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NBA Free Agent Profile: SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

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.

Kyrie Irving Declines Player Option

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Celtics Moving On From Irving

As expected, Kyrie Irving declined his $21.3 million (M) 2019-2020 player option on Wednesday. Irving’s commitment has been inconsistent, to put it politely, since he arrived with the Boston Celtics two years ago. Now the Celtics will formally move on from Irving and will look to replace him, either through the draft or free agency. Irving’s departure will undoubtedly make it more difficult to draw another superstar to Boston, e.g. the much obsessed-over Anthony Davis. The Celtics cap issues are well known, despite Irving’s $21.3M coming off the books, so does it even matter? As I’ve written for Boston Sports Extra, the Boston Celtics need to keep it in house.

Theis Celtics — Boston Celtics center Aaron Baynes (46) dunks on LeBron James (23) during the 2017-2018 NBA Playoffs. Baynes picked up his 2019-2020 player option Wednesday. (Credit: WKYC.com)

Aaron Baynes Coming Back

Aaron Baynes picked up his $5.9M player option Wednesday. The 6’10” center provides veteran depth in addition to a solid backup to Al Horford. The 32-year old Australian played in 51 games in 2018-2019, averaging 5.6 ppg and 4.7 rebounds per game (rpg) in only 16 minutes per game. In fact, per 36 minutes Baynes averages 12.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg, and 1.5 blocks per game, which would make him a top-20 center. Baynes also shot 86% from the free throw line, making him a late-game asset rather than the liability typical of his position.

Davis Celtics — The dream is over for some Boston Celtics fans, which begs the question: What’s next?

Boston’s Next Move

With Irving gone and Baynes signed through the 2019-2020 season, what is the Celtics next move? The 2019 NBA Draft is a week away. Will the Celtics address their needs in the draft? If they do, are Horford, Baynes and Marcus Smart enough of a veteran presence? Will their young stars progress with Irving gone and accept leadership roles? Do the Celtics trade their young stars for a superstar, even if it’s just for a year rental? Questions remain, but two things are certain. Aaron Baynes will be a Celtic next season, and the team has officially moved on from Kyrie Irving. If nothing else, Irving’s departure brings a sense of closure to a mentally-taxing situation.

Will Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) be the center piece of the team next year or the center piece of a trade? Credit: Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports

Wild Off Season

The Boston Celtics are still in great position. The fast-approaching free agency period could be one of the wildest in years. The once predictable off-season is now plagued with uncertainty. The Celtics have multiple first round draft picks and young stars. Danny Ainge has proven a savvy, business-first general manager. The NBA is approaching crazy times and the Boston Celtics have the assets and the front office brass to make sense of it all.

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.

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.

NBA Draft: How the Celtics Can land the #2 Pick

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The Boston Celtics are in a bit of a pinch in terms of cap space. Even with the impending departure of Kyrie Irving the C’s still have problems. Therefore, they will be forced to improve their roster in the upcoming NBA Draft. They currently hold the 14th, 20th, and 22nd picks in the first round of this year’s draft. However, this draft holds the key to the Celtics biggest hole at PG; that answer is Ja Morant. The Memphis Grizzlies, who possess the #2 pick, are slotted to take Morant but may be willing to explore trading the pick. Here is how Danny Ainge can swing the trade.

Cap implications between Boston and Memphis make guys like Hayward and Horford (pictured) nigh untradeable.

Untradeables/Untouchables

First, lets start by outlining what won’t be on the trade table. Gordon Hayward‘s contract-production combo makes him immovable. If Horford accepts his $30M option, he would also be hard to trade due to his age and what he can bring to a team. Sean Faulkner breaks down the cap problems perfectly in his roster prediction article. Also, expect the Grizzlies to want to keep Mike Conley and Jaren Jackson Jr., quality players that they can build around without the #2 pick. Lastly, I’d imagine Jayson Tatum is untouchable, as Ainge and Brad Stevens see huge potential in him.

Trade One: C’s try the Danny Ainge low-ball

Celtics receive: #2 pick (Ja Morant), C.J. Miles Grizzlies receive: Jaylen Brown, Semi Ojeleye, #20 pick, #22 pick

Danny Ainge has made a living off of stealing picks in the NBA Draft for well under their value. Here, he places one of his excess wings (Brown) with some extra compensation and takes C.J. Miles to keep salary fairly close. Notice the Celtics lottery pick (14th overall) is not included in this trade. If Memphis sees Brown as value enough, the C’s could replace Brown at 14 with talented wings projected to be there. This would be a steal for Ainge if he can pull it off. Draft props don’t favor this result, though Ainge’s success would be a payday for any willing bettor.

