit assumption was that DT and TT had to have minutes - so the only way to get TL his minutes was to play DT and TT together.

 

[joe dokes]

There have been plenty of situations (MaMo for example) that have been difficult to manage and haven't always gone great. Hey, I like him as a coach - but it's a tough situation not to play a vet as much as they are expecting. Just look at his answer to the question around the 2BIG lineup? He said that the 2 BIG lineup was a way to get RWIII minutes. Obviously, the way to get RWIII more minutes is to play him instead of Theis or TT. But, the tacit assumption was that DT and TT had to have minutes - so the only way to get TL his minutes was to play DT and TT together.

I thought the tacit assumption was that he wasn't convinced that Williams could go it alone.

 

[Jimbodandy]

I thought the tacit assumption was that he wasn't convinced that Williams could go it alone.

Exactly. We're jumping to talk show caller conclusions here.

I'm not saying that Brad isn't going to maybe start a guy or give a few minutes here and there to contract year guys, if he thinks that the analytical downside of such a decision is outweighed by locker room optics for some reason or other. And NF isn't wrong that CBS poorly handled the walkyearpalooza a couple of years back, which Brad himself admitted. But it's a huge leap to assume that Brad learned nothing from that fiasco AND that Tristan Thompson on a two year MLE deal has the inclination or the disruptive gravitas to sidetrack this team.

If Brad is playing TT for X MPG, it's because he thinks that's a good idea.

 

[NomarsFool]

I thought the tacit assumption was that he wasn't convinced that Williams could go it alone.

I don't think RWIII has played much with DT or TT. Somebody posted somewhere the lineup combinations by minute. My memory is that RWIII has played mostly as the only big on the floor (although he played some with Grant - which one could argue is a 2-big lineup).

Again, it's a strange answer to the question, which seems to have the underlying assumption of:

1) DT, TT, and RWIII all need minutes
2) RWIII would lose out on minutes if we only played 1 big at a time (implying that RW3 is 3rd on the depth chart)

Not sure I agree with either of those assumptions. I'm sure CBS thinks he's doing the best thing - but people often do things for what they think are the right reasons, but are unaware of why they are really doing them.

 

[Burkharts Uppercut]

(although he played some with Grant - which one could argue is a 2-big lineup).

I definitely agree with this point. The 2 big lineup could be a major factor with Grant's struggles. To my recollection, the times where he really excelled last year and in the playoffs were in small ball lineups where he was the 5. I can't recall any times this year with Grant at the 5, unless it was in deep garbage time, but even then he usually has Tacko out there.

 

[NomarsFool]

To my recollection, the times where he really excelled last year and in the playoffs were in small ball lineups where he was the 5. I can't recall any times this year with Grant at the 5, unless it was in deep garbage time, but even then he usually has Tacko out there.

Agree with the observation, for sure. The odd thing is, I'd think he should actually be able to play better at the 4 than the 5 - he's not as undersized.

 

[Cellar-Door]

Agree with the observation, for sure. The odd thing is, I'd think he should actually be able to play better at the 4 than the 5 - he's not as undersized.

But he doesn't have a quickness advantage if anything he's slower laterally than many 4s

Grant does decently at the 5 because he's solid and strong and he's got quicker feet than many 5s. At the 4, he's strong, but not quick.

 

[lovegtm]

But he doesn't have a quickness advantage if anything he's slower laterally than many 4s

Grant does decently at the 5 because he's solid and strong and he's got quicker feet than many 5s. At the 4, he's strong, but not quick.

He was moving well laterally with guards by the end of last year, and then seemed to forget how to do anything after the offseason.

I totally agree that Grant is trash right now, but people are really retconning his rookie year. He was a plus defender covering multiple positions whose weaknesses were overhelping and offense in general. This year is just weird and I have no idea what is going on.

 

[amarshal2]

To my eye Theis is much better than TT. If Time Lord isn't better now, he will be soon (like, this year) with regular playing time.

So....why is TT getting 20 mins a game?

 

[Cellar-Door]

To my eye Theis is much better than TT. If Time Lord isn't better now, he will be soon (like, this year) with regular playing time.

So....why is TT getting 20 mins a game?

It's matchup dependent. As for Theis, the obvious answer is that he's not a good rebounder at all, while THompson is one of the best in the league.

 

[amarshal2]

It's matchup dependent. As for Theis, the obvious answer is that he's not a good rebounder at all, while THompson is one of the best in the league.

