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Post by Admin on Jul 31, 2021 10:19:07 GMT -5
Celtics Looking to Sign NBA Champion Point Guard: ReportBy Vinny Somma  Celtics interested in Patty MIlls Getty Oh, you thought the Boston Celtics were done? Think again. Following a flurry of moves less than 24 hours after a mostly quiet draft, the Celtics now look onto the upcoming free agency class with a reworked roster that by the sound of it, will continue to alter its appearance. According to the Boston Herald’s Mark Murphy, the Celtics are eyeing a reunion between their head coach Ime Udoka and one of his former point guards, Patty Mills. “Hearing that the Celtics have a list of ‘seven or eight’ free agent targets, including [San Antonio] Spurs point guard Patty Mills,” Murphy tweeted. The Australian guard appeared in 68 games off the bench for the Spurs last season, averaging 10.8 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists. While he isn’t the youngest guard on the market (32 years old), Mills remains a vaunted sharpshooter from beyond the arc, knocking down 38.8% of his career 3-point attempts. News of Boston’s interest in Mills comes on the heels of reports that link the team to yet another prominent point guard on the free agency market. The Celtics are expected to vie for the services of Lonzo Ball alongside the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
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Post by Admin on Jul 31, 2021 10:44:04 GMT -5
Way too early reactions to Celtics moves thus far
Al Horford, Josh Richardson, and Brad Stevens might not be ...DunnBy Jeff Clark@celticsblog :format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69660767/usa_today_16190588.0.jpg) Brad Penner-USA TODAY SportsAfter a quiet draft night, Brad Stevens got to work on Friday. He shipped out Tristan Thompson for Kris Dunn, Bruno Fernando, and a 2nd round pick while creating a new TPE off of Tristan’s outgoing salary. Then he added Josh Richardson using the rest of the Gordon Hayward traded player exception. The final details on those deals are not yet clear and rumors indicated that Stevens might not be done. In particular, it sounds like Kris Dunn might be re-routed elsewhere before too long. So what does all of this mean? It is impossible to tell without knowing the next dominos but that’s not going to stop me from speculating and reacting. Gotta get in my takes! My guess is that the Celtics are increasingly pessimistic that Evan Fournier is going to be in the “reasonable” range to re-sign. People who are smarter than me think the Celtics would be happy with a number in the $16M to $18M range. If he’s getting offers north of $20M that might be too rich for Boston’s blood. The Knicks are one team with lots of cap room that are said to be interested. Let’s all take a moment and decide to never again count on a player taking less money in free agency because it would be convenient for the Celtics (see examples: Hayward, Horford). If that’s the case, then it makes sense to use our money to round out the roster in other ways. I’ll let people who are smarter than me with the cap explain that, but I’ll also note that none of the players they’ve added has a contract that extends beyond next season. All this has happened and we still haven’t gotten to free agency! Still plenty of shoes left to drop. Will the Celtics go after Patty Mills? Lonzo Ball? Or will they try to trade for Kyle Anderson?Again, lots of pieces still moving but let’s look at the roster thus far. Ball handlers: Marcus Smart, Kris Dunn, Josh Richardson, Payton Pritchard, Carsen Edwards Wings: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Jabari Parker, Aaron Nesmith, Romeo Langford Bigs: Al Horford, Robert Williams III, Grant Williams, Moses Brown (Moses sent to Mavs in Richardson trade - Writer forgot Fernando)Seems like that roster is an improvement on defense but needs more offense and perhaps a stretch 4 or a more traditional point guard. Smart, Dunn, and even Richardson can handle the ball and distribute (and play a lot of defense) but you are relying a lot on Tatum and Brown to generate points. The writing was on the wall that Tristan Thompson wasn’t in the long term plans as soon as we added Al Horford. Now he’s gone and the Celtics added depth at guard. Losing Fournier would be tough, but over-paying for him might be more detrimental down the line. Seems like Brad is prioritizing defense and veterans, which shouldn’t surprise anyone. Let’s see how the rest of this shakes out, but so far it seems pretty solid.
