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Boston Celtics: Free Agent Targets

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The Void at Point Guard

Insiders around the NBA don’t expect Kyrie Irving to be playing for the Boston Celtics in 2019-2020. The Celtics could lose one of the best players in the league, but they’ll also lose their point guard. Assuming the Celtics don’t address their point guard issues in the draft, they’ll look to free agency.

It’s hard to imagine Aaron Baynes not exercising his $5.5 million ($5.5M) option, and restructuring Baynes’ contract seems unlikely. Al Horford is due $30.1M via a player option this season. and becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2020-2021 at age 34. If Horford earns that $301.1M, but another team signs Terry Rozier, the Celtics salary cap will still approach $99.9M. The Celtics would have just over $9M in cap space, and $23M in “soft cap” space, before hitting the luxury tax. It would be difficult for Boston to sign a marquee point guard while retaining roster depth with that kind of money. Horford restructuring his contract would not be difficult.

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Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving, left, smiles as he hugs teammate Terry Rozier (12) during a game in 2017. Both point guards are expected to sign with other teams for the 2019-2020 season. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)

Restructuring Al Horford

The Boston Celtics could restructure Horford to a 4-year $100M contract that paid $20M in 2019-2020. This hypothetical contract would pay Horford $23.5M, $27.5M and $29M, respectively, until 2022-2023. The salary cap will rise as Horford approaches 38 years of age by contract’s end. That restructured contract would free up an additional $10M in 2019-2020, affording the Celtics the requisite cap space.

This hypothetical contract would also count for $23.5M against the 2020-2021 salary cap. Combined with Gordon Hayward’s $34.1M, Marcus Smart’s $12.9M, Jason Tatum’s non-guaranteed $9.9M club option and Jaylen Brown’s $8.6M qualifying offer, the 2020-2021 salary cap would sit at $89.5M. Considering the NBA salary cap increases to $118M in 2020-2021, the Celtics would have $28.5M in cap space. The luxury tax threshold increases to $143M that season, meaning Boston could theoretically have upwards of $54M in cap space. That money will cover any free agent signed in 2019-2020, draft picks, a veteran minimum contract and extension space for Tatum and Brown.

The Boston Celtics will need to restructure Al Horford’s contract moving forward if the Celtics plan to sign any marquee free agents, or even offer extensions to existing players such as Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Free Agent Point Guards

The market happens to be rife with point guards, some of which would fit the Celtics roster and salary cap. There are 18 unrestricted, and one restricted, free agent point guards available this off season. I believe six of them would be perfect fits for the Celtics. Kemba Walker, an All-NBA selection, will command the most money. Ricky Rubio made $13.75M in 2018-2019 and will likely command somewhere ~150% of that salary in 2019-2020. Patrick Beverly and D’Angelo Russell both made ~$5.8M in 2018-2019, but Russell’s salary will be drastically different in 2019-2020. Elfrid Payton and Emmanuel Mudiay provide the most flexibility, but the most uncertainty. Mudiay’s $5.8M qualifying offer would cost the New York Knicks nearly $13M against their cap.

Considering the money likely required to secure Walker and Russell, combined with Russell’s documented immaturity, I would pass on both. One could also make the same financial argument for Rubio, whose production likely won’t match his salary. Mudiay is a nice player, but not much of an upgrade over Boston’s current options. Besides, Mudiay could be retained by the New York Knicks. I argue here for the free agent signings of Beverly and Payton. Patrick Beverly would provide the defensive veteran presence and playoff experience Brad Stevens would appreciate. Elfrid Payton, 25, averaged 10.6 ppg, 5.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.0 steal per game for the New Orleans Pelicans. Those contracts would likely cost the Celtics ~$20M per season going forward, freeing up the requisite cap space for depth. The Boston Celtics need to make moves at point guard and I believe I’ve outlined the perfect plan.

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.

boston celtics schedule 2019-2020

Boston Celtics: Potential 2019-2020 Roster

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Power Through Draft Picks

For the past several seasons the Boston Celtics have been in a position of power. The Celtics “Big Three” of the late oughts were parlayed into an abundance of first round picks by GM Danny Ainge. One of those picks was traded for Kyrie Irving, who instantly propelled the Celtics to the next level. When Irving’s late season injury kept him out of the 2017-2018 playoffs, the young Boston core stepped up. The future looked bright for the Boston Celtics.