Which matchups is TT better than Theis? TT just got destroyed by Embiid.

Rebounding is literally the only thing TT is better at than Theis. Theis is better at everything else. It doesn't cancel out. We already know that JT/JB can pick up the slack and make them a competitive rebounding team with Theis on the floor.

 

[Cellar-Door]

Which matchups is TT better than Theis? TT just got destroyed by Embiid.

Rebounding is literally the only thing TT is better at than Theis. Theis is better at everything else. It doesn't cancel out. We already know that JT/JB can pick up the slack and make them a competitive rebounding team with Theis on the floor.

I mean of the 3.
Last night for example, Thompson played better than TL, I think Thompson outplayed Theis in the Drummond matchup, and TImelord as well, I also think Thompson did well with the Vucevic matchup. I don't think the argument that Embiid played well against TT means much, he destroyed Theis as well, and Thompson has a better long-term track record in the matchup. People are putting WAY too much into some small samples.

 

[Jimbodandy]

He was moving well laterally with guards by the end of last year, and then seemed to forget how to do anything after the offseason.

I totally agree that Grant is trash right now, but people are really retconning his rookie year. He was a plus defender covering multiple positions whose weaknesses were overhelping and offense in general. This year is just weird and I have no idea what is going on.

Largely the people who don't like Grant this year are the same people who didn't like Grant last year. He's a tweener and an older guy, and it takes time for those guys to grow on some people.

The rest of us who are disappointed are surprised at his regression. He'll get out of his own head I think and hopefully get some of his footspeed back.

 

[pjheff]

If Brad is playing TT for X MPG, it's because he thinks that's a good idea.

After the Sixers games, there seemed to be some misconception (and therefore disappointment) about Thompson’s play. The guy wasn’t brought here to be a giant slayer. That was Kanter’s job, and he was decried around here for his inability to defend the pick and roll and therefore play consistently in the Raptors and Heat series. Thompson is built more like a traditional 4 than a 5 and was signed for his switchability, his rebounding prowess, and his rugged screens. He has been a successful role player on successful teams, and I suspect that CBS can carve out a productive role for him.

 

[NomarsFool]

Thompson is built more like a traditional 4 than a 5 and was signed for his switchability, his rebounding prowess, and his rugged screens. He has been a successful role player on successful teams, and I suspect that CBS can carve out a productive role for him.

Rebounding and screen setting, yes. Switchability? He doesn't seem that switchable to me.

I think people were expecting a bit more of a defensive presence, someone who could be a bit more physical on defense than Daniel Theis. No one is an Embiid slayer. But, I think in general, TT's defense has been a bit less than advertised and his offense has been much worse than at least I was expecting.

I don't think he should be DNP-CD, by any means, but I think he should be getting fewer minutes than DT and TL - both of whom I'd rather see on the floor. I get upset with DT as the human foul machine, but he is really flourishing on offense lately and he brings a lot to the table on that end. I think TL has a similar offensive skillset (he's pretty good on those jumpers - but definitely doesn't have DT's 3PA stroke). A big issue for me is that I think TL has upside. If you want to hope for a really good 5 for the playoffs - TL is our only hope.

I think part of the frustration is that not only does TT make almost twice as much as Kanter, but we had to give 2 2nds or 1 first (can't remember) to trade Kanter to open up TT's slot. So, TT was sort of an expensive addition.

 

[pjheff]

Rebounding and screen setting, yes. Switchability? He doesn't seem that switchable to me.

He’s more switchable than Kanter, meaning he’s playable in series that don’t just involve an alpha 5. He would have played significant minutes in those Raptors and Heat series four to five months ago.

 

[benhogan]

He’s more switchable than Kanter, meaning he’s playable in series that don’t just involve an alpha 5. He would have played significant minutes in those Raptors and Heat series four to five months ago.

If the bar is "more switchable than Kanter" then we're in trouble.

Bam would have and will abuse Tristan. TT would have been useless in the playoffs just like he has been useless this season.

 

[RoDaddy]

A big issue for me is that I think TL has upside

I wonder if his athleticism and shot blocking could be used on non-5s? I would think his covering key scorers like Giannis, LeBron and Durant for say 10-15 minutes a game could be pretty disruptive to those team's offenses

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

If the bar is "more switchable than Kanter" then we're in trouble.