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Post by Admin on Jul 31, 2021 11:17:53 GMT -5
While it seems that Brad is reluctant to sign any players for more than the upcoming season to maintain cap flexibility for 2022 free agents (Beal), there will be a number of FA's, RFA's and teams looking to move contracts to free up cap space. Here's a few players of interest (highlighted) that could be had if Brad decides to take advantage:
Free agent Current team Contract status
1. Kawhi Leonard Clippers Player option 2. Chris Paul Suns Player option 3. Kyle Lowry Raptors Unrestricted 4. John Collins Hawks Restricted5. Mike Conley Jazz Unrestricted 6. DeMar DeRozan Spurs Unrestricted 7. Lonzo Ball Pelicans Restricted8. Jarrett Allen Cavaliers Restricted 9. Dennis Schroder Lakers Unrestricted 10. Duncan Robinson Heat Restricted [11. Lauri Markkanen Bulls Restricted]
[12. Marvin Bagley III Kings 1yr left]
Team Possible cap space
1. Spurs $50 million 2. Knicks $47 million 3. Pelicans $36 million 4. Thunder $36 million 5. Bulls $32 million 6. Heat $21.5 million 7. Hornets $20.5 million 8. Mavericks $19 million > $30MM with the Richardson trade
Spurs seem headed for Markkanen Knicks have interest in Fournier Pels, Mavs, Heat & Bulls all want Lowry ... If Pels get Lowry they will move Ball unless he's moved just prior to acquiring Lowry for additional cap space
If C's do S&T to Knicks for Fournier at $20MM they will have a TPE to flip for either Collins or Ball if the Hawks or Pels want cap space as a priority.
Bagley can be had now for the TT TPE ($9.2MM) since his current contract is $8.9MM. After 8/2 that bumps up to $11.3MM and we'd have to match contracts. Bagley would fill the PF spot.
Kyle Anderson (MEM) is out for now as his $9.5MM contract no longer fits any TPEs since the $11MM TPE was used for Richardson.
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Post by kdp59 on Jul 31, 2021 12:11:05 GMT -5
Since Brad seems like he's trying to work those TPE's I made up a quick list of players who have been talked about as trade option somewhere and fit one of the TPE's
$5.0M TPE from Theis:
Det- R. McGruder- $5.0M
Wash- C. Hutchinson- $4.02M
SA- L. walker- $4.4M- on his rookie year so something of value would have to go back
Atl- C. Reddish- $4.6M- on his rookie deal, would cost at least a future first I think
$6.8M TPE from Kemba:
Hou- A. Bradley- $5.9M
NY- K. Knox- 5.84M
Ind- J. holiday- $6.0M plus another year at $6.3M. would cost another asset going back
these two players fit the TPE, but Boston would have to send at least a first back for them, IMO
Chic- C. White- 5.83M Rookie deal (this assume they need to clear space for L .Ball
Clev- C. Sexton- 6.34M rookie deal
$9.2M TPE from Thompson
Den- J. Green- 7.56M
Hou- DJ Augustine- 7.0M
Dal- M. Kleber- 8.97M - likely only if they go after a top FA and need the space
LAC- R. Rondo- 8.25M
Mem- T. Jones- 8.37M
M. Bagley will be over the TPE's tomorrow [Monday] once the new league year starts [8/2], but as Admin said it could be done before (if the league approves the Thompson deal in time).
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Post by Admin on Jul 31, 2021 12:18:37 GMT -5
Since Brad seems like he's trying to work those TPE's I made up a quick list of players who have been talked about as trade option somewhere and fit one of the TPE's $5.0M TPE from Theis: Det- R. McGruder- $5.0M Wash- C. Hutchinson- $4.02M SA- L. walker- $4.4M- on his rookie year so something of value would have to go back Atl- C. Reddish- $4.6M- on his rookie deal, would cost at least a future first I think $6.8M TPE from Kemba: Hou- A. Bradley- $5.9M NY You forgot the $9.2MM for Thompson ...
These other TPEs have longer lifespans and are only likely to be used for depth at G or PF.
If we S&T Fournier then a huge TPE could be used for Ball, Collins, Markkanen or another star player.
And you said all we had was the MLE to work with ... I told you that Zarrin could be very creative and we are seeing the wizardry now.