Unfortunately, the Kyrie Irving situation may not have worked in Boston, but the bigger question is: Will any big free agent acquisition end up working out for the Celtics? The situation doesn’t look as promising with Irving reportedly wanting out of Boston, which would hurt the Celtics trade prospects. Losing Kyrie would also make it difficult to lure another marquee player who might be reluctant to take on Irving’s 2017-2019 role. Players also seem to be keying in on a city’s marketability, and even the weather. There’s a reason we only seem to hear about New York or Los Angeles as potential landing spots for superstar free agents.

The situation between the Boston Celtics and All-NBA point guard Kyrie Irving didn’t exactly go as Celtics fans would have hoped the past two seasons. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

A Realistic Future

Imagine a scenario in which the Celtics lose Kyrie Irving next season. Let’s also assume Al Horford and Aaron Baynes pick up their 2019-2020 player options. Finally, we’ll assume the Celtics retain Terry Rozier through their unmatched qualifying offer via Rozier’s restricted free agency. These three scenarios are not only plausible, but possible. The roster might look familiar, but the salary cap situation might surprise you.

Six roster spots on the Boston Celtics are contractually-bound. Those six players – Gordon Hayward, Jason Tatum, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Guerschon Yabusele and Robert Williams – account for over $64 million, or 59% of the salary cap. If we add Horford and Baynes’ player options the salary cap climbs to over $100 million, or 92% of the salary cap. Finally, Rozier’s qualifying offer is nearly $4.3 million, however, the cap number would be nearly $9.2 million. Rozier’s contract would put the Boston Celtics salary cap over $109.9 million; the NBA salary cap is $109 million.

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The Boston Celtics are looking for a big rebound from former All-Star small forward Gordon Hayward, who accounts for more than a quarter of the team’s salary cap in 2019-2020. (Image: MLG Highlights Youtube)

A Reasonable Roster

It’s clear after crunching the numbers the Celtics will be over the salary cap. The good news is the luxury tax is $132 million in 2019-2020, so ownership has the flexibility to sign their draft picks and perhaps take on a veteran minimum contract.

With the money essentially allocated the question becomes who actually fills out the Celtics roster in 2019-2020? With positions like shooting guard (Jaylen Brown), small forward (Gordon Hayward; Jason Tatum) and power forward/center (Al Horford; Aaron Baynes) set, the focus becomes point guard. Justin Mantegani wrote a great piece for Boston Sports Extra highlighting the need at point guard and possible solutions.

The Celtics are set at positions like small forward, center and shooting guard, begging the question: Who will play point guard for Boston?

The Need For Depth

Questions about the point guard position are pressing, no pun intended, but even more pressing is Boston’s depth. As it stands according to the aforementioned scenario, the Celtics would enter the 2019-2020 season with Smart and Baynes as their only reliable veteran bench players. The rest would comprise of Guerschon Yabusele, Robert Williams and the Celtics’ 2019 draft picks. Perhaps, instead of concentrating on landing marquee superstars, the focus should be acquiring veterans to help the Celtics young core.

The Celtics have budding young stars in Tatum and Brown. The team has veteran All-Stars in Hayward and Horford, and the heart of the team in Marcus Smart. Boston even has raw potential in Yabusele and Williams, not to mention their incoming draft picks. The biggest issue for the Celtics is depth, especially at the point guard position. With Boston’s star point guard Kyrie Irving all but gone, that’s where the focus needs to be.

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Which NBA teams should Celtics fans keep an eye on?

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The Boston Celtics will be must-see TV with superstars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward returning. It will be important for Celtics fans to pay attention to other NBA teams as well because they will determine the placement of Boston’s draft picks at the end of the year.

In order to make mid-first-round draft picks sound exciting, the following is a list of notable Boston Celtics first-round draft selections outside of the lottery: Terry Rozier (No. 16 – 2015), Avery Bradley (No. 19 – 2010), Gerald Green (No. 18 – 2007), Al Jefferson (No. 15 – 2004), Rick Fox (No. 24 – 1991), Reggie Lewis (No. 22 – 1987)

Memphis Grizzlies

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Mike Conley (11) of the Memphis Grizzlies flexes during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. (Photo from TheCommercialAppeal.com)

In 2015, the Celtics, Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans orchestrated a three-team trade sending forward Jeff Green from Boston to Memphis in exchange for Austin Rivers, Tayshaun Prince, and a protected future first-round pick. Rivers would eventually be traded to the Clippers for a second-round pick. Prince went to the Pistons in a three-team deal involving Isaiah Thomas. The