Bam would have and will abuse Tristan. TT would have been useless in the playoffs just like he has been useless this season.

Well the bar is whether he can play more than Kanter.

Loved Enes for what he brought to the team and how he defended Embiid, but Kanter wasn't getting off the bench for many games last year (and when he did it was against second units) and virtually the entire TOR and MIA series. At least TT will play in these games.

 

[amarshal2]

With the growth of Time Lord the question isn’t whether you can play TT in more or fewer situations than Kanter (many more), it’s what does he do that is unique vs other players currently on the team. “Guard Joel Embiid” was really high on the list of requirements for something he needs to do better than other players on the roster, as one example. From what I can tell there’s almost no situation where you’d rather play TT than Theis. Theis is almost universally better, and TL is a capable backup who needs developmental minutes. Maybe things will change. Maybe Theis will get dinged up. But right now it’s a disappointing use of the MLE.

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

With the growth of Time Lord the question isn’t whether you can play TT in more or fewer situations than Kanter (many more), it’s what does he do that is unique vs other players currently on the team. “Guard Joel Embiid” was really high on the list of requirements for something he needs to do better than other players on the roster, as one example. From what I can tell there’s almost no situation where you’d rather play TT than Theis. Theis is almost universally better, and TL is a capable backup who needs developmental minutes. Maybe things will change. Maybe Theis will get dinged up. But right now it’s a disappointing use of the MLE.

DT is better than TT at a lot of things but not two important things - rebounding and staying on the court. DT averages 5.5. fouls per 36 minutes in his career (Although for full disclosure TT is averaging more fouls per 36 than DT is - TT is having a career high and DT is having a career low this season). DT isn't playing more than 25-ish minutes a game and he's certainly not playing the 5 for 25 minutes a game against the entire league and there's no way TL is ready for being the partner at the 5, particularly against first string centers.

So TT gives you a guy that can plug in the rest of the minutes at the 5 - something like 20 mpg. Sure he got toasted by Embiid twice (so did DT and TL) and KD (so is almost everyone else in the league) but generally I think he's been pretty credible on defense the rest of the games, given the Cs a physical presence, and generally hasn't been the reason the Cs win or lose.

Is that worth $9M a year? Maybe not but it's not my money. My only point is that TT definitely has a role on the Cs one that can't be filled just by playing TL or DT more.

 

[amarshal2]

I think by signing TT and playing him 20 minutes a game they're making this a self-fulfilling prophecy.

there's no way TL is ready for being the partner at the 5, particularly against first string centers.

If TL were playing 20 minutes a game for the whole season I think there's a really good chance he's ready by the playoffs.

I was for the TT signing because I thought he'd be better defensively than he's been. By a lot. If all he does is rebound and block Time Lord's development it's not a good signing. I care about the money because it could have been used on somebody who contributed more at the C position.

 

[shoelace]

So TT gives you a guy that can plug in the rest of the minutes at the 5 - something like 20 mpg. Sure he got toasted by Embiid twice (so did DT and TL) and KD (so is almost everyone else in the league) but generally I think he's been pretty credible on defense the rest of the games, given the Cs a physical presence, and generally hasn't been the reason the Cs win or lose.

Is that worth $9M a year? Maybe not but it's not my money. My only point is that TT definitely has a role on the Cs one that can't be filled just by playing TL or DT more.

I agree, if you look at the play by play footage, many of Embiid's points against Thomspon looked like this. Here's Theis giving it a try. And Grant. There's a clip that I can't find of Embiid blowing by Williams as well. This isn't to say Thomspon didn't give up points in the paint, here's an example. I don't feel like he defended that badly even on that play, he tried to force Embiid to the baseline, Embiid is just really good and bigger and stronger than Thompson. It's tough. I don't think there are a ton of guys who can shut him down if he's playing as well as he has this season. He didn't hit midrange shots and threes like this last year, and it's opened up his game a bit. He'd probably drop 50 if Kanter was his primary defender, lol. I mean, do people think Tatum is a bad defender because he gave up a bunch of points when he picked up Bradley Beal in the Washington game?

I don't think Thompson has played as well as he can, but I don't think he's been consistently bad defensively. No one on the Celtics has play defense consistently this season, they've been pretty mediocre on that end (though looking better lately against weak opponents), which may be a result of limited practice time or something.

