Season Predictions 2016
Current seeding: 3rd
Projected seeding: 3rd
Miami, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Boston are all within a game or two of each other for the 3rd to 6th spots out East, and the the only thing we can expect about how the standings will play out is that we can't expect anything. I'm giving it to the Celtics, however, as not only do they have games against the Lakers, Pelicans, Bucks, and Bucks down the stretch to fatten up their win total, but they also control their own destiny here: their final three games of the season, ironically enough, are against Atlanta, Charlotte, and Miami, in that order. They’ve deserved it too: excellent coaching, brilliant leadership from star PG Isaiah Thomas, the emergence of SF Jae Crowder and others, and all of their players simply pulling their own weight. Head coach Brad Stevens has a plethora of options to put on the floor at any given moment: scorers, defenders, shooters, backcourt, frontcourt, you-name-it. Despite Thomas being the lone true star on the squad, this team and it’s depth are built to last the marathon that is the regular season.
First round: Atlanta Hawks (6)
But are they built to last the sprint that is the playoffs? As I’ve said before, postseason basketball can be completely different from regular season basketball: there is more physicality, more pressure, and shorter rotations -- all of which hurt the Celtics. While they do have some quality big fellas down low, Boston has never excelled at rebounding, nor have they been known to be a particularly physical team. The added pressure also will not help this collection of youngsters, most of which have never had the experience of even making it past the first round in their young careers. Cutting rotations is a common -- and logical -- practice come April: teams want their stars to play more, and they are able to arrange that due to the shorter postseason not fatiguing them as much as it would in the regular season, if you follow. As Boston is a balanced team, cutting their rotations won’t be of a significant advantage to them. Atlanta, on the other hand, is the opposite of these factors: a pair of physical big men in C Al Horford and PF Paul Millsap up front, an experienced roster who has been there and done that, and a team that is top-heavy enough to adequately adjust to playoff basketball. The Celtics may be the better regular season team, but the Hawks are clearly the more apt post-season team.
Prediction: Atlanta wins, 4-3
Power Rankings
Overall rank: 20th
Tier: Playoff Hopefuls
Projected Seeding: 10th in East
Boston is a trendy pick to make the playoffs this season, given their success after the trade deadline last year, where they acquired PG Isaiah Thomas from Phoenix. Thomas turned the Celtics’ middling season around, willing them into the playoffs, where they were swept at the hands of the mighty Cleveland Cavaliers. And although they did also add a couple nice pieces like SF/PF Perry Jones, PF David Lee, and PF Amir Johnson this summer, I just don’t see the talent here. The backcourt is overcrowded after the beyond questionable use of the #16 pick in the draft on PG Terry Rozier, who will be thrown on top of the heaping pile of Celtic guards that can do almost everything… besides shoot! There’s talent and upside (as well as approximately 3,500 future first-rounders) on this young, somewhat confusing, Boston roster, but with no clear source of offense other than from Thomas, it would be ill-advised for me to put the Celtics in the playoffs this year over other deserving teams.
Trade Grades
Click here for link to Oklahoma City Thunder Trade Grades
Celtics get: PF/SF Perry Jones, 2019 second-round pick from Detroit
Thunder get: Protected 2018 second-round pick, 2019 second-round pick (both from Boston)
Free prospect? Free prospect. The confusing swaps of second-round picks are completely irrelevant, having little value either way. Oklahoma City felt the need to dump Jones’ 1 year/$2 million contract ($3 million team option next year) for some reason, and GM Danny Ainge swooped in and scooped up another prospect, but this time for absolutely nothing in exchange. Granted, Jones has been largely disappointing considering that he was a first-rounder in 20212, but put up 4.3 points per game in a very limited role with the Thunder this season. At 23 years old, the forward still possess some upside, and is absolutely worth the $2 million. Free prospect? Free prospect.
