Tag Archives: Ainge

Could Dwight Howard Sign with Boston?

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Will Dwight Howard Wear a Celtics Jersey?

After the Hornets traded Dwight Howard to the Nets, Brooklyn negotiated a buyout with the big man that is set to go into effect on July 6th. Howard will then become a free agent and choose his team for his 15th season. There has been speculation thus far that the Celtics have interest in bringing in “Superman”. Is this a good move?

Career History

Orlando drafted Howard number one overall selection in 2004, straight out of high school. He played his best basketball with the Magic, winning three consecutive DPOY awards from 2009-11. He was also an All-Star from 2007-14. The Magic then traded Howard to the Lakers in 2011. He played one rocky season there before moving to the Rockets. After three seasons there, he was with the Hawks and Hornets for one year each before this trade. Howard has always been a double-double machine, averaging 17 points and 13 rebounds in his career thus far. Although a terrible free throw shooter, he’s an excellent finisher around the rim and also an elite defensive threat in the paint.

How He Fits

There’s no doubt that Howard could be an important piece in the rotation. He’s a true big man, and his seven-foot frame is one that many say the team desperately needs. Last year with the Hawks, he averaged 12.7 rebounds. Al Horford, Boston’s leading rebounder, averaged 6.3. He would also add a bona-fide shot-blocker to Boston’s already top-tier defense.

However, his past is controversial to say the least. In Los Angeles, he butted heads with Kobe and his coach. Things got ugly with James Harden in Houston. Hawks players reportedly cheered aloud when he was traded. ESPN’s Brendan Haywood said Thursday that the Hornets didn’t want him in their locker room either. It’s hard to imagine a scenario in which Brad Stevens would be willing to deal with a player like that. However, he’s undeniable talent and Danny Ainge might be willing to overlook his off-court issues. He’d be coming off the bench, but if he can play 20 minutes a night with the second unit, he could make big contributions.

Will Boston Sign Howard?

The Celtics’ money situation is complicated. They’re already over the salary cap for this upcoming season based off of their guaranteed contracts. However, Howard had an interesting quote on which team he’ll sign with: “I want to be in a situation where I have an opportunity to help a team win. That’s my only goal.” If this is true, it’s possible that he would be willing to take less money to join Boston. The Celtics are obviously a franchise poised to contend, and if Howard means what he says, he might join them on a bargain. However, if Howard’s ego gets in the way and his demands get too high, Ainge would have no problem walking. Let’s see if Howard wants to take a reduced role and less pay in order to chase a championship ring with the Celtics.

Follow Jack on Twitter for more: @jackbuffett_

Celtics Select Robert Williams in NBA Draft

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The Pick

Boston has chosen Robert Williams at pick 27 tonight, their first and only selection in this year’s draft. Throughout the day, rumors flew concerning the Celtics trading up to select in a lottery pick. However, Danny Ainge decided to stay put at the end of the first round.

Williams is a big from Texas A&M. At 6’9 and 237 pounds, he primarily played the four spot in college, but will likely play the center position in the NBA. Williams is freakishly athletic with a massive 7’6 wingspan. He’s a stupendous shot blocker, and will add to the team’s already stifling defense. His offensive game is in development, but at his size, he should be able to play well around the rim.

Multiple sources said that Williams could have been selected with a lottery pick. However, concerns about his work ethic reportedly detracted from his stock. He was also suspended for the first two games of the season by A&M for an unspecified violation of team rules. There was some uncertainty surrounding the health of his knee as well. However, his ceiling is high, and if he puts in the work he could contribute in his rookie season, much like the last two first-round selections before him.

What It Means for the Team

Williams obviously won’t start this year ahead of Al Horford. However, this selection puts the jobs of Aron Baynes and Greg Monroe in jeopardy. Monroe’s future in Boston was already uncertain, and this move now makes him seem to be the odd man out. Baynes’ role seems more secure. As of this writing, Keith Smith reports that the Celtics still are fixated on resigning him. However, should the team decide that they want to go a new direction, Baynes could also find himself with a new team. It is also possible that Williams could be included in a trade package come July. With so many big names in play, Williams’ value could prove tantalizing to other teams.

For now, however, Brad Stevens will work hard to fit him right in with the already cohesive unit. It is likely that WIlliams’ first appearance in a Celtics jersey will come during the 2018 Summer League. He will wear number 44, the jersey last worn by fan favorite Brian Scalabrine. Hopefully, fans will become drawn to the new teammate in the same way. Welcome to Boston, Robert Williams!

Follow Jack on Twitter for more: @jackbuffett_

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.