 

[TripleOT]

The Celtic best equipped to defend the almost unguard-able Embiid is Marcus Smart, who can get under him to fight for position, and then flop to the floor when Embiid freight trains him on his way to the basket.

It these teams meet in the playoffs, the Celtics will need to double smartly, or throw some zone at the Sixers

 

[the moops]

I wonder if his athleticism and shot blocking could be used on non-5s? I would think his covering key scorers like Giannis, LeBron and Durant for say 10-15 minutes a game could be pretty disruptive to those team's offenses

I think this would be a disaster. Those dudes have too many tricks and TL would fall for them far too often

 

[PedroKsBambino]

At this point in his career I just don't think he's quick enough to stay with guys like that defensively.

 

[Jimbodandy]

I think that the board is a bit harsh on TT overall. If he were a perfect player, he'd have signed somewhere for more than the MLE. He's Kanter replacement. And while Kanter is a good dude who would occasionally surprise us with some nice garbage points off the bench, he wasn't nearly good enough at what the Celtics need centers to do. Thompson is better at those things. And while we have high hopes for TL, he still needs to show that he can stay on the court and not be lost against experienced bigs. It would be nice if we're discussing possible deals for a redundant TT next offseason, but right now he fills a role.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

I agree with that---I don't hate him and see the need. He would have helped in the playoffs against Bam, imo. His offense is not non-existant and he's a good offensive rebounder (though not as good as Kanter there).

But I think that value is as a 5, not sliding down to defend wings

 

[mcpickl]

Well the bar is whether he can play more than Kanter.

Loved Enes for what he brought to the team and how he defended Embiid, but Kanter wasn't getting off the bench for many games last year (and when he did it was against second units) and virtually the entire TOR and MIA series. At least TT will play in these games.

Should this be the bar for using your only big offseason bullet with the full MLE? Can play more than a guy that couldn't play at all when it matters?

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

Should this be the bar for using your only big offseason bullet with the full MLE? Can play more than a guy that couldn't play at all when it matters?

That was in the context of the conversation. The Cs needed a few things in the offseason once Heywerd left - backup PG, wing depth, and a center who is bigger than DT and TL and could provide some of the things that Kanter provided. I think DA decided that the center with defensive presence (or however you want to put it) was a bigger priority than the other two given potential replacements and need.

I can't remember who else was available at that time but seems to me that DA identified as TT as filling a major need and went after him. Was it an overpay? Probably but given that we are getting under the luxury tax this year, maybe not that important in the grand scheme of things. Still the fact that Brad feels comfortable enough to play TT against virtually anyone it seems is a big positive when evaluating him. And hopefully he'll give us something on defense against better, more athletic centers (cough, Bam, cough) in the playoffs.

 

[shoelace]

And hopefully he'll give us something on defense against better, more athletic centers (cough, Bam, cough) in the playoffs.

Grant Williams played center against the Heat (checked in in the 4th quarter of Game 6 of the ECF when Theis fouled out) because they didn't believe in Kanter's defense. I think Thompson would have been better in that situation, and I'm guessing that was part of the rationale for the signing.

Baynes was available, I believe. But I don't know if there is bad blood because he was traded. And he hasn't looked great, either (apologies to benhogan) I would have been tempted to gamble on Baynes, but I think Thompson was a fine alternative.

 

[mcpickl]

That was in the context of the conversation. The Cs needed a few things in the offseason once Heywerd left - backup PG, wing depth, and a center who is bigger than DT and TL and could provide some of the things that Kanter provided. I think DA decided that the center with defensive presence (or however you want to put it) was a bigger priority than the other two given potential replacements and need.

I can't remember who else was available at that time but seems to me that DA identified as TT as filling a major need and went after him. Was it an overpay? Probably but given that we are getting under the luxury tax this year, maybe not that important in the grand scheme of things. Still the fact that Brad feels comfortable enough to play TT against virtually anyone it seems is a big positive when evaluating him. And hopefully he'll give us something on defense against better, more athletic centers (cough, Bam, cough) in the playoffs.

I don't think this means very much. Brad was comfortable playing Kanter in the regular season too, because it just doesn't matter very much.

Like, I'd guess we'd see the double big lineups he's playing now for zero minutes come playoff time. IMO, he's just doing that now out of necessity.

 

[OurF'ingCity]

I don't think this means very much. Brad was comfortable playing Kanter in the regular season too, because it just doesn't matter very much.

Like, I'd guess we'd see the double big lineups he's playing now for zero minutes come playoff time. IMO, he's just doing that now out of necessity.

Exactly. Kanter was a minutes-filler in the regular season and a situational play in the postseason, and that is exactly what TT is/will be as well.

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

Exactly. Kanter was a minutes-filler in the regular season and a situational play in the postseason, and that is exactly what TT is/will be as well.

Kanter had 18 games last year where he played less than 15 minutes and 3 DNPs. (He also had 11 inactives but I can't remember - and BRef doesn't tell me - whether he was injured so I'm not even counting those). TT this year has not played less than 15 minutes all year - even in blowouts - and 0 DNPs.

Other than PHI, in the playoffs Kanter did not play more than 11 minutes in any game and had basically 8 DNPs. I can't imagine a team that BOS would face in the playoffs that would result in a DNP from TT. I also doubt that he plays less than 15 minutes in any game that he's healthy.

Grant Williams played center against the Heat (checked in in the 4th quarter of Game 6 of the ECF when Theis fouled out) because they didn't believe in Kanter's defense. I think Thompson would have been better in that situation, and I'm guessing that was part of the rationale for the signing.

TT certainly couldn't have been worse against Bam than DT, Kanter, or GWill were last year. I'm not saying TT holds Bam in check - here's their H2H stats: https://www.landofbasketball.com/games_between/bam_adebayo_vs_tristan_thompson.htm - but Bam certainly hasn't gone crazy against him. Yet.

 

[Devizier]

I'm starting to think that signings like Thompson (and Teague) are the kinds of veterans you get when you don't have a huge salary slot available or a lot of playing time to offer.

 

[reggiecleveland]

I'm starting to think that signings like Thompson (and Teague) are the kinds of veterans you get when you don't have a huge salary slot available or a lot of playing time to offer.

Thanks doctor JFC. Guys are always mad bench guys aren't all stars. How many years could the Cs afford to keep the Eddie House, James Posey, PJ Brown, Leon Powe bench together?

Last night TT switched and was all over Derozan, very good D, but Derozan is an all start and made it. Gamethread was all "not a shot blocker" etc.

So many players, bigs in particular, look really good because coaches use them in right situation. This is probably the case with TL. People assume they will be that effective in other situations. Pretty clear to me TT is more experienced, talks more, and is communicating much better than Theis and especially TL. He is not the athlete he once was, but if he was they couldn't afford him. Theis most nights cannot play more because of fouls.

 

[shoelace]

Thanks doctor JFC. Guys are always mad bench guys aren't all stars. How many years could the Cs afford to keep the Eddie House, James Posey, PJ Brown, Leon Powe bench together?

Last night TT switched and was all over Derozan, very good D, but Derozan is an all start and made it. Gamethread was all "not a shot blocker" etc.

So many players, bigs in particular, look really good because coaches use them in right situation. This is probably the case with TL. People assume they will be that effective in other situations. Pretty clear to me TT is more experienced, talks more, and is communicating much better than Theis and especially TL. He is not the athlete he once was, but if he was they couldn't afford him. Theis most nights cannot play more because of fouls.

This is such an even handed and correct post. Too many posters on this forum just don't seem to be able to properly evaluate bench players, they expect way too much of them, and think guys suck because they play scattered minutes and miss a handful of shots. I also feel like folks aren't giving Teague and Thompson the benefit of the doubt with respect to adjusting to their roles on this team, especially given the relative lack of practice time and training camp. Robert Williams is always going to look better to certain folks because his length and athleticism allow him to grab steals and block a ton of shots, it's also why he'll look good analytically. A guy like Thompson, who's not really a shot blocker, is going to look bad in comparison. But he's clearly a more disciplined defender and more likely to have Brad's trust moving forward.

The Celtics lose games when their best players don't play well, I really don't think bench is costing them games consistently. They lost last night because Smart, Tatum and Kemba were a combined 4 of 17 from 3, Tatum was 0-3. The Celtics are 6-0 in games where Tatum shoots 40% or higher and 2-4 in games where he shoots below 40%. Teague and Thompson both finished with a positive plus minus (meaningless, I know, but still) last night. As time goes on and roles become more defined, Pritchard returns from injury, the bench will be fine.

 

[reggiecleveland]

Good old SOSH guy has best three game streak of the season, his thread drops to the bottom. Don't worry Tristan, you are one bad game from being discussed.

