Author Archives: @jmansports823

Why Kemba Walker is a good signing for the Celtics

Amidst the impending decisions of big fish like Kevin Durant, players like Kemba Walker became lost in the shuffle. However, the Celtics have emerged as front runners for Walker come July 1st. Many see this as iffy, considering it would leave Boston with $1.8 Million left in cap space. I’m here to tell you why this is a great signing for the C’s.

Walker averaged 25.8 points per game and 5.9 assists

Fills the void at Point Guard

The Celtics are watching both Kyrie Irving and Terry Rozier walk out the door on Sunday. That would leave them with two unproven rookies in Carsen Edwards and Tremont Waters. Kemba Walker is a multi-time All-Star who is coming off his best statistical season and entering his prime. He’ll bring high-quality play and production to a team in desperate need of a play-maker at the 1.

Invaluable Leadership

The Celtics have built a very young team where all players are 25 and younger. There is no clear-cut leader among the pack. This is why Kemba would be invaluable. He was lauded as a high-quality leader and teammate by his Charlotte teammates. Kemba is an unselfish player who loves being a team player as much as being a superstar. As such, he doesn’t posses a dominating ego like Kyrie, so the young stars should be more willing to listen to him. His leadership would soften the blow of Al Horford leaving.

Kemba’s return to New England puts Boston back on the map.

Flip the Script on the Boston Celtics

When it comes to the NBA, Boston has typically not been a marquee destination for free agents. The exits of Kyrie Irving and Al Horford have only helped keep this notion alive. Kemba Walker would flip this on its head. Not only would Boston land an All-Star after two leave, but it would be a guy who picked Boston. They become a destination for stars and become contenders again in one fell swoop. Kemba Walker is the ideal solution for the Celtics, and signing him shouldn’t warrant a second thought

Celtics Free Agent Profile: Malcolm Brogdon

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The Celtics showed with their NBA Draft class that they were on route to building a young team with raw talent. This inadvertently resulted in the C’s freeing up about $28 million in cap space. The Celtics will most likely look for guys that will fit the timetable of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. This makes Malcolm Brogdon an ideal target for them in Free Agency.

Bio

Malcolm Brogdon is a point guard who stands at 6’5″, 229 pounds. He is 26 years old, and won Rookie of the Year in 2017. He has played most of his career on limited minutes behind Eric Bledsoe, and with injuries he has rarely started games for the Bucks. Brogdon willingly accepted his bench role and did whatever he could do to help his team win. He’ll be a restricted free agent come July, and will garner roughly 10-12M a year. Boston will have more than enough cap space to acquire his services.

Why the Celtics should sign him

The Celtics’ point guard woes are very well documented. Kyrie Irving is set to sign with Brooklyn, and Terry Rozier wants to leave. The Celtics have two rookies at point guard in Carsen Edwards and Tremont Waters. Brogdon has played for three years in the league, and at 26 fits the timetable of this young Celtics team. Brogdon defends with every ounce of effort, even though he’s not the best on defense. He’s a good shooter, knows how to utilize his teammates, and responds well to coaching. He is an exceptional athlete, as shown here. Brogdon’s biggest asset may be his low mileage. He averaged 17.4 minutes per game with the Bucks. His light usage means he’ll be more helpful to Boston in the long run. He has no outstanding ego and is typically a ‘team-first’ guy.

Will he sign with Boston?

The C’s will make an offer to Brogdon because of need. As a restricted free agent, the Celtics only need worry about the Bucks matching their offer. While Milwaukee has other high-priority free agents, Brogdon is an asset they may want to keep. The high cost of their other stars may mean the Bucks won’t retain him. In conclusion, a 4yr/$12M deal should allow Boston to procure his services and that is something they absolutely should explore.

Evaluating The Celtic’s 2019 draft haul

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The 2019 NBA Draft has come to a close, and now teams can reassess what they have before free agency starts. The Celtics participated in an assortment of trades and brought home an interesting pool of prospects and assets. Here we’ll evaluate the haul that the C’s brought home.

Prospects: Romeo Langford, SG; Grant Williams, PF; Carsen Edwards, PG/SG; Tremont Waters, PG Grade: B-

The Celtics draft translated from 14, 20, 22, and 51 into 14, 22, 33, 51. The talent brought in is an intriguing mix. Romeo Langford is not exactly what the Celtics needed. He’s a talented scorer and an excellent young wing, but the Celtics already have a bunch of those. Williams and Edwards are Brad Stevens-like players. Williams is a stretch 4 who like to bump-n’-grind in the paint. He also plays great defense. Carsen Edwards brings huge amounts of offensive production and is a hard-nosed player. Waters is a good passer, but didn’t make much sense after the Edwards pick. Any type of center, or any guy over 6’8″ would’ve made more sense. The Celtics also missed on trading up for a guard and grabbing a center like Brandon Clarke, which was desperately needed.