Grade: A
Best/Worst Draft Scenarios
(#16 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Trading up for C Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky, Junior)
The Celtics can only be labeled as a “young team” for so long. Most of their best players are in the 24-26 years old range, so going for a 19 year old like PF/C Myles Turner, although bursting with potential and a skillset that would fit perfectly in Boston, wouldn’t make much sense as his development timetable could last quite a few years. They need a rim protector and a rebounder that can produce immediately, and that would be Willie Cauley-Stein. Averaging a ridiculous 2.23 blocks, 1.1 steals, and 6.2 rebounds per game during his three seasons at Kentucky, Cauley-Stein is a fantastic rebounder and defender already. Obviously, at number 16 the Celtics would have to trade up to get him, but that shouldn’t be an issue. Stacked with prospects, draft picks, and just trading assets in general, Boston can give any team in the top 10 exactly what they want in exchange for their draft pick. Cauley-Stein could come in and be an instant contributor for a young, playoff team.
Worst Case Scenario: None
The Celtics have two needs entering the draft: outside shooting and rim protection/rebounding. Rim protection is probably the one they’d rather address, as there a few guys they have that could develop into solid shooters, as well as plenty of free agent snipers that Boston could go after (particularly SG/SF Danny Green). Still, three-point threats is a need, and there are a handful of shooters could help at this point in the draft: SF Sam Dekker, SF Kelly Oubre Jr, and SG Devin Booker, to name a few. If these guys get taken before Boston is on the clock, then the Celtics will simply look to the big men foursome: Myles Turner, Trey Lyles, Frank Kaminsky, or Bobby Portis. Since there are a ridiculous amount of players that would fit in with Boston and only so many teams picking in front of them, the Celtics are bound to be satisfied with their selection on draft night.
Best Case Scenario for Playoff Teams
Boston has been rolling on a fairly surprising hot streak entering the playoffs, and the best case scenario for them is that they simply keep rolling. Of course, they’ll have to roll into a stone wall in a matchup against the star-studded Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round, but if everything works out correctly, Cleveland won’t have such an easy time moving onto the second round. First and foremost, the Celtics’ backcourt, consisting of PG Isaiah Thomas, SG/PG Avery Bradley, PG/SG Marcus Smart, and SG/SF Evan Turner, must continue to carry the bulk of the scoring load. In addition, a relatively weak frontcourt of PF/C Jared Sullinger, C/PF Kelly Olynk, and C/PF Tyler Zeller must at least keep the battle up front competitive against Cleveland’s star duo of PF/C Kevin Love and C Timofey Mozgov. If all that happens, and SF/PF Jae Crowder is able to contain superstar SF/PF LeBron James, Boston pushing the Cavaliers to a seven-game series is not out of the question.
Draft Targets
Pick #10: Frank Kaminsky, Power Forward/Center, Wisconsin
It’s unfortunate for Boston that both Cauley-Stein and Turner are off the board here, as both would’ve been excellent fits for the Celtics given their need for a rim-protector. Kaminsky is the ultimate package, but it must be noted that since he’s a senior and a few years older than the freshman, his ceiling is considerably lower. Still, he could be a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year and will come in and make an instant impact. Averaging 18 points on 55% shooting from the field, 40% from three and 76% from the line, Kamisnky could be relied upon as a primary scorer even in the pros. Perhaps the best player in college right now, Kaminsky is also a great passer, defender, and rebounder – he just does it all. For a Celtics team that could use a guy with a 7’0” frame up front and is developing their young players fast, Kaminsky is more than just a consolation prize with Turner and Cauley-Stein off the board.
Season Predictions
Regular Season: The Celtics are sort of in an odd position right now. After acquiring star PG Isaiah Thomas on a fantastic deadline-deal, Boston should be considered as at least dark-horses for the final playoff spot out in the weak East. However, after dealing away veterans PG Rajon Rondo, SF/PF Jeff Green, SF Tayshaun Prince, and PF/C Brendan Wright all for expiring contracts and draft picks, it's pretty clear that mastermind GM Danny Ainge has his eyes set on racking up ping-pong balls (losing more games for a better draft pick) rather than wins. It's not as if Boston is lacking draft picks though, as they have a ridiculous amount of them over the next few years, but they still want to improve their own one. With both Brooklyn and Detroit probably having more talented teams than Boston's plethora of prospects as well as better records at the moment, it is unlikely the Celtics get the last playoff spot, even in the ridiculously weak Eastern conference. With that in mind, expect to see quite a few losses down the stretch as Boston looks to rebuild through the draft.