Seems to be getting healthy making shots.

 

[lovegtm]

Good old SOSH guy has best three game streak of the season, his thread drops to the bottom. Don't worry Tristan, you are one bad game from being discussed.

Seems to be getting healthy making shots.

Seems to be getting comfortable and upping his game on defense when he’s healthier and able to play as the sole 5. I still am good with the signing.

 

[DGreenwood]

He seems to be have changed his approach and is playing with force and muscle. It isn't always pretty but nobody else brings that element to the team so it's a welcome addition.

 

[NomarsFool]

I think the thing that has changed is that he started making those shots from <5 feet away. When you make 3 of 4 of those instead of 1 of 4, it changes things quite dramatically. He still has stone hands, but he's been able to generate some of his own offense lately - which is a nice change. Making those 2 FT's last night was huge, too. I was really cringing as soon as I saw them foul.

 

[amarshal2]

I would say he rather quickly shifted from “why is he even on the team” to “okay he’s about as good as their other center options so the depth is cool.” I’m still not sure this was the right use of the MLE but I’m glad Brad stuck with him about a week after I’d run out of patience.

 

[benhogan]

I would say he rather quickly shifted from “why is he even on the team” to “okay he’s about as good as their other center options so the depth is cool.” I’m still not sure this was the right use of the MLE but I’m glad Brad stuck with him about a week after I’d run out of patience.

TT is still the 3rd best 5 on this team, TL holds far more upside and if need be he's filler for a top-notch wing.

He's played well in Cali, but nothings really changed IMO

 

[amarshal2]

Seems to be getting comfortable and upping his game on defense when he’s healthier and able to play as the sole 5. I still am good with the signing.

Enes Kanter and Desmond Bane for Tristan Thompson looks worse every day even with TT improving

 

[HomeRunBaker]

Enes Kanter and Desmond Bane for Tristan Thompson looks worse every day even with TT improving

Bane was drafted for Memphis. There isn’t any evidence that Ainge would have selected him over any other player on the board. Probably less actually.

 

[the moops]

Bane was drafted for Memphis. There isn’t any evidence that Ainge would have selected him over any other player on the board. Probably less actually.

Also doubt there was any chance BOS was going to keep that 30th pick considering they already had drafted two other guys in the 1st.

 

[Cellar-Door]

Yeah #30 has nothing to do with Thompson or Bane, it was a roster and cap flexibility move because they didn't want 3 1st round contracts and roster spots, the only way Danny was not trading 30 was if there was a high level European player to draft and who was willing to stay in Europe

Also Kanter is much worse defensively than Thompson.

As to Thompson's role... I think he's likely to be the starting 5 in the playoffs, he provides the best combination of rebounding(Theis is not good here) and consistency on defense(TL is often completely lost or block chasing still)

 

[NomarsFool]

I think DT will get the most minutes at the 5 in the playoffs. The only thing which will put him on the bench is foul trouble, which is a common problem. He’s still an overall better player than TT in my opinion.

Where I struggle a bit is that I’d really like to see Rob get more playing time. I also don’t see the Celtics resigning Theis this offseason. So, while I like Theis and a week ago I was sure TT was trash, I wouldn’t mind seeing DT get traded for something.

I would have been happier with another rookie than Carsten,even after last night

 

[Cellar-Door]

I would have been happier with another rookie than Carsten,even after last night

Sure but the equation isn't Carsen or Pick 30 as the 10th-12th man.

It's.... do we think #30 is going to be a player who contributes enough to be worth:
1. Eating Carsen's dead cap for 2 years
2. Tying up cap space and roster space for 2-4 years
3. Taking an extra tax hit (with escalating % penalties every year) each fo the next 2-4 years if we re-sign Hayward or trade him for long term salaries.
4. Have to cut other non-Carsen players if Hayward brings back multiple players in a trade.
5. Not being able to get the full MLE to offer to players like Ibaka, Thompson, Milsap Harrell, etc.

Based on the situation at draft time there wasn't much doubt that 3 picks in round 1 was going to be a roster problem both for this year, and the next several.

 

[Devizier]

TT is still the 3rd best 5 on this team, TL holds far more upside and if need be he's filler for a top-notch wing.

Given how the season has played out, depth is valuable. But yeah, he’s fine. He will have good games and trash games. I don’t think the Celtics will swing a deal for a top wing, though.