Assets: Milwaukee 2020 1st Round pick (Top-6 protected), $5.45M in cap space Grade: A

Despite what some might call some missteps in the draft, the Celtics made sure to get some assets as well. By giving Aron Baynes to Phoenix when trading the Ty Jerome pick, the Celtics pick up another $5.45 million in cap space for a stacked FA class. In that same trade, Danny Ainge acquired another future first-round pick to help build this young team. Creating close to $30M in cap space and starting to fill the chest of draft picks is genius. The Celtics got high value for next to nothing in return. With an uncertain future, the Celtics combined young, raw prospects with solid assets to continue to build for the future. Only time will tell what Danny Ainge and the Celtics can turn this haul into.

The Celtics could look drastically different in 2019-20 season

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The Boston Celtics and Danny Ainge have opened up a plethora of paths this offseason. With Kyrie Irving and Al Horford set to leave the franchise, the C’s have some cap room to play with and an interesting free agent class coming up. By the end of this offseason, the Celtics will likely look drastically different than last year’s team.

Returning Players: Gordon Hayward, Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Aron Baynes, Robert Williams, Guerschon Yabusele, Semi Ojelaye

With eight rostered players for next season, the Celtics have a solid top of the roster. Tatum, Brown, Williams, and Ojelaye comprise a young core with Hayward, Smart and Baynes bringing the veteran leadership. The biggest problem that will arise is the lack of depth and the weakness at point guard. The Celtics will need to focus on adding to a roster that has some potential, and they have the means to do so.

Projected Cap Space: ~28-36M dependent on Rozier

This figure works under the assumption Rozier signs with Boston at a projected 8.5M dollar cap hit. With reports that Rozier is all-in on a Celtics team minus Kyrie, we’ll assume the Celtics have $28 million to spend after retaining Rozier. Now the big question: where to spend that money.

Mid-Tier free agents

The Celtics don’t command the required cap space to sign a max contract at the moment, so their focus should shift to signing the middle tier of role players that are in this class. Guys like Patrick Beverley (pictured), Ricky Rubio, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and Trevor Ariza all fit that 8-12M range. Each one provides the Celtics with depth and key roles that strengthen and diversify the team. They have the space to acquire two or three of these guys, none of which have ever played for the Green.

UNC’s Nassir Little could be an option for C’s at 14th Pick

Fresh Faces from Draft

The Celtics may look a lot younger next year due to their three first-round picks in this year’s NBA Draft. Each pick offers a plethora of intriguing prospects. While none have the star power of Zion, they all bring skills to the table that will give the Celtics a nice crop of young players to groom. Guys like Nassir Little and Ty Jerome are nice developmental projects that can become key role players early in their careers. The Celtics would love the opportunity to fill the team with fresh faces for the young core.

Overall, The Celtics have the pieces in place for a drastic roster Shake-up. Don’t be surprised when you see a bunch of new faces next season.

NBA Free Agent Profile: SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

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The NBA offseason is in full effect, and this year’s free agent class is shaping up to be very diverse. A mixture of top stars and key role players, this class has all types of players at all types of prices. While the Celtics are focused on re-signing Al Horford, they also need to take a hard look at other pieces to help round out the roster. One under-the-radar prospect they should take a hard look at is Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

Bio

Hollis-Jefferson is a former lottery pick from the University of Arizona. He stands at 6’7″, and weighs 217 pounds. He played for the Brooklyn Nets for the past four seasons before they declined to accept his restricted free agency. At 24 years old, he’s just hitting his stride and is in prime position for a breakout year.

What he would bring to the Celtics

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is a perfect fit for the Celtics in a lot of ways. At 24 years old, he fits right in with the young core that comprises the Celtics. It would be easy for him to mesh with the locker room. He can cut to the basket well and is great at operating offensively without the ball. His greatest asset, however, is his defense. Hollis-Jefferson guards multiple positions well and is great in help defense situations. The Celtics pride themselves on defense, and Rondae fits the mold.