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Post by quagmire on Jul 31, 2021 13:24:44 GMT -5
Way too early reactions to Celtics moves thus far
Al Horford, Josh Richardson, and Brad Stevens might not be ...DunnBy Jeff Clark@celticsblog Brad Penner-USA TODAY SportsAfter a quiet draft night, Brad Stevens got to work on Friday. He shipped out Tristan Thompson for Kris Dunn, Bruno Fernando, and a 2nd round pick while creating a new TPE off of Tristan’s outgoing salary. Then he added Josh Richardson using the rest of the Gordon Hayward traded player exception. The final details on those deals are not yet clear and rumors indicated that Stevens might not be done. In particular, it sounds like Kris Dunn might be re-routed elsewhere before too long. So what does all of this mean? It is impossible to tell without knowing the next dominos but that’s not going to stop me from speculating and reacting. Gotta get in my takes! My guess is that the Celtics are increasingly pessimistic that Evan Fournier is going to be in the “reasonable” range to re-sign. People who are smarter than me think the Celtics would be happy with a number in the $16M to $18M range. If he’s getting offers north of $20M that might be too rich for Boston’s blood. The Knicks are one team with lots of cap room that are said to be interested. Let’s all take a moment and decide to never again count on a player taking less money in free agency because it would be convenient for the Celtics (see examples: Hayward, Horford). If that’s the case, then it makes sense to use our money to round out the roster in other ways. I’ll let people who are smarter than me with the cap explain that, but I’ll also note that none of the players they’ve added has a contract that extends beyond next season. All this has happened and we still haven’t gotten to free agency! Still plenty of shoes left to drop. Will the Celtics go after Patty Mills? Lonzo Ball? Or will they try to trade for Kyle Anderson?Again, lots of pieces still moving but let’s look at the roster thus far. Ball handlers: Marcus Smart, Kris Dunn, Josh Richardson, Payton Pritchard, Carsen Edwards Wings: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Jabari Parker, Aaron Nesmith, Romeo Langford Bigs: Al Horford, Robert Williams III, Grant Williams, Moses Brown (Moses sent to Mavs in Richardson trade - Writer forgot Fernando)Seems like that roster is an improvement on defense but needs more offense and perhaps a stretch 4 or a more traditional point guard. Smart, Dunn, and even Richardson can handle the ball and distribute (and play a lot of defense) but you are relying a lot on Tatum and Brown to generate points. The writing was on the wall that Tristan Thompson wasn’t in the long term plans as soon as we added Al Horford. Now he’s gone and the Celtics added depth at guard. Losing Fournier would be tough, but over-paying for him might be more detrimental down the line. Seems like Brad is prioritizing defense and veterans, which shouldn’t surprise anyone. Let’s see how the rest of this shakes out, but so far it seems pretty solid.
I am a little disappointed to see Moses Brown going to the Mavs. A young big who averaged 9 points snd 9 rebounds would have fit nicely here. I got thru the disappointment of the draft by constantly telling myself “Moses Brown is our first round pick.” Now we got Bruno Fernando who averaged 1 and 1. On the plus side, I am glad Brad is positioning the payroll to be able and sign a 3rd max contract (Beale) next year. (Ok really a second max) |
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Post by Admin on Jul 31, 2021 13:41:27 GMT -5
This is a long read so I'll put the important stuff in a "quote bubble" for those just wanting the highlights:
It would be wise to not get attached to the current Celtics rosterBy JR
Brad Stevens had a successful day yesterday on the job. He turned expiring TPE's into expiring contracts, added another large TPE, and even picked up a 2nd rounder. Oh yeah, he also brought in three players, Josh Richardson, Kris Dunn, and Bruno Fernando.Richardson could help this Celtics team. We wrote about this earlier this week. And if Dunn can stay healthy for once, he too could help. But just like Stevens first trade (Walker for Horford), these deals weren't really about adding specific players, but about contracts.Brad Stevens enjoyed coaching Al Horford. The 35-year old center is back in Boston partly because he can still help this Celtics team, but mostly because his "bad contract" isn't as bad as Kemba's "bad contract." If Horford was a free agent this summer and the Celtics had the cap space, in no world would they sign him to what he's making now. Stevens gave up pick #16 in Thursday's draft to get a less cumbersome contract on the books.
But in terms of attachment, it doesn't just mean don't go out and get jerseys of the new guys just yet, be careful with everyone on the roster. Marcus Smart is beloved by a large portion of Celtics fans. He's the type of guy you'd want on a championship team. If the team already had three stars on the roster, Boston might entertain paying Smart big dollars in an extension. But he's become a casualty of the exodus of All-Stars and assets from Boston. By the time Ainge had remade the Celtics into a surprise success led by Isaiah Thomas, only young players Avery Bradley and Kelly Olynyk remained. And that barely lasted as both were let go in order to have the cap space to sign the Bradley Beal of that summer, All-Star Gordon Hayward. So the team Ainge took over only had Pierce remaining for the championship season and his 2nd rebuild that created the Kyrie/Hayward/Horford Big 3, complimented by top draft picks Tatum, Brown, and Smart (as well as mid first round pick Terry Rozier) had zero players left that Rondo led 2013-14 roster. Someone asked me recently on Twitter why I didn't like Marcus Smart or Al Horford after I included them in a "Who says no? mock trade with the Pelicans for Lonzo and contracts (Ideally Josh Hart as one of them). The thing is I love those guys. If we had a championship core and Al Horford had been bought out and was on a much smaller contract, I'd say keep him all the way through his late 30's. If Smart was willing to sign a team friendly deal this summer I'd be all for it. So would Stevens. He also loves him. Or if Boston already had a championship roster, I'd be fine with giving Smart his long awaited big pay day. Wouldn't be surprised if Stevens felt the same about that too. It's not about like or disliking players. It's sadly about contracts. And unless you're a team in a market like the Lakers or have a Steve Balmer world's richest person type owner, every overpaid contract you have on the roster seriously hinders your chances of winning.
The Celtics didn't make the classic Nets trade for any of the players pictured above. Kris Joseph was in the deal and knew what it was about and didn't even attend the presser. He was just a contract added for salary matching purposes. So were all those guys. Also not pictured, but in that deal was Gerald Wallace. He's a player who was only in Boston for salary matching purposes and because Boston received a first rounder for taking on his bloated contract. Fans can love and be hyped about Moses and trust me I'd LOVE for him to turn into found money. It happens sometimes. Would have loved it if Wagner or Kornet did (they didn't) or Fernando. But he was traded by OKC to clear cap space. That's why a good amount of players are traded. The Thunder didn't want Kemba Walker at the salary he makes, but they wanted the first rounder that came in the deal. The Thunder just traded for Favors, not because they want him or because they gave up nothing to get him, but because a first rounder came attached. Again this isn't to say Richardson, Dunn, Moses, or Horford won't help the Celtics if they remain on the roster by opening night. It's to point out, none were brought in to be long term pieces on the team. With the exception of Horford (due to age) they all could play themselves into becoming long term Celtics, but again that wasn't the goal of any of the trades. Doc Rivers and the Clippers were able to get Kawhi Leonard signed partly due to their success that season. Didn't matter that a lot of those players who contributed to that surprise success didn't remain after Kawhi and Paul George were brought in. There was an appearance of a winning team and a solid supporting cast. Sorry to use two Doc Rivers examples, but I actually like him, because you know he's the only coach to get us a championship in the past 35 years! Orlando was able to attract two great young max free agents back in the day in Grant Hill (who was a 1st team All-NBA player on the Pistons) and Tracy McGrady, very much because Doc Rivers won Coach of the Year that season with a star-less Magic team. Again players were traded to add these guys in the end, Ben Wallace for example, but it was the appearance of winning. If Richardson and Dunn aren't flipped to new teams, you'll hear the Celtics talk about what solid additions they are. That's their job. What else are they supposed to say? They aren't going to be dicks. You add a Gerald Wallace for cap matching reasons and to get a first rounder, but you have to say how he will help even though if you could waive him and another team would pick up his contract, you'd do so in a heartbeat. I like Horford. Stevens and Udoka do too, but if they could waive him today and be out from under his contract they'd do it immediately. Yes, it's a tough business, but veteran players know the deal. Horford left for a lucrative contract. He would have never stopped wearing a Celtics jersey if he would have agreed to a lesser deal. Players know its a business. Richardson does too. Smart as well. Avery Bradley and Isaiah Thomas both stopped being Celtics as well due to the business. Thomas wanted a Brinks truck of cash, while AB sadly was a casualty of creating max cap space. Danny Ainge loved these guys. Free agency hasn't even opened yet. It's fun for us all to do depth charts and potential Celtics line-ups, but just remember what you see on the roster right now, might not be there after your next blink. And when all is said and done and Stevens has hopefully built a team that returns to the NBA Finals again, don't be surprised if like Paul Pierce some twenty years prior, Jayson Tatum is the only player still wearing Celtics green. Decent chance Jaylen is as well, but odds are with the exception of possibly a small rookie contract like Payton Pritchard's no one else will.
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Post by Cabutan on Jul 31, 2021 13:49:44 GMT -5
Juat read Fournier is asking for a 4 year 80million. Not gonna happen. Not in my books and i like fournier. Time to deal him and get something in return. I dont have time for this shit. I hope brad neither.
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Post by Cabutan on Jul 31, 2021 13:53:23 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jul 31, 2021 14:29:48 GMT -5
Juat read Fournier is asking for a 4 year 80million. Not gonna happen. Not in my books and i like fournier. Time to deal him and get something in return. I dont have time for this shit. I hope brad neither.
Pels just made Ball a RFA at $14MM.
They can match any offers from other teams and keep him but if they want either Lowry or Dinwiddie as reported below, they will need to deal him for cap space and we will have a $20MM TPE if we do a S&T of Fournier with the Knicks.
Pelicans Extend Qualifying Offers To Ball, Hart
by Eli Cohen
The Pelicans have extended qualifying offers to Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart, making them restricted free agents this summer, tweets Andrew Lopez of ESPN.
Ball’s qualifying offer is worth about $14.36MM, while Hart’s is approximately $5.24MM. Those are one-year contract offers that could theoretically be accepted, but Ball and Hart will likely earn more lucrative multiyear deals in free agency.
