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Post by Admin on Sept 20, 2016 22:36:45 GMT -5
by Gil Alcaraz IV The Boston Celtics are one of the premier franchises in the NBA, which means they’re always serious players during free agency. Who are some big names they could target in 2017?The Boston Celtics are flying under the radar heading into the 2016-17 campaign. Despite continual improvement and two straight playoff appearances, the general NBA audience is still overlooking the NBA’s most successful team of all time. That’s likely to change this year, but it could really turn around next offseason. The Celtics are in position to make a big move or two, so you better believe they’ll be going hard to find their next superstar if one hits the open market. While chances of that happening are slim, there should be plenty of big-name free agents for Boston to bring aboard in 2017. They may not be game-changers, but it could be the difference between this squad seriously contending and continuing on as a middle-of-the-road playoff team. So who could be on the Celtics’ radar when next offseason rolls around? Let’s take a look at five names I believe could pique their interest when 2017 NBA free agency begins.
hoopshabit.com/2016/09/15/boston-celtics-5-big-name-free-agents/ |
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Post by Admin on Sept 20, 2016 22:38:37 GMT -5
 Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY SportsMemphis Grizzlies PF Zach RandolphAs crazy as it may seem, this could be Zach Randolph‘s final year with the Grizzlies. He’s getting up there in age, and the NBA is beginning to move on from the style of play that made him a star for so many years. So it’s easy to understand how he could hit the open market in 2017. If that’s the case, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Celtics take a long look at Randolph. Although he’ll be 36 next offseason, Randolph is still a reliable presence in the paint capable of providing starter production. His stats took a dip last season and may do so again in 2016-17, but he’s still worth a look–especially on a team that covets tough, tenacious defenders. The big man managed 15.3 points per game last season, but saw his rebounds per game drop to only 7.8. Randolph is running out of gas, but he may be worth a flier as a short-term solution. With Amir Johnson and Jonas Jerebko both in contract years, the Celtics could have a huge need at power forward in 2017. Randolph might not be the most exciting option, but he’s a quality starter who can still provide a spark. |
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Post by Admin on Sept 20, 2016 22:41:03 GMT -5
 Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY SportsOklahoma City Thunder SG Andre RobersonOK, I’ll admit Andre Roberson isn’t the biggest of names. However, the options at shooting guard next offseason are far from exciting. And honestly, I believe Roberson is an underrated asset for the Thunder. Why I truly believe he could be a great fit in Boston is his impressive talents on the defensive end. Although his shooting leaves plenty to be desired, Roberson is more than capable of shutting down opponents and making a huge impact with his defensive presence. That’s the approach the Celtics appear to be taking with the whole roster, so why not invest in a quality bench player like Roberson? As we saw during the 2015-16 playoffs, he’s capable of getting hot and putting up points. While I wouldn’t expect much more than the 4.8 points per game he averaged a year ago, Roberson is far from a lost cause on offense. The Celtics are going to need an influx of bench talent next offseason. While Roberson wouldn’t be the flashiest of signings, he’d fit Boston’s current mindset and help them give opponents even more headaches on offense. |
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Post by Admin on Sept 20, 2016 22:43:17 GMT -5
 Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY SportsChicago Bulls PF Taj GibsonAs I’ve mentioned before, the Celtics are likely going to be looking for help at power forward next offseason. While there are a number of intriguing options scheduled to be available, Taj Gibson is one of the cheaper talents who can still make an impact. Just look at his numbers from the 2015-16 campaign. Despite his 31 years of age, Gibson put up career highs in field goal percentage, rebounds per game and assists per game. He averaged only 8.6 points in 73 appearances, but was a strong presence in the paint for the Bulls. However, he’s in a contract year and may not even make it to the end of the season. It’s been mentioned Chicago is interested in trading Gibson, via ESPN’s Nick Friedell. If he does make it to 2017 free agency, Boston would be wise to kick the tires. Gibson may not be a star, but he’s a quality power forward capable of filling the void Johnson may leave. He’s making $9 million this season, but should be signed for a reasonable amount considering his age. |
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Post by Admin on Sept 20, 2016 22:46:09 GMT -5
 Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY SportsGolden State Warriors PG Shaun LivingstonI don’t know why, but Shaun Livingston continues to be overlooked as an impressive bench player for the Warriors. He’s been a huge part of the team’s success over the last few seasons, and it’s going to benefit him big if he enters free agency in 2017. While he’ll likely cost a pretty penny, I believe Livingston is worth pursuing for the Celtics. Boston already has its two starting guards in Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley, but the depth behind them isn’t impressive. Sure, Marcus Smart is a solid option at point guard and Terry Rozier offers some upside, but Gerald Green may be the best backup shooting guard–and that’s not saying much. Livingston, however, is an excellent combo guard who can come off the bench and create a spark. Just look at the damage he did during the 2016 NBA Finals. Although he only put up double-digit points in one game, he was a star on defense and just has a knack for making the smart play in the clutch. If the Celtics do opt to upgrade the backcourt depth, Livingston better be on their short list. He’d be a welcomed addition in Boston–that is, if the Warriors even let him get away. |
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Post by Admin on Sept 20, 2016 22:48:48 GMT -5
 Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY SportsLos Angeles Clippers PF Blake Griffin
Let me preface this by saying there’s a very good chance the Clippers re-sign Blake Griffin well before free agency begins. Okay, now that I’ve got that out of the way, let’s look at this hypothetical. Griffin makes it to the open market, and just about every NBA team shows interest in the uber-athletic power forward. So why would he choose the Boston Celtics? Well they clearly have a need at power forward with their top two scheduled for free agency in 2017. They have an excellent core of young prospects and veteran playmakers. He’d be playing alongside stars like Al Horford, Jae Crowder and Thomas, a group that complements his offensive-minded game well. The Celtics have already been mentioned as a team that could try to acquire Griffin (via Basketball Insiders’ Steve Kyler). Although Doc Rivers has made it clear Los Angeles isn’t interested in parting ways, but that doesn’t mean Griffin couldn’t be persuaded to sign elsewhere when he inevitably opts out of his deal next offseason. must read: 5 Big-Name FAs The Lakers Could Target In 2017 It’s all speculation at this point, but you better believe Boston will blow up the phone of Griffin’s agent if he hits free agency. |
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Post by hedleylamarr on Dec 1, 2016 13:09:26 GMT -5
Of all of these guys, I'd really go after Taj Gibson. Blake will re-sign with LAC, and we don't need any more guards unless we make a trade. We can't even play the guards we have (Green).
We need bigs and rebounders. Let's see what Brad can do with a legit big, then maybe more people will appreciate him as a coach.
Now - if Hayward opts out, he's my #1 choice, even though he's not a big!
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