Projected Record: 34-48, tied for 11th in East
Trade Grades
Celtics get: PG Isaiah Thomas, PF Jonas Jerebko, SF Luigi Datome
Pistons get: SF Tayshaun Prince
Suns get: SG Marcus Thornton, Cleveland’s 2016 first-rounder via Boston (top 10 protected in 2016, 2017, 2018, unprotected in 2019)
This is obviously very debatable, as the McGee trade was a great one for the Sixers, the Bucks got a great package for Knight, as did the Nuggets for Afflalo; but I believe this trade was the very best deal by any team today. I’ve always been quite fond of Thomas, being able to look past his small 5’9” frame and see a great scorer that’s one of the most underrated players in basketball. Last year in Sacramento, he averaged 20.5 points, 6.5 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 threes, 1 steal, and all while shooting an efficient 45.5% from the field and 85% from the free throw line. This year, even while playing in a crowded backcourt in Phoenix, Thomas is scoring 15 points a game, while also chipping in 4 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 2 threes, 1 steal, and while hitting just under 43% of his shots and 87% from the charity stripe. His 4 year/$27 million deal has to be considered to be among the best in the league, right up there with superstar PG Stephen Curry’s 3 years/$34 million steal of a deal. Because of all this, the recently-turned-26-year-old is certainly worth a future first-rounder and a couple of role players, and then some.
Grade: A+
One Trade That Every Team Should Do
Celtics get: PF/C Elton Brand, Raptors 2015 second-rounder (via Atlanta)
Hawks get: PF/C Brandon Bass
Finances: This doesn’t really affect Boston’s finances either way, as they’d still have tons of cap room as a rebuilding team. Right now, Boston has $65.1 million committed in contracts, though they have a ton of expiring deals, causing them to only have $33.5 million on the books next year. Bass is on an expiring deal worth $7 million, as is Brand, though his contract is only worth $2 million. Little financial motivations from either party in this trade.
The Fit: The main reason Boston is doing this trade, as a rebuilding team looking for future assets, is to sell Bass in exchange for future assets. This comes in the form of the Raptors’ second-round draft choice via Atlanta, not the 35 year old Elton Brand. Brand would play little minutes for Boston, just as he is for Atlanta currently, in favor of younger players in the Celtics’ frontcourt, like PF Jared Sullinger and C Kelly Olynk, among others. Bass is just one of many veterans that Boston has shipped in exchange for draft picks this season, as PG Rajon Rondo (DAL), PF/C Brandan Wright (PHO), and SF Jeff Green (MEM) have all made their way out the door. The rebuild is on in Beantown, and Bass is just another domino to fall.
Why the other team does it: Though the Hawks clearly don’t need to make any moves, as evidenced by their first-place standing in the East, they could certainly use a quality backup big man behind PF Paul Millsap and C Al Horford. Bass is averaging a very solid 9 points, 4 rebounds, 0.5 steals and 0.5 blocks a game, and could certainly fill that void as another do-it-all player for Atlanta. The fact that his contract is expiring is vital, and could be the final piece in Atlanta’s quest for the title this year.
State of the Franchise
Projected Cap Space (before luxury tax): $43.3 million
Background: The rebuild was inevitable, and it all began two offseasons ago when General Manager Danny Ainge dealt away aging stars SF Paul Pierce and PF Kevin Garnett to the Brookyln Nets for a plethora of draft picks and role players. Pass-happy PG Rajon Rondo was the last remaining member from the 2008 championship team, and dealing him to the Dallas Mavericks for a couple of picks and a few more role players seemed to solidify the fact that the Celtics have no interest in winning now. Veterans SF Jeff Green and PF/C Brandan Wright were recently shipped to Memphis and Phoenix respectively for expiring contracts and more draft picks. The future is bright in Beantown, but the present demands patience.
Current Financial State: Stacked with raw, young talent up and down the roster as well as an incredible number of draft picks, this team will be competitive in a few years. Most of their contracts are cheap rookie deals, and with the only large commitments to SG Avery Bradley (4 years/$32 million) and a toxic contract in Gerald Wallace (counting down the days until his 2 years/$20 million comes off the books), the NBA’s most storied franchise has plenty of cash.