As long as the Pelicans keep those qualifying offers on the table, they’ll have the ability to match any offer sheet signed by Ball or Hart, and would have the leverage necessary to negotiate a sign-and-trade.
It remains unclear whether either Ball or Hart will return to New Orleans. The Pelicans’ agreement to trade Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams creates some cap flexibility for a bigger free agent acquisition, and the team is said to be eyeing Kyle Lowry and other point guards, including Spencer Dinwiddie.
Ball is unlikely to return if the Pelicans land one of those targets, since he’d probably need to be renounced to clear the necessary cap space. But if New Orleans strikes out on the free agent market, it will be interesting to see how the club handles Ball’s situation. He has been linked to the Bulls, Celtics, Raptors, Pacers, and Knicks, among other teams.
The Pelicans could potentially clear enough space to land a top free agent point guard without renouncing Hart, so he looks – for now – like a decent bet to return to the team.
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Post by Cabutan on Jul 31, 2021 14:36:56 GMT -5
So... PGs. We have too many but missing a few. Too many useless, in need of some. Couldnt we deal a fewand try to get dennis smith jr at a low price? Bench PG of course. Low risk, potentially a high reward. I doubt lonzo is coming to be honest
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Post by kdp59 on Jul 31, 2021 15:01:17 GMT -5
I believe NO can just renounce Balls tender IF they want to sign someone else (and need that $14M in cap space). I don't think they have to trade him.
hwe would then be an UFA of course.
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Post by Admin on Jul 31, 2021 15:25:37 GMT -5
I believe NO can just renounce Balls tender IF they want to sign someone else (and need that $14M in cap space). I don't think they have to trade him. he would then be an UFA of course.
Why would they pass up a TPE worth $20MM just to snub the other team and renounce him ... that would be really stupid!
If you were my GM and got nothing for him, I'd fire your ass.
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Post by Admin on Jul 31, 2021 15:39:08 GMT -5
So... PGs. We have too many but missing a few. Too many useless, in need of some. Couldnt we deal a fewand try to get dennis smith jr at a low price? Bench PG of course. Low risk, potentially a high reward. I doubt lonzo is coming to be honest
Price-wise he can fit but I'd say a couple of reasons:
1) Brad is not gonna bring in another small guard (6'3" wingspan/6'1" tall)
2) Brad wants a vet PG - with PP and potentially Madar, we need an experience PG who can handle POs
That said, while Mills is a vet with the chops to be unflappable, he is lacking in stature
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Post by Admin on Jul 31, 2021 17:42:56 GMT -5
Since Brad seems like he's trying to work those TPE's I made up a quick list of players who have been talked about as trade option somewhere and fit one of the TPE's $5.0M TPE from Theis: Det- R. McGruder- $5.0M Wash- C. Hutchinson- $4.02M SA- L. walker- $4.4M- on his rookie year so something of value would have to go back Atl- C. Reddish- $4.6M- on his rookie deal, would cost at least a future first I think $6.8M TPE from Kemba: Hou- A. Bradley- $5.9M NY- K. Knox- 5.84M Ind- J. holiday- $6.0M plus another year at $6.3M. would cost another asset going back these two players fit the TPE, but Boston would have to send at least a first back for them, IMO Chic- C. White- 5.83M Rookie deal (this assume they need to clear space for L .Ball Clev- C. Sexton- 6.34M rookie deal $9.2M TPE from Thompson Den- J. Green- 7.56M Hou- DJ Augustine- 7.0M Dal- M. Kleber- 8.97M - likely only if they go after a top FA and need the space LAC- R. Rondo- 8.25M Mem- T. Jones- 8.37M M. Bagley will be over the TPE's tomorrow [Monday] once the new league year starts [8/2], but as Admin said it could be done before (if the league approves the Thompson deal in time).
Bradley was waived and is now a FA so he can't be attained via TPE
The new season doesn't start till 8/2 (could be after midnight Sunday - not sure of exact time) when contracts can be negotiated but not signed until 8/6
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Post by Cabutan on Jul 31, 2021 18:55:01 GMT -5
So... PGs. We have too many but missing a few. Too many useless, in need of some. Couldnt we deal a fewand try to get dennis smith jr at a low price? Bench PG of course. Low risk, potentially a high reward. I doubt lonzo is coming to be honest
Price-wise he can fit but I'd say a couple of reasons:
1) Brad is not gonna bring in another small guard (6'3" wingspan/6'1" tall)
2) Brad wants a vet PG - with PP and potentially Madar, we need an experience PG who can handle POs
That said, while Mills is a vet with the chops to be unflappable, he is lacking in stature
Patty works. He is a solid PG. |
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Post by Admin on Jul 31, 2021 19:27:38 GMT -5
prakash has joined Ktron at Sam's ...