Jaylen Brown is a valuable trade asset that would get a larger role elsewhere

Trade Two: Blockbuster shakeup

Celtics receive: #2 pick (Ja Morant), Kyle Anderson, Jevon Carter Grizzles Receive: Jaylen Brown, Robert Williams, Semi Ojeleye, #14 pick, #22 Pick

Ultimately, the Celtics will have to give the Grizzlies a rather nice haul if they hope to land the uber-talented Morant. This NBA Draft is top heavy, and thus drives up trade value of top-5 picks. The Celtics get to keep their 20th pick, and get a quality wing in Kyle Anderson. The Grizzlies, in turn, get young talent to bolster their roster and a lottery pick to help ease the loss of Anderson. This is the most likely trade scenario, and would give the Celtics some contract flexibility and a future star in Ja Morant.

Why Marcus Smart is the Celtics’ MVP

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After a tumultuous season for the Celtics, we begin the offseason discussion. With a few key pieces of last season set to hit free agency, we must look at what the Celtics need to hold on to. There is no player on this team that is more valuable than Marcus Smart. While an unpopular opinion, a case can be made that Smart was the team MVP last season. Here’s why:

Smart has expertly defend high-caliber players like LeBron James

All-NBA Defensive First Team

When you here the name Marcus Smart, you probably think of how great a defender he is. Smart made his first All-NBA defensive first team this year. However, Marcus ‘Winning Plays’ Smart has been putting on the clamps all five years he’s been on the C’s. Averaging 1.6 steals in his career, Smart is sneakily good at pickpocketing the ball. His biggest impact is that Marcus’ defensive plays always seem to alter the course of the game in favor of the C’s.

Marcus Smart: Locker Room Leader

Smart doesn’t receive enough praise for his leadership qualities. For one, he brings a competitive edge to the team. This edge is sometimes the difference between them winning and losing. The Marcus Smart mentality also is a huge help come playoff season, which is why the Celtics have enjoyed recent postseason success. Smart is also a leader in the fact that he is always on his teammate’s side. Kyrie Irving is a great example. Many times this season analysts have pointed to Kyrie’s leadership as a source of the team’s woes. When Marcus Samrt was asked about this, he said the claims were ‘B.S.’. Even if Kyrie is a bad teammate, Smart was not willing to throw him under the bus. That’s leadership right there.

He is the prototypical Boston athlete

When we talk about what a Boston athlete should be, we often think of Tom Brady. Highly competitive, chip on his shoulder, and always seems to find ways to win. Bruins Defenseman Zdeno Chara and Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia are other examples of this. For the Celtics, their version of the ‘Boston Athlete’ is Marcus Smart. Smart has always played like he wasn’t getting enough appreciation (he wasn’t). He also is always competing, all the way down to the final seconds. It’s this reason alone why Marcus Smart is the team’s MVP, and its not even close.

NBA Draft: Who the C’s Should target at #14

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The Celtics possesses one lottery pick, at the 14th selection this year. Most times the end of the lottery has not yielded great players in the league. However, players like Tim Hardaway and Clyde Drexler have been great value at 14 for other teams. With that note, here are 5 players the Celtics should target in this upcoming NBA Draft.

Fall’s size and length could raise his stock more than some think.

5. Tacko Fall, C, UCF

Tacko Fall is by no means a complete player. He still has some work to do on his game to become more well-rounded. Its his size that has scouts drooling over his potential. Standing at 7’7″ with an 8’2″ wingspan makes him tower over any player. His long, thin arms allow him to attack the rim with ease, as well as make spectacular defensive plays. With Horford likely to return to Boston, he can be a great mentor to help develop Fall into a quality pick.

Williams brings experience and two-way ability to the table

4. Grant Williams, PF/C, Tennessee

Grant Williams is one of the NBA Draft’s safest choices. Although a hot-and-cold shooter from deep, Williams is mostly a complete prospect. The two-time SEC Player of the year is everything you want from a stretch big. A reliable offensive game inside the ark and the athleticism to guard multiple position. Williams also is more seasoned than most prospects in this draft, having played three seasons of college ball.