Targets: Rim protection has long been an issue for the Celtics, even when Garnett was still in town. Ainge should target a young guy who can offer this, and Clippers C DeAndre Jordan fits the bill at just 26 years old. Prying him away from LA may be a tough sell, as there will be plenty of other teams interested in his services, but Ainge has both the mind and the wallet to make this happen -- something to the tune of 4 years/$50+ million. As for their spacing issues, they will probably just have to wait another year. Top free agent shooters this year include SG/SF Wesley Matthews (POR), SG/SF Arron Afflalo (DEN), SF/SG Gerald Green (PHO), and SG/SF Danny Green (SA), all of whom are too old for Boston’s liking. Ainge may try to go after young stars such as SG/SF Jimmy Butler (CHI) and Kawhi Leonard (SA), but they are unlikely to sign. First of all, both of their teams are title contenders now while the Celtics are still rebuilding. Secondly, they are restricted free agents. DeAndre Jordan looks to be the only impact free agent that has a legitimate shot of playing in Boston next year.
The Fit: A fantastic rebounder who can get blocks in bunches, center DeAndre Jordan offers the Celtics exactly what they need. Despite having a notoriously limited offensive game (averaging less than 10 ppg this year), Jordan’s rebounding and blocked shots are among the league leaders. Head coach Brad Stevens may be able to develop Jordan into a nice pick and roll player, and possibly his post game as well. The current Clipper center is known for his highlight-reel dunks, and could turn Boston into a fun team to watch. The only tough part of potentially bringing Jordan in would be moving second-year center Kelly Olynyk to the bench. Olynyk is putting together a nice season this year, and is oddly one of the team’s best shooters, which may be more of a testament to how devoid of shooters the Celtics really are. Jordan only hurts their spacing, but then again, Boston has no ambition to win immediately. Signing or drafting a few more shooters down the road has to become a top priority, whether they get Jordan or not.
Current seeding: 3rd
Projected seeding: 3rd
Miami, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Boston are all within a game or two of each other for the 3rd to 6th spots out East, and the the only thing we can expect about how the standings will play out is that we can't expect anything. I'm giving it to the Celtics, however, as not only do they have games against the Lakers, Pelicans, Bucks, and Bucks down the stretch to fatten up their win total, but they also control their own destiny here: their final three games of the season, ironically enough, are against Atlanta, Charlotte, and Miami, in that order. They’ve deserved it too: excellent coaching, brilliant leadership from star PG Isaiah Thomas, the emergence of SF Jae Crowder and others, and all of their players simply pulling their own weight. Head coach Brad Stevens has a plethora of options to put on the floor at any given moment: scorers, defenders, shooters, backcourt, frontcourt, you-name-it. Despite Thomas being the lone true star on the squad, this team and it’s depth are built to last the marathon that is the regular season.
First round: Atlanta Hawks (6)
But are they built to last the sprint that is the playoffs? As I’ve said before, postseason basketball can be completely different from regular season basketball: there is more physicality, more pressure, and shorter rotations -- all of which hurt the Celtics. While they do have some quality big fellas down low, Boston has never excelled at rebounding, nor have they been known to be a particularly physical team. The added pressure also will not help this collection of youngsters, most of which have never had the experience of even making it past the first round in their young careers. Cutting rotations is a common -- and logical -- practice come April: teams want their stars to play more, and they are able to arrange that due to the shorter postseason not fatiguing them as much as it would in the regular season, if you follow. As Boston is a balanced team, cutting their rotations won’t be of a significant advantage to them. Atlanta, on the other hand, is the opposite of these factors: a pair of physical big men in C Al Horford and PF Paul Millsap up front, an experienced roster who has been there and done that, and a team that is top-heavy enough to adequately adjust to playoff basketball. The Celtics may be the better regular season team, but the Hawks are clearly the more apt post-season team.