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Post by Cabutan on Jul 31, 2021 21:52:42 GMT -5
prakash has joined Ktron at Sam's ... yea prakash. He was pretty neutral here. Odd he went to that forum. |
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Post by Admin on Aug 1, 2021 9:32:18 GMT -5
William Guillory and John Hollinger of The Athletic break down sign-and-trade possibilities for the Pelicans involving Lonzo Ball. The Bulls, Pacers, Clippers, Celtics and Wizards are all mentioned as potential sign-and-trade partners.
If anyone gets The Athletic, please post the S&T scenario they have projected for the Celtics ...
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Post by Admin on Aug 1, 2021 10:18:14 GMT -5
Practical trade targets for the Celtics: Kyle Anderson and Derrick Jones Jr. Who (else) do you want to see traded to Boston?By Jesse Cinquini@CinquiniJesse
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Trader Brad has arrived. Following a transaction-less NBA draft for the Boston Celtics on Thursday, Stevens orchestrated a few roster shake-ups this weekend. First, he sent Tristan Thompson to the Sacramento Kings as part of a three-team deal that netted the C’s Kris Dunn, Bruno Fernando, and a 2023 second-round pick from the Atlanta Hawks. Then, Stevens had another trick up his sleeve; he traded Moses Brown to the Dallas Mavericks for Josh Richardson. The Celtics are likely to use the remainder of Gordon Hayward’s TPE to absorb Richardson’s $11.6 million salary. Now that the Hayward TPE has (probably) run dry, trading becomes more complicated for the green. They do have a new trade exception thanks to the Thompson deal, but that’s worth just around $9.25 million. Nowadays, there aren’t a wide variety of productive players to choose from who make equivalent to or less than this number, as most who do are on rookie deals and seemingly unavailable. However, the Celtics should explore trading the old-fashioned way and match salaries if they want another high-quality role player. There exist multiple attractive trade targets around the league that Boston could realistically acquire with a package of draft capital and youngsters/salary filler (Grant Williams, Carsen Edwards, Romeo Langford, etc). Let’s explore some affordable targets capable of impacting winning right away for a Boston squad hoping to re-establish contender status in 2021-22. Kyle Anderson: the underrated two-way playmakerBelieve it or not, Anderson belonged in the 2020-21 Most Improved Player conversation, particularly in the year’s early going. Anderson’s month of February with the Memphis Grizzlies (the best stretch of his pro career) accentuated his knack for impacting the game in a cornucopia of ways; across 15 outings, he averaged 14.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks. During this span, his efficiency in scoring the ball was admirable as well, shooting 51.7% from the field and 42.4% from three on 3.9 attempts nightly.
Anderson’s offensive toolbox is uniquely diverse at 6’9” and 230 pounds. His playmaking chops have been his trademark skill since entering the pros, and for a good reason: he’s nothing short of an elite facilitator, and the advanced metrics support this sentiment. Among all forwards, only ten finished with a higher assist percentage than Anderson (18.2%) per Cleaning the Glass. Six were All-Stars in 2021. Boston’s playmaking as a team took a significant step back last season. They ranked just 25th in the league in assists at 23.5 per game, both uncharacteristically low figures for a Brad Stevens-led team. There are multiple possible reasons for this. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown fell into isolation spells from time to time, which meant the ball didn’t swing from side to side with much consistency. Also, the lack of bucket-getters on the 2020-21 Celtics (particularly on the bench) perhaps meant the dynamic duo felt the need to take matters into their own hands more than in the past. Whatever the case may be behind Boston’s playmaking woes, Anderson’s presence could go a long way towards patching them up. He’s excellent as the conductor in the two-man game, finds shooters on the break, willingly makes the extra pass, and is an ideal inbounder for BLOB sets. Additionally, he can make live dribble passes and turns the ball over quite infrequently (70th percentile in turnover percentage). It’s safe to assume Anderson would instantly be one of the top playmaking options on the Celtics roster.
Fours who can pass, handle the rock, shoot threes at a respectable clip and defend multiple positions are few and far between. With only one year remaining on Anderson’s contract with the Grizzlies, Boston won’t have to break the bank to acquire his services, either. A future first-round pick is presumably enough to stir the pot. The Celtics couldn’t go wrong adding a Swiss Army knife in Anderson to the roster, even if it meant surrendering a late first.
