CELTICS BLOG 02/24/22

I wrote a Celtics FA blog two days ago, that I only just realized didn't publish (most likely a connection error as I post these blogs from a shitty but free campus wifi connection). In that blog, I explained how the Celtics are arguably the best defensive team in basketball right now, and how we're one star (not superstar) away from being the best team in the league. Call me bias, IDC, the Jay's (Jayson and Jaylen) are two of the best players (top 15 no doubt) in the NBA, as Tatum can score with the absolute best of them, and Jaylen is no shabby scorer, facilitator, rebounder, and most importantly a lock down defender. These guys compliment each other so well (top 4 in the East in both guys first 3 seasons) and have made it to two (Jayson) and three (Jaylen) NBA conference finals.

These guys are a work-in progress. As Jayson said, they're not at their peak yet. Take a look at one of this years top team, the Phoenix Suns. They have notoriously missed the playoffs for years, and people wanted them to trade Booker to Minnesota so he could team up with KAT and D-Lo. 3 years (and the addition of Chris Paul) later and they have made an NBA finals, and look like they could make it again this year, and maybe for years to come.

The point I'm trying to make is, DON'T BLOW IT UP. Let's allow these guys time to fully develop, as they look so promising early on in their careers, and let's find them another star to play with. KAT has been the fan favorite in the media rumors, but he is a superstar and would likely cost us Marcus Smart, Horford, and a shit ton of draft capital. I think we get KAT and no doubt we're as good if not better than anyone in the league. But Minnesota won't be eager to move KAT, so let's try and find a star, hold the super.

2022 Free Agents List

1. Zach Lavine - "The always-explosive 2-guard finally proved that he can be a winning player this season, which will line him up for a huge payday this summer. Can score from all three levels, shoot deep threes off the dribble and throw it down over the most athletic of defenders." I LOVE Lavine's game, he is so solid on both sides of the ball, but he is likely to be expensive and isn't necessarily the best fit to compliment the Jay's. Love him but I would say not going to happen. (20% chance of happening)

2. Brad Beal - Three Level Scorer, one of top true SG's in the game. Has a very solid relationship with Tatum, could heavily influence his decision and sway him to come here. Still not the ideal fit to pair with the Jay's, but his friendship with Tatum could smooth the road and make the trio work out. Love his game, and probably a LOT more likely than Lavine, but still wouldn't bet on it. (60% chance of happening, just cause he used to babysit Tatum)

3. DeAndre Ayton - One of the top young centers in the NBA, averaging 16, 10, and 1.5 on nearly 65% shooting. This guy is so efficient, playing so physical yet still having plenty of touch and finesse, he is a poor man's Joel Embiid. He is an RFA, so signing him to the Celtics is no sure thing, but Phoenix would have likely offered him the Max extension if they were intending to sign him, meaning they probably won't match if we offer him a large deal. Ayton is the guy I want, and I believe we have a solid shot of getting him. We'd likely have to just move Horford for the cap space, which shouldn't be impossible as he can still contribute to a team, and we could throw in a 1st/2nd to ensure a team will take him. If we can free up the space, Ayton would be an immediate game changer on both sides, improving our paint scoring, efficiency, low post defense, and most importantly both sides of rebounding. Ayton would compliment the Jay's so well, I believe he could change us from a mid-level playoff team to one of the top title contenders for years to come. Ayton is our best option in free agency, and there's a chance it happens. (40% chance of happening, but should be our top priority)

4. Michael Porter Jr - High Risk (kinda) High Reward (super). Porter is a 6'10 monster who can play as a stretch wing (something we need BAD) has so much potential, but injuries have hindered his career. He missed basically his WHOLE college career, whole rookie year, and a good portion of the past 2 years. When he played, he average just shy of 20 points and 7.5 rebounds, meaning if he's stays healthy, there's no doubt he can ball. I LOVE Porter's game, and would be very happy if the Celtics took a chance on him, as he won't be too expensive (non rookie extension max deal for sure) and could be as good as many max players. Probably a better option than Beal or Lavine, but could be the worst of all four if he stays injured. (40% chance of happening, has been linked to Celtic's, but if we can get any of the above players we likely take them over him)

Honorable Mentions

KD - He probably ain't coming here, but him and Tatum are boys and he considered it in 2016, so who knows. (5% chance at best)

Harden - No thanks, great scorer, not a winner. Horrible attitude - would be EVEN more detrimental than Kyrie was to us. (I will pay Brad not to pay this man)

Victor Oladipo - No thanks, but I'd take him over Harden. Probably helps our team, but at what cost? Not worth a max by any means, and probably won't take much less than a max. (10% chance)

Collin Sexton - Would be an awesome addition to the team, but not worth over 20 million a year. If we can get him for say 15 million a year or less, would love to have him. Love his game, but he's not a pass first PG and isn't necessarily the best fit for the Jay's. (15% chance)

Jaren Jackson Jr - See above notes on Sexton. If he's less than 20 (closer to 15) he'd be a great addition. Adds elite low post scoring, but has also had injury issues and comes with some risk. Wouldn't pay long term yet. (15% chance)

Aaron Gordon - Same thing as Sexton and Jackson. Love his game, awesome third scoring option, if he's under 20 million a year. (15% chance)

PSA ---- These %'s are made up, and I don't actually know the chances, if any, of us obtaining these guys, but I feel my guesstimates are pretty fair. Also pro tip, throw out as many possible FA's as you can when making a list like this, than you're bound to get one of them right. As perk would say, Carry on!