What would it take to sign him

Just because Hollis-Jefferson hasn’t produced a ton of points doesn’t mean he’ll come cheap. He’s young and very talented on the defensive side of the ball. He’s by no means a max contract player, but he’ll be at least an 8-12 million dollar player. He’ll also most likely want some assurance from the Celtics he’ll have a big rotational role when playing. Overall, Boston can offer him both and bring the best out of Hollis-Jefferson.

Featured image via Complex.com

How Klay Thompson’s injury helps the C’s sign him

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Klay Thompson is the most underrated player in the entire NBA. He’s one of the best three-point shooters of all time, and one of the best defenders in the league. His unfortunate ACL injury has severely impacted his future. Most assume he’ll return to Golden State where his injury won’t affect his pay. However, Boston is secretly the best bet to sign him now. Here’s why:

The Gordon Hayward Experience

Klay Thompson will miss most of next season rehabbing from his injury. Most teams aren’t comfortable with taking on that task. Boston won’t have that problem. After seeing the way the Celtics treated Hayward, Klay Thompson and others would feel more comfortable going to a franchise that will be able to adequately care for them.

He’s a perfect fit in Boston

The beauty of Klay Thompson’s game is that he doesn’t have to handle the ball. He can cut to the hoop well and is a deadly spot-up shooter. The key to his integration on the C’s is his defense. Thompson is an exceptional defender and covers multiple positions on the court. The Celtics pride themselves as a defensive team, and Klay fits the mold.

He doesn’t have to be the Star

Part of the reason Klay Thompson is so underrated is because he’s been a supporting player on the Warriors. As such, and especially after an ACL tear, he likely won’t want to carry a team. With the Celtics, he won’t have to. Jayson Tatum is the face of the franchise, and Gordon Hayward and Al Horford are still here. Klay Thompson can be the same old Klay Thompson when he gets back and not carry a huge load.

Celtics: Is a one-year rental for Anthony Davis worth it?

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With trade talks heating up, Rich Paul told SI Now that the Celtics could trade for AD, but that’d be a near-guarantee he leaves after the season. This raises the question of what AD’s worth is to the Celtics if he isn’t staying. There are many factors to consider, and we’ll look at the important ones in this article.

Have One-Year rentals worked and changed?

Many people like to say that, when they take a one-year rental, they can convince him to stay. Does this actually work, though? In the case of Kawhi Leonard, it certainly seems that way. Leonard got traded to Toronto on the assumption that he’d decline his option and be a free agent. Instead, Toronto is on the precipice of its first franchise Finals win with Leonard poised to stay. This situation is not the rule, but certainly a possibility.

Jayson Tatum has limitless potential and almost certainly would be a centerpiece of trade talks

What would the Celtics have to give up?

It’s almost a guarantee that the Celtics would give up almost all its current first-round picks in order to acquire Anthony Davis. However, a trancendant talent like Davis isn’t pried away with uncertain rookies alone. Jayson Tatum, though up and down, has been a star in the making for the C’s and shows much talent. He’d be a piece the Pelicans would want to cushion the blow.

There’s no guarantee that Irving returns if the Celtics get AD

Would it help them get Kyrie back?

Kyrie Irving has declined his player option, and is set to hit free agency. The Celtics want him back, and see Davis as their way to do so. However, its not as simple as that. Kyrie and the Celtics have created a rift where the team would need to ‘sell their soul’ to have him back. AD or not, it’s likely that Kyrie can’t be bought back by the C’s.

DECISION: Not worth it

The Celtics have too much to lose here. Irving is already one foot out the door unless they land Kevin Durant. Paul’s comments make it seem as if there’s zero chance AD stays there, with a track record to prove it. And in the end, the Celtics young core that it would blow up to land AD is more valuable in the long run. The Celtics would be wise to avoid Davis.

How does Kevin Durant’s injury impact the Celtics?

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I outlined in my previous article the reasons why Kevin Durant should sign with the Celtics. After his unfortunate Achilles tear last night, that seems like a lost thought. Durant’s expected recovery time is 10-18 months. However, there are plenty of ways that Durant going down drastically effects the entire NBA, and helps the C’s.

Rozier Celtics — No Durant most likely means no New York for Kyrie

Kyrie Irving’s Free Agency decision

Kyrie Irving has been linked to KD since the All-Star break. Rumors about the two joining forces have run rampant all season. Now with Kevin Durant out for the next year, Kyrie’s decision is altered. He now must either decide between the Brooklyn Nets or a return to Boston. He may want to wait the year out for a healthy Durant

Durant’s fall from the #1 spot could lure Leonard out to view his options

Dramatic shift in the FA Market

Kevin Durant was all set up to be the top free agent of 2019, and every other player would fall under him. With the top market option no longer number 1, that leaves a lot of money on the table. This potentially could lure Kawhi Leonard to decline his player option, and give the C’s a chance at grabbing a generational talent. Leonard would be insane to not give himself the options he’d have as the top free agent. It also makes role players like Marcus Morris less valuable, since an injured Durant is more valuable than a healthy Morris.