Derrick Jones Jr.: the lockdown defender and persistent offensive rebounderJones Jr. will be entering his sixth season in the NBA yet is only 24 years old. After bouncing back and forth between the G-League and pros for the first two seasons of his career, he found his footing as a rotational cog with the Miami Heat and is currently a member of the Portland Trailblazers.
The most attractive feature of Jones Jr.’s game is his on-ball defense. Blessed with a wonderful combination of length (6’7” and a 7’0” wingspan) and athleticism, Jones Jr. is a multi-positional defender who utilizes his physical gifts to get up into guards and wings. His role with Portland was to defend the team’s best player night in and night out, and he did as solid a job as anyone could’ve hoped. According to BBall Index, Jones Jr. had, statistically speaking, the most difficult defensive assignments in the league on average. Still, he remained a net positive defender; opponents shot 3.5% below their season average when guarded by Jones Jr. per NBA.com, including 2.5% worse from deep.
The acquisition of Jones Jr. would bring another de facto perimeter irritant to Boston alongside Marcus Smart and Josh Richardson, someone who can consistently check the world’s best players at a high level and make life difficult. The Celtics, once a defensive-minded ballclub, collectively sunk to mediocrity in 2020-21. Jaylen Brown went through some struggles off the ball, and even Marcus Smart, though still a terrific defender, had moments where it seemed he might have lost a step. Jones Jr. isn’t going to be the remedy for all of Boston’s problems on this end. Instead, he’d be a step in the right direction towards re-solidifying a defense-first culture. Offensively, Jones Jr. is a hand-in-glove fit on paper as an opportunistic scorer. Buoyed by his enormous-for-his-size 7’0” wingspan and off-ball cutting chops, he is an efficient interior scorer, having shot 65% at the rim in 2020-21 and 74% the year prior (66th and 93rd percentiles, respectively. Additionally, Jones Jr. is a constant threat on the offensive glass; he averaged 1.3 offensive rebounds per game with Portland and ranked in the 95th percentile in offensive rebounding. His 5.8% offensive rebounding percentage was the highest among all wings who logged at least 1000 minutes. Jones Jr. is, without question, one of the top offensive rebounders in the league for his position. Simply put, Jones Jr. makes winning plays. Whether he’s shutting down an All-Star wing, diving on the floor for second-chance opportunities, or exploring avenues to cut to the rim, Jones Jr. gives 110% effort and energy on every play. He would be the consummate glue guy for this Celtics team, as he takes pride in doing the little things and would lift some defensive responsibility off the shoulders of Brown and Tatum.
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Post by Admin on Aug 1, 2021 10:44:11 GMT -5
I'm fine with either Anderson or Bagley at PF (though I still prefer Markkanen and Collins looks like he'll be staying with Hawks) ... Just get a legit PF asap ... it's been too long w/o one.
Also want a PG ... could use Mills in any event as a spot starter and/or off the bench even if we were able to land Ball or Dinwiddie via S&T.
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Post by elvissurfs on Aug 1, 2021 10:46:58 GMT -5
I'm fine with either Anderson or Bagley at PF (though I still prefer Markkanen and Collins looks like he'll be staying with Hawks) ... Just get a legit PF asap ... it's been too long w/o one. Also want a PG ... could use Mills in any event as a spot starter and/or off the bench even if we were able to land Ball or Dinwiddie via S&T. Isn't Big Al more of a power forward than a center?...I remember that being his preference anyways... |
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Post by Admin on Aug 1, 2021 10:53:08 GMT -5
yes except he plays small ball 5 for the C's because of his passing skills from the high post ...
and besides the $, Sixers lured him by giving him the PF slot back alongside Embiid but that didn't work out so well earning him a trade to OKC.
His best role is a point-center that can space the court for others with his perimeter shooting. Not much of a rebounder or rim protector though.
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Post by Admin on Aug 1, 2021 12:45:28 GMT -5
2 key takeaways from C’s recent trades
by Chris Conte
The other day the Boston Celtics came out firing after a relatively quiet draft night, acquiring Josh Richardson and Kris Dunn for Tristan Thompson and their remaining Gordon Hayward trade exception. Wyc Grousbeck had said earlier in the summer that the Boston Celtics would get busy later in the offseason; it was only a matter of time before Brad Stevens started making moves.
After going .500 and getting bounced in the first round, it’s a good thing that the Cs have been active this offseason, and it’s an even better thing that they are signaling this is just the beginning.
For the first time in a long time, the Boston Celtics seem to have a vision. Ever since Danny Ainge traded Isaiah Thomas and assets to the Cavaliers for Kyrie Irving, the Cs have lacked a sense of direction, and it’s led to them scrambling every offseason as they let marquee free agents slip through their fingers.
Not moving any of the team’s bench pieces after the 2018 playoffs, not moving anyone at the 2019 deadline, maxing Kemba Walker and not filling out the roster, standing pat at the 2020 deadline, and drawing the Hayward talks out to the end of the offseason. Hence, they missed every good free agent; all pointed to a lack of direction from Ainge.
It was good that the Celtics and Ainge mutually parted ways, and it’s even better given that Stevens is doing what Ainge couldn’t. Let’s look at what the Boston Celtics are specifically planning and how these moves indicate that something big is brewing.
The Boston Celtics are looking to contend this season.
Although I’m not sure Richardson and Dunn remain with the team long enough to play a game in green, the two targets indicate Brad Stevens is focused on improving the Boston Celtics defense. Although Dunn is coming off an injury-riddled season, the year before his Atlanta Hawks tenure, he had one of the best defensive seasons off the bench for the Bulls, getting snubbed out of the NBA’s All-Defensive second team.
Dunn plays tough and is an exceptional on-ball guard defender, specializing his pickpockets, stonewalling, and can play in passing lanes off-ball. His six-foot-nine wingspan and rocky frame give opposing guards trouble, and next to Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, and Robert Williams, Dunn will contribute to one of the best defenses in the league.
Josh Richardson, on the other hand, provides even more length and physicality on the defensive end. Richardson’s last two seasons have not been productive, pleasant, or promising, but the Boston Celtics got him for, quite literally, nothing. If the flashes Richardson has shown hold, then Brad Stevens got a steal from the Mavericks.
Richardson stands at six-foot-five, 200 lbs, and has made a name for himself on the defensive end. Although the Celtics would like a little more out of him on the offensive end, his help instincts and on-ball prowess will bode nicely for Ime Udoka and allow Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum to focus more on offensive responsibilities.
Both Richardson and Dunn are not great offensive players, but they provide excellent defensive production and come cheap. However, I’m [not] sure Brad Stevens keeps them around due to their offensive shortcomings.
The Boston Celtics are compiling assets for another trade
Multiple reports say the Boston Celtics and Brad Stevens are far from satisfied with their offseason so far, indicating more moves are to be made before the Cs begin to focus on the upcoming 2021-22 season.
Since Boston is still handicapped from a financial perspective and is inkling towards letting Evan Fournier go since he wants longer-term security, Boston will be in the market for a Fournier replacement, and luckily for them, there are tons out there.
The first potential Fournier replacement is Joe Ingles, who has already been rumored to be on the trade block this offseason as the Utah Jazz look to bounce back from blowing a 2-0 lead in the second round to the LA Clippers.
Utah needs capable perimeter defenders to help Rudy Gobert sustain Utah’s defense in the playoffs, and the Boston Celtics just traded for two. A Richardson/Dunn swap for Ingles is mutually beneficial. On the one hand, the Jazz gets two high-level perimeter threats, and on the other, Boston gets a cheap, versatile two-way veteran that’s expiring.
The second potential Fournier replacement is Kyle Anderson, who has not only been rumored to be on the trade block this summer but has also been rumored to have received interest from the Boston Celtics.
The former San Antonio Spur is coming off the best season of his career and is contributing to the log jam in the Memphis Grizzlies’ win core. Anderson will turn 28 this season, and the Grizzlies are still in the middle of a rebuild, so he will likely be dealt for younger assets.
The Boston Celtics don’t necessarily have to trade Dunn or Richardson in this case since they have multiple TPEs that fit Anderson’s salary. Still, if Memphis wants either, Brad Stevens should not hesitate to pull the trigger.
Finally, the third Fournier replacement is Larry Nance Jr, whose value is still unknown to the public; after a report surfaced the Cavaliers saw him as a salary filler despite having the best season of his career. Cleveland just had an insane stroke of luck on draft night, coming away with the second-best prospect in the draft in Evan Mobley despite having the third overall pick.
With Jarrett Allen on the roster, the Cavs have no use for Nance and don’t want him to take Mobley’s touches, so that means he will be shopped this offseason. Although Nance does not play the same position as Fournier, he provides a similar set of skills.
He can shoot and pass like Fournier but can defend at a much higher level and function as a roll man. He can coexist next to Robert Williams and Al Horford, and he fits the Boston Celtics requirements financially.
Much like Anderson, Stevens could use a TPE on Nance, but if the Cavs want either Richardson or Dunn, they should be traded.
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Post by Admin on Aug 1, 2021 12:59:12 GMT -5
I mean, look at this: Even BRobb didn't know that deals made before the new season were tied to the expiring contracts, hence the C's were able to use the $11MM TPE left over from Hayward to acquire Richardson.
I had this discussion here with KDP59 because he too thought the new contract took precedence and was wrong.
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