Prediction: Atlanta wins, 4-3
Power Rankings
Overall rank: 20th
Tier: Playoff Hopefuls
Projected Seeding: 10th in East
Boston is a trendy pick to make the playoffs this season, given their success after the trade deadline last year, where they acquired PG Isaiah Thomas from Phoenix. Thomas turned the Celtics’ middling season around, willing them into the playoffs, where they were swept at the hands of the mighty Cleveland Cavaliers. And although they did also add a couple nice pieces like SF/PF Perry Jones, PF David Lee, and PF Amir Johnson this summer, I just don’t see the talent here. The backcourt is overcrowded after the beyond questionable use of the #16 pick in the draft on PG Terry Rozier, who will be thrown on top of the heaping pile of Celtic guards that can do almost everything… besides shoot! There’s talent and upside (as well as approximately 3,500 future first-rounders) on this young, somewhat confusing, Boston roster, but with no clear source of offense other than from Thomas, it would be ill-advised for me to put the Celtics in the playoffs this year over other deserving teams.
Trade Grades
Click here for link to Oklahoma City Thunder Trade Grades
Celtics get: PF/SF Perry Jones, 2019 second-round pick from Detroit
Thunder get: Protected 2018 second-round pick, 2019 second-round pick (both from Boston)
Free prospect? Free prospect. The confusing swaps of second-round picks are completely irrelevant, having little value either way. Oklahoma City felt the need to dump Jones’ 1 year/$2 million contract ($3 million team option next year) for some reason, and GM Danny Ainge swooped in and scooped up another prospect, but this time for absolutely nothing in exchange. Granted, Jones has been largely disappointing considering that he was a first-rounder in 20212, but put up 4.3 points per game in a very limited role with the Thunder this season. At 23 years old, the forward still possess some upside, and is absolutely worth the $2 million. Free prospect? Free prospect.
Grade: A
Best/Worst Draft Scenarios
(#16 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Trading up for C Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky, Junior)
The Celtics can only be labeled as a “young team” for so long. Most of their best players are in the 24-26 years old range, so going for a 19 year old like PF/C Myles Turner, although bursting with potential and a skillset that would fit perfectly in Boston, wouldn’t make much sense as his development timetable could last quite a few years. They need a rim protector and a rebounder that can produce immediately, and that would be Willie Cauley-Stein. Averaging a ridiculous 2.23 blocks, 1.1 steals, and 6.2 rebounds per game during his three seasons at Kentucky, Cauley-Stein is a fantastic rebounder and defender already. Obviously, at number 16 the Celtics would have to trade up to get him, but that shouldn’t be an issue. Stacked with prospects, draft picks, and just trading assets in general, Boston can give any team in the top 10 exactly what they want in exchange for their draft pick. Cauley-Stein could come in and be an instant contributor for a young, playoff team.
Worst Case Scenario: None
The Celtics have two needs entering the draft: outside shooting and rim protection/rebounding. Rim protection is probably the one they’d rather address, as there a few guys they have that could develop into solid shooters, as well as plenty of free agent snipers that Boston could go after (particularly SG/SF Danny Green). Still, three-point threats is a need, and there are a handful of shooters could help at this point in the draft: SF Sam Dekker, SF Kelly Oubre Jr, and SG Devin Booker, to name a few. If these guys get taken before Boston is on the clock, then the Celtics will simply look to the big men foursome: Myles Turner, Trey Lyles, Frank Kaminsky, or Bobby Portis. Since there are a ridiculous amount of players that would fit in with Boston and only so many teams picking in front of them, the Celtics are bound to be satisfied with their selection on draft night.
Best Case Scenario for Playoff Teams
Boston has been rolling on a fairly surprising hot streak entering the playoffs, and the best case scenario for them is that they simply keep rolling. Of course, they’ll have to roll into a stone wall in a matchup against the star-studded Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round, but if everything works out correctly, Cleveland won’t have such an easy time moving onto the second round. First and foremost, the Celtics’ backcourt, consisting of PG Isaiah Thomas, SG/PG Avery Bradley, PG/SG Marcus Smart, and SG/SF Evan Turner, must continue to carry the bulk of the scoring load. In addition, a relatively weak frontcourt of PF/C Jared Sullinger, C/PF Kelly Olynk, and C/PF Tyler Zeller must at least keep the battle up front competitive against Cleveland’s star duo of PF/C Kevin Love and C Timofey Mozgov. If all that happens, and SF/PF Jae Crowder is able to contain superstar SF/PF LeBron James, Boston pushing the Cavaliers to a seven-game series is not out of the question.
Draft Targets
Pick #10: Frank Kaminsky, Power Forward/Center, Wisconsin
It’s unfortunate for Boston that both Cauley-Stein and Turner are off the board here, as both would’ve been excellent fits for the Celtics given their need for a rim-protector. Kaminsky is the ultimate package, but it must be noted that since he’s a senior and a few years older than the freshman, his ceiling is considerably lower. Still, he could be a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year and will come in and make an instant impact. Averaging 18 points on 55% shooting from the field, 40% from three and 76% from the line, Kamisnky could be relied upon as a primary scorer even in the pros. Perhaps the best player in college right now, Kaminsky is also a great passer, defender, and rebounder – he just does it all. For a Celtics team that could use a guy with a 7’0” frame up front and is developing their young players fast, Kaminsky is more than just a consolation prize with Turner and Cauley-Stein off the board.
Season Predictions
Regular Season: The Celtics are sort of in an odd position right now. After acquiring star PG Isaiah Thomas on a fantastic deadline-deal, Boston should be considered as at least dark-horses for the final playoff spot out in the weak East. However, after dealing away veterans PG Rajon Rondo, SF/PF Jeff Green, SF Tayshaun Prince, and PF/C Brendan Wright all for expiring contracts and draft picks, it's pretty clear that mastermind GM Danny Ainge has his eyes set on racking up ping-pong balls (losing more games for a better draft pick) rather than wins. It's not as if Boston is lacking draft picks though, as they have a ridiculous amount of them over the next few years, but they still want to improve their own one. With both Brooklyn and Detroit probably having more talented teams than Boston's plethora of prospects as well as better records at the moment, it is unlikely the Celtics get the last playoff spot, even in the ridiculously weak Eastern conference. With that in mind, expect to see quite a few losses down the stretch as Boston looks to rebuild through the draft.
Projected Record: 34-48, tied for 11th in East
Trade Grades
Celtics get: PG Isaiah Thomas, PF Jonas Jerebko, SF Luigi Datome
Pistons get: SF Tayshaun Prince
Suns get: SG Marcus Thornton, Cleveland’s 2016 first-rounder via Boston (top 10 protected in 2016, 2017, 2018, unprotected in 2019)
This is obviously very debatable, as the McGee trade was a great one for the Sixers, the Bucks got a great package for Knight, as did the Nuggets for Afflalo; but I believe this trade was the very best deal by any team today. I’ve always been quite fond of Thomas, being able to look past his small 5’9” frame and see a great scorer that’s one of the most underrated players in basketball. Last year in Sacramento, he averaged 20.5 points, 6.5 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 threes, 1 steal, and all while shooting an efficient 45.5% from the field and 85% from the free throw line. This year, even while playing in a crowded backcourt in Phoenix, Thomas is scoring 15 points a game, while also chipping in 4 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 2 threes, 1 steal, and while hitting just under 43% of his shots and 87% from the charity stripe. His 4 year/$27 million deal has to be considered to be among the best in the league, right up there with superstar PG Stephen Curry’s 3 years/$34 million steal of a deal. Because of all this, the recently-turned-26-year-old is certainly worth a future first-rounder and a couple of role players, and then some.
Grade: A+
One Trade That Every Team Should Do
Celtics get: PF/C Elton Brand, Raptors 2015 second-rounder (via Atlanta)
Hawks get: PF/C Brandon Bass
Finances: This doesn’t really affect Boston’s finances either way, as they’d still have tons of cap room as a rebuilding team. Right now, Boston has $65.1 million committed in contracts, though they have a ton of expiring deals, causing them to only have $33.5 million on the books next year. Bass is on an expiring deal worth $7 million, as is Brand, though his contract is only worth $2 million. Little financial motivations from either party in this trade.
The Fit: The main reason Boston is doing this trade, as a rebuilding team looking for future assets, is to sell Bass in exchange for future assets. This comes in the form of the Raptors’ second-round draft choice via Atlanta, not the 35 year old Elton Brand. Brand would play little minutes for Boston, just as he is for Atlanta currently, in favor of younger players in the Celtics’ frontcourt, like PF Jared Sullinger and C Kelly Olynk, among others. Bass is just one of many veterans that Boston has shipped in exchange for draft picks this season, as PG Rajon Rondo (DAL), PF/C Brandan Wright (PHO), and SF Jeff Green (MEM) have all made their way out the door. The rebuild is on in Beantown, and Bass is just another domino to fall.
Why the other team does it: Though the Hawks clearly don’t need to make any moves, as evidenced by their first-place standing in the East, they could certainly use a quality backup big man behind PF Paul Millsap and C Al Horford. Bass is averaging a very solid 9 points, 4 rebounds, 0.5 steals and 0.5 blocks a game, and could certainly fill that void as another do-it-all player for Atlanta. The fact that his contract is expiring is vital, and could be the final piece in Atlanta’s quest for the title this year.
State of the Franchise
Projected Cap Space (before luxury tax): $43.3 million
Background: The rebuild was inevitable, and it all began two offseasons ago when General Manager Danny Ainge dealt away aging stars SF Paul Pierce and PF Kevin Garnett to the Brookyln Nets for a plethora of draft picks and role players. Pass-happy PG Rajon Rondo was the last remaining member from the 2008 championship team, and dealing him to the Dallas Mavericks for a couple of picks and a few more role players seemed to solidify the fact that the Celtics have no interest in winning now. Veterans SF Jeff Green and PF/C Brandan Wright were recently shipped to Memphis and Phoenix respectively for expiring contracts and more draft picks. The future is bright in Beantown, but the present demands patience.
Current Financial State: Stacked with raw, young talent up and down the roster as well as an incredible number of draft picks, this team will be competitive in a few years. Most of their contracts are cheap rookie deals, and with the only large commitments to SG Avery Bradley (4 years/$32 million) and a toxic contract in Gerald Wallace (counting down the days until his 2 years/$20 million comes off the books), the NBA’s most storied franchise has plenty of cash.
Targets: Rim protection has long been an issue for the Celtics, even when Garnett was still in town. Ainge should target a young guy who can offer this, and Clippers C DeAndre Jordan fits the bill at just 26 years old. Prying him away from LA may be a tough sell, as there will be plenty of other teams interested in his services, but Ainge has both the mind and the wallet to make this happen -- something to the tune of 4 years/$50+ million. As for their spacing issues, they will probably just have to wait another year. Top free agent shooters this year include SG/SF Wesley Matthews (POR), SG/SF Arron Afflalo (DEN), SF/SG Gerald Green (PHO), and SG/SF Danny Green (SA), all of whom are too old for Boston’s liking. Ainge may try to go after young stars such as SG/SF Jimmy Butler (CHI) and Kawhi Leonard (SA), but they are unlikely to sign. First of all, both of their teams are title contenders now while the Celtics are still rebuilding. Secondly, they are restricted free agents. DeAndre Jordan looks to be the only impact free agent that has a legitimate shot of playing in Boston next year.
The Fit: A fantastic rebounder who can get blocks in bunches, center DeAndre Jordan offers the Celtics exactly what they need. Despite having a notoriously limited offensive game (averaging less than 10 ppg this year), Jordan’s rebounding and blocked shots are among the league leaders. Head coach Brad Stevens may be able to develop Jordan into a nice pick and roll player, and possibly his post game as well. The current Clipper center is known for his highlight-reel dunks, and could turn Boston into a fun team to watch. The only tough part of potentially bringing Jordan in would be moving second-year center Kelly Olynyk to the bench. Olynyk is putting together a nice season this year, and is oddly one of the team’s best shooters, which may be more of a testament to how devoid of shooters the Celtics really are. Jordan only hurts their spacing, but then again, Boston has no ambition to win immediately. Signing or drafting a few more shooters down the road has to become a top priority, whether they get Jordan or not.
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