Celtics may land a discount on Durant

Kevin Durant to the Celtics has always been a possibility, but never a reality. He’s been expensive, and had an infinite line of suitors from which to choose. His injury history may scare many suitors off who don’t want to take on the risk. On top of that, the injuries may have potentially caused his price to drive down. This makes him affordable and makes Boston much more attractive. With the way the Celtics treated Gordon Hayward, Durant would be foolish to not give the C’s a hard look after injury.

Why Kevin Durant should sign with Celtics

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Kevin Durant is set to be the marquee free agent this summer. With Golden State having helped him win two titles, it’s time for KD to cement his legacy elsewhere. Many believe he may be headed to Brooklyn or the Knicks to lead them to the promised land. However, the one place Durant should really go to is Boston. Here’s why;

Durant and OKC blew a 3-1 lead in the 2017 WCF

1. He Needs to win somewhere else

Kevin Durant is most infamous for jumping ship to the Warriors from the Oklahoma City Thunder. KD has yet to reach a Finals, let alone win one, without the help of an established dynasty. Boston hasn’t reached an NBA Final since 2010, almost a decade. These two can accomplish great things together and rewrite both their legacies.

2. He was almost here before

Before Kevin Durant made his choice to join the Golden State Warriors, he was almost a Celtic. Many Boston athletes like Julian Edelman were all-in on recruitment. Durant saw plenty enough to have the team on the table, so why not go back? He’d be an immediate superstar and is still wanted by the front office of the C’s.

3. Anthony Davis

The Celtics are one of the many teams linked to Anthony Davis, and have the resources to go out and get him. Durant has played next to many great stars, and always performs better because of it. If the Celtics can make AD in Boston in a reality, than Kevin Durant would be hard-pressed to say no if Boston makes an offer. A KD-AD pairing would be nigh-unstoppable in this NBA and give Boston some much-needed star power.

4. The perfect pair to change their legacy

The Boston Celtics found themselves the only team in their city not in the finals this year. On top of that, Kyrie Irving seems as good as gone, and shows Boston has a hard time winning with big stars. Kevin Durant took the easy road to winning, but wants to rebuild his legacy. If Boston can make it work with Durant, and KD can lift the Celtics to the Finals, then both could be restored. Boston would have success with a star player again and erase the Kyrie saga. Kevin Durant would win with a team that needed him and prove he didn’t need Golden State to win.

Celtics Mock Draft: C’s to bolster depth

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The Boston Celtics possess four picks in this year’s NBA Draft. With most top-level prospects gone by the time the Celtics pick, this is the time to build depth. Brad Steven’s team relied too much on underperforming stars and lacked depth. This is the time for Danny Ainge to build up the C’s foundation.

14th Overall: Nassir Little, SF, North Carolina

Nassir Little should be at the top of the Celtics draft board. His stock fell due to his poor 3-PT shooting at the collegiate level. However, he plays excellent defense and can attack the rim with ease. The Celtics have enough floor spacing that Little’s problems wouldn’t bother them much.

20th Pick: Ty Jerome, PG, Virginia

Ty Jerome is the prototypical Brad Stevens player. He’s a reliable ball handler and defender from the 1 or 2 position. His biggest factor is his ability to run an offense. He can reliably run the floor while a coach gives his starters rest. His high basketball IQ has had the Celtics interested throughout the draft process. He’d be great value at No. 20.

22nd Pick: Tacko Fall, C, UCF

Tacko Fall is perhaps the most intriguing prospect in the entire draft. He is very raw in terms of basketball skill, and could use development in all aspects of the sport. His physical traits are what have scouts going crazy over him. Standing at 7’7” in sneakers and sporting an 8’2-1/2” wingspan, Fall is the biggest NBA prospect ever. The Celtics have the ability to carve Fall into a deadly scoring threat.

51st Pick: Jordan Bone, PG, Tennessee

The Celtics have been known to take on project players and develop them into solid bench players. Bone fits that mold. His time at Tennessee was marred by inconsistency and poor shot selection. However, Bone can play hard and has been a favorite of the C’s coaching staff. Overall, he could be a steal if he develops into a solid role player.