The NBA Draft brings many young prospects, including White

3. Coby White, PG, North Carolina

The Celtics targeting the PG position in the NBA Draft is a close to sure thing as you will get. But who could they pick? White would be the best fit for the Celtics. He plays hard and can space the floor effectively. White is young and most likely wiil not be ready to start right away, but if the Celtics can pair him with a veteran they’d be well-set for the future.

Langford’s ability to score makes him an intriguing prospect

2. Romeo Langford, SG, Indiana

Romeo Langford is one of the NBA Draft’s biggest question marks. He’s an offensive dynamo and can shoot from deep at an above average clip. He can be streaky sometimes, but he adjusts and distributes the ball once he realizes this. His defense is his biggest problem. Inconsistent effort and the inability to keep up with certain types of players have hurt his draft stock. Luckily for Langford, Marcus Smart could help develop his defensive skills. Overall, if the Celtics can bear the defensive problems, Langford could be the steal of the Draft.

Reddish is a solid player with untapped potential

1. Cameron Reddish, SG/SF, Duke

Reddish is the ideal prospect for the Celtics. The NBA Draft’s forgotten Duke prospect has all the tools needed. An offensive threat and solid defender, Cam Reddish is framed as the prototypical ‘sixth man’. The one knock on him is that he does everything good, but nothing great. This could be attributed to the fact he played with the two top prospects in this draft. Overall, if Reddish is there at #14, I’d be shocked if Danny Ainge didn’t pick him.

Positives of Gordon Hayward on Celtics second unit

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In a docu-series released by The Athletic called “The Return”, Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward exclaimed:

“I won’t be the same player… I’ll be a different player. I think something of that magnitude changes you as a player. Does that mean that I’m not going to be able to get to the same level or better than I was? Absolutely not.”

(Waltham, MA, 11/02/17) Gordon Hayward leaves after talking with reporters about his leg injury at the Celtics practice facility. Thursday, November 2, 2017. Staff photo by John Wilcox.

Being just over a year removed from a devastating foot and ankle injury, a slow start was expected for Hayward. Though, not many expected the former All-Star to have a career-low .390 field goal percentage while averaging just ten points per game.

Hayward’s struggles have mirrored Boston’s, as the Celtics are ranked 24 of 30 in points per game (105.6) and offensive rating (105.8). They rank even worse in team shooting percentage (42.8 percent) at 28 of 30.

Clearly, a shake-up is needed, and Hayward is well aware of it. The forward told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe that he is willing to come off the bench. Specifically, Hayward stated:

“For me, I’m happy to be on the court, No. 1 more than anything and, No. 2, whatever I can do to help us win’’.

Before Celtic fans panic about their highest paid player coming off the bench, let us look at the positives that will come from the situation.

More shot attempts for Hayward

When asked about his slow start, Hayward answered:

“Sometimes it gets frustrating, but for me, I’ve played in the league long enough to know you just have to put in the work in practice and shoot with confidence, shoot your way out of it.”

Unfortunately, Hayward hasn’t been allowed to “shoot his way out of it” due to the Celtics’ abundance of scoring options. Boston has seven players averaging at least 8.5 field goal attempts per game, with Hayward being second to last among them at 9.5. This is a far cry from the 15 field-goal attempts per game Hayward saw in his final seasons in Utah.

A move to the bench will create a situation where Hayward is a primary scoring option, allowing him to attempt more field goals, and shoot out of his slump.

A veteran scorer on Celtics second unit

Boston’s second unit is struggling offensively. Only Marcus Morris (0.2) has a positive offensive box plus/minus in the group. The Celtic’s need to swap Jaylen Brown, who is struggling offensively, with Hayward, which would allow Boston to add a veteran scorer to their second unit without mortgaging their defense.

Via Sporting News

Boston is desperate for a spark

The Celtics have to change things up offensively. They need Hayward taking more shots in order to escape his “funk”, as well as need their offensive efficiency to improve as a whole.

Hayward coming off the bench is just the spark Boston needs. Having an All-Star caliber presence off will give the Celtics a massive advantage over teams that lack depth. There will be no possessions off for Boston’s opposition when Hayward enters the game for Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown.