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Celtics Made Trade Deadline Offer for Kawhi Leonard

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Celtics Made Trade Deadline Offer for Kawhi Leonard

A new report by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski says that the Celtics reached out to the San Antonio Spurs with a trade offer for Leonard in February. The report also states that the Spurs turned the offer down without a counter-proposal.

What Was The Offer?

The details of the trade are, as of this writing, unknown. However, it is safe to assume that the trade probably included one of Boston’s young stars in Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown. Danny Ainge would have also needed to add some draft picks and possibly another role player. Terry Rozier’s name might have been mentioned, as well as Marcus Morris in the deal for Leonard. At this point, all possible packages are purely speculation, though we may know more in the coming days.

Does This Have an Impact on the Celtics’ Summer Plans?

Now that we know for certain that Ainge is chasing Kawhi, it is possible that his name continues to pop up this offseason. The Spurs have said that they are not taking offers for their star forward at this juncture. Their lack of a counter-proposal back in February indicates that they have held that stance for a while. However, if San Antonio fails to resolve the conflict with Leonard, he could become available. The Celtics are definitely in position to make a strong trade offer should that happen. It also makes the futures of players like Rozier, Brown and Tatum much more foggy in Beantown. If put together with some of Boston’s intriguing picks, like the Kings’ top-1 protected 2019 choice, those players could have a chance at bringing Leonard to Boston.

As of now, the door seems to be shut on any Kawhi Leonard trade scenarios. Nonetheless, the fact that Ainge attempted to trade for him in February will fuel many rumors throughout the summer. It will be interesting to see what both the Celtics and the Spurs do this offseason.

 

Way Too Early Predictions for the Celtics’ 2018-19 Season

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Celtics fans are currently mourning their exit from the NBA Playoffs in devastating fashion. However, they begin to look ahead to what is sure to be an exciting season next year. All-Stars Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving will return. Young guns Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will gain another year of experience. It is going to be a fun year once again. Let’s get into some predictions about what I think will happen over the course of next season.

Danny Ainge Stands Pat at the Draft

Rumors have it that the Celtics are very interested in trading up in the draft. The target is apparently Mo Bamba, a 7-footer out of Texas. Luka Doncic is also being mentioned. While it is certainly an intriguing prospect, expect Danny to make his selection at number 27, where they currently sit.

These reports are indicating that in order to move up to get a projected top-5 pick, the Celtics would have to surrender this year’s pick and one next year, as well as either Brown or Rozier. I don’t believe that is a package Ainge is willing to part with. If he can swindle someone into another poor deal (Remember last year’s draft trade?), it’s possible we’ll see the Celtics selecting high. Otherwise, expect Boston to look for talent late in the first round. Potential targets include Donte DiVincenzo from Villanova and Mo Wagner from Michigan. Danny has his pieces now, and is ready to develop them rather than selecting another top young player at a cost.

Aron Baynes Returns

Baynes was a serviceable big man in the Celtics’ rotation during the 2017-18 season. He averaged six points and 5.4 rebounds in 18 minutes played, and turned into an adequate deep shooter during the team’s playoff run. He also got dunked on quite a few times, but we don’t have to talk about that. Overall, he was a nice piece of the team this year. He’ll draw some interest from other teams as he enters free agency, but look for the Celtics to attempt to re-sign him. This season his deal was worth $4.3 million, and the team should have no problems with giving him that sum and more to keep him for next year. The team needs a big, physical center who mans the middle and provides help on defense.

Marcus Smart Sticks Around

Smart has become nearly indispensable during his four years in Boston. Albeit one of the most frustrating players to watch at times, his hustle and grit have become hallmarks of this Celtics team. He averaged ten points, five assists, and 3.5 rebounds this season, but the stat sheet never tells the whole story for Smart. He’s on the ground after every loose ball and shows no fear when taking charges. Smart is going to receive heavy interest from multiple teams and offers upwards of $15 million a year. However, he is a restricted free agent, and Boston can match any offer for him. Look for them to do just that. Smart, simply put, is a player that impacts winning, and the Celtics won’t just let him walk. Even if it requires going into the luxury tax, the team is going to retain Marcus Smart.

The Celtics Don’t Deal Until the Deadline…

Don’t anticipate the Celtics making another summer blockbuster deal. All of the pieces are in place now for a title run. We’ll (hopefully) get a full season from all of the team’s stars. The Celtics have no reason to keep flipping pieces and moving players when they haven’t even seen what this group is capable of when healthy. However, problems are inevitably going to arise down the stretch. Perhaps it will have to do with the number of touches the players are getting. Maybe there’s one player that simply does not mesh with the others. Or it’s possible that Danny Ainge hears about a player he’s interested in becoming available. There are a multitude of reasons why the Celts could make a move at the deadline this year, so look for them to do so.

…And That Deal Includes Terry Rozier

Rozier is the odd man out on the Celtics. He’s too talented to come off of the bench in the sixth man role, and there’s no way he gets a slot in the starting lineup unless another injury occurs. The team is going to be very deep this year. Smart, Marcus Morris, Semi Ojeleye, and Baynes will all come off the bench, and it’s difficult to imagine that Brad Stevens utilizes a 10-man rotation. Rozier has the highest trade value of that group right now, and that’s why he’ll be the first one to be shipped out should that situation arise. It allows for more minutes for the other rotation players and creates more shots for them. Trading Rozier also gets the Celtics out of a sticky situation in the summer of 2019 when he is a free agent. Boston would much rather get a return on Rozier than to just let him walk. Expect Scary Terry to be at the forefront of trade rumors throughout the summer and the season.

Gordon Hayward is the Team MVP

In case you forgot what he brings to the team, watch any Hayward highlight reel. You’ll see how much talent he has and how he stands to benefit most next year. With Kyrie Irving dishing him the ball and Al Horford drawing defenders into the paint, Hayward will have endless opportunities to score. He averaged 22 points a game in his last year with the Jazz. He might not match that figure this year due to the number of players that are going to need shots (Irving, Horford, Tatum, Brown). However, he’ll do much of the scoring for the group. Look forward to watching him lead the team deep into the playoffs again next year.

Boston Gets Three All-Stars

It could be Hayward-Horford-Irving. It could be Hayward-Irving-Tatum. Really, it could be any combination of players from the starting lineup. The fact is there is simply too much talent on this roster to not have a trio of representatives at the All-Star Game next year. Last year, Irving and Horford got the nod. But with Jayson Tatum blossoming into a star, Brown continuing to develop, and the return of Hayward, at least three of them have to be recognized for their play.

The Celtics Bring Home Banner 18

Call it bias. Call it a homer take. Say anything you like about it. The Celtics will run the table in the East with ease, and then they’ll take home the title. The fact that Brad Stevens took this year’s lineup to Game 7 of the ECF is crazy. Throw in two stars, and it’s a no-brainer pick. Boston will have its own power core to match that of Golden State or another other Western Conference team. Combined with the coaching genius of Stevens, and the team becomes simply unstoppable. Prepare to bring out the duck boats when next June rolls around.

Clearly, the future is bright for the team no matter what happens this offseason or during the year. The NBA is a crazy league, and things happen at the speed of light. You can bet that it’ll be another season where you won’t be able to take your eyes off of this Celtics team. Buckle up, Boston fans, and get ready for another thrilling year.

Should Celtics Fans Be Happy for Ray Allen?

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How should Boston fans feel?

Should Celtics Fans Be Happy for Ray Allen?

With Ray Allen recently being named a first-ballot Hall of Famer, Celtics fans have been conflicted on how to feel about his induction. Some are simply appreciative of his efforts with the Celtics and in the NBA. Others, however, still have some animosity towards Allen after his less-than-smooth exit from the team. So, the question must be asked: are Boston fans right to be hostile towards Allen? Or should they put old grudges aside and praise his accomplishments?

Yeah, Be Happy for Ray Ray:

Accomplishments with the Celts

There’s no denying that Allen helped this franchise enormously. Acquired in a trade with the Seattle Super Sonics in June of 2007, Allen, along with Kevin Garnett, formed the second coming of the “Big Three”. The two joined forces with Celtics legend Paul Pierce to create a formidable trio. In his first year with the C’s, he helped the team to their 17th championship title, breaking a 22-year drought. Allen made four other playoff trips with them, advancing to at least the second round in all of them. He was an All-Star two times while with the team. He played a total of 449 games with Boston, which included 91 playoff games, and averaged 16.7 points and 41% shooting from three.

Allen has written his name all over the Celtics’ record books. He is first in free throw percentage. He also holds the record for most consecutive free throws made (72). Allen is third in three pointers made, and fourth in three point percentage. He is eighth all-time in box plus/minus and fourth in true shooting percentage. There is no doubt that he is a permanent part of Celtics lore, no matter the opinion of him.

Allen’s Place in League History

And if that isn’t enough, consider his impact on the whole league. Allen holds the record for both the most three pointers of all time and the most playoff threes of all time. He’s a two time champion and ten time All-Star. He also has made the All-Rookie second team, an All-NBA second team, and an All-NBA team.

Fans should be happy for a guy who had an incredible run with the Celtics. Without him, they probably don’t win the 2008 title. People need to appreciate how much he was able to accomplish in the league. Remember that time he dropped 51 on the Bulls in the playoffs? What about when he poured in EIGHT threes in a quarter with the Sonics? And no, we can’t forget THAT corner three in the 2012 NBA Finals. Just enjoy his success and be congratulatory towards him on attaining the league’s highest honor.

Allen’s now-famous three in Game 6 of the Finals.

No Way, Don’t Forgive Allen:

The Exit

There is no doubt that Ray left many fans angry with the manner in which he departed Boston. Allen had an extremely rocky 2011-2012 year with the Celtics. Mid-season, the blossoming Avery Bradley overtook him for the starting spot. Multiple media outlets also had reports out that the Celtics were actively shopping Allen during the year. To put the cherry on top, he and point guard Rajon Rondo argued and fought throughout the end of Ray’s Celtics tenure. He recently shed more light on this conflict in his new book.

And then, of course, came the actual departure. The Celtics offered Allen a two year deal worth $12 million in the offseason of 2012, which included a no-trade clause. The franchise was hoping that this would alleviate some of the conflict from the previous season. However, he accepted a deal for three years, but worth only $9 million to go join the Miami Heat. This came after the Heat had just beaten the Celtics in seven games in the Eastern Conference. They then went on to win the championship. The two teams were forming a rivalry, and Ray only strengthened it by shunting the Celtics’ more appealing offer to go play for the defending champions.

The Aftermath

The animosity between Allen and Celtics players and fans has only increased in recent years. When the 2008 championship team announced a ten-year reunion, Rondo told the media that he wasn’t invited. A few of the members of the team also met up on Kevin Garnett’s show “Area 21” last year, in which he also didn’t take part. After Allen came out with his new book, he and Rondo publicly butted heads again over it.

Perhaps the most heinous of all of his crimes, though, was his neglect of Paul Pierce’s jersey retirement night. Rather than attend the ceremony to celebrate his teammate’s number being raised, Ray went golfing with George Lopez. To exacerbate the matter even further, he then posted about Lopez getting a hole in one on Instagram while the ceremony was happening. No one who calls themselves a Celtics fan should even consider being happy for the man who responded to every event since leaving the Celts about as poorly as possible.

Allen’s Instagram post.

The Verdict:

So, how should Celtics Nation feel about Ray Allen entering the Hall? Given everything he’s done since his rocky departure, one would be perfectly understood if they still felt resentment towards number 20. However, if all that he did for the franchise and for the league is considered, then there has to be some feeling of happiness for his accomplishment. At least for a few days in September when Ray will make his speech, Boston faithful should forgive his mistakes and applaud him and what he has achieved. Congratulations to Ray Allen on making the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Brad Stevens Named a Finalist for Coach of the Year

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Stevens is up for his first COTY award.

Brad Stevens is a COTY Finalist

Celtics head coach Brad Stevens is finalist for the NBA Coach of the Year award. Alongside him, Quin Snyder of the Jazz and Dwayne Casey (formerly) of the Raptors won a nomination.

A Great Year for Stevens

This season, Brad guided an undermanned and injury-plagued squad to a 55-27 record, including a scorching 16-2 start. This was good enough for second in the conference and fourth in the NBA, in just his fifth season with the team. As the season progressed, the success only magnified his coaching prowess in the absence of the team’s stars. Stars Gordon Hayward (missed whole season) and Kyrie Irving (22 games, including rest of playoffs) missed large amounts of time.

As the team’s play showed, Stevens demanded results night in and night out from his guys, even against tough match-ups. Improbably, this came even on nights when the roster was so depleted that Guerschon Yabusele and Jabari Bird started. Under Stevens’ tutelage, the team received contributions from every player on the roster. Throughout the year, he developed even his youngest players into reliable contributors. For example, Jayson Tatum, 20, is a Rookie of the Year candidate. Often on the court with Tatum, Jaylen Brown, 21, has provided impactful minutes for the team as well.

The Competition

This year, Snyder and Casey will challenge Stevens for the award. Snyder guided his squad to a 48-34 record, which was good enough for fifth in the Western Conference. The team, whose leaders included Rudy Gobert and rookie Donovan Mitchell, was able to advance to the second round of the playoffs. The third candidate is Casey, who took his Raptors to a 59-23 record, first in the East. Under Casey, DeMar Derozan and Kyle Lowry led the team to an excellent regular season. However, this race becomes interesting as Casey was recently fired from his position after losing in four games to the Cavaliers.

This year, the league will reveal the winner of the award on June 25th. Brad Stevens certainly seems to have a great shot at gaining proper recognition for his coaching ability. However, we will see if the media members that comprise the voting team feel the same.

Celtics Crush Cavs, Win Game 1 in Boston

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Celtics Crush Cavs, Win Game 1 in Boston

The Boston Celtics destroyed the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, winning 108-83 on Mother’s Day.

The Celtics came out of the gate firing and never looked back. They dropped 36 in the first quarter and built their lead to as much as 28 points in the first half. LeBron and Co. attempted to mount a comeback late in the third quarter. J.R. Smith hit a buzzer beater jumper to cut the deficit to 14 before the fourth. That was as close as they would come; the Celtics put their foot back on the gas pedal and cruised to the victory.

Cleveland Flounders Offensively

LeBron James, coming off a series sweep against the Raptors, struggled mightily this afternoon. Marcus Morris covered him most of the game, and it worked.. He had just 15 points on 5 for 16 shooting, and accounted for seven of the team’s nine turnovers. He finished with a plus/minus of -32. The rest of the team was no better, shooting 36% from the field. This included a dismal 4 of 26 from behind the three point arc. Kevin Love led the team in scoring with 17. He was followed by James and Rodney Hood with 11 and Jordan Clarkson with 10. The stifling Celtics defense was hard at work, rotating beautifully all day on switches and screens and closing out well on almost every single shot.

Boston Has a Great Day Shooting

The boys from Boston also flourished on the offensive end. Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 23 points on 9-16 shooting. Marcus Morris had an enormous day, which started with getting the call to start. It finished with him gathering a double-double, collecting 21 points and ten rebounds. Al Horford contributed 20 points along with six assists and four rebounds, meanwhile Jayson Tatum added 16. “Scary Terry” Rozier only had eight points, but it didn’t seem to matter as the Celtics continually outplayed the Cavs. The team shot 51% from the field and 37% from deep.

Pundits and fans alike have counted the Celtics out time and again this year, but the team does not care. This afternoon was just another example of the resilient squad defying expectations. The Celtics go up 1-0 in the series, and head into their next game on Tuesday night with lots of momentum. It will be interesting to see how Cleveland adjusts when the two teams meet again, and if the Celtics can stay in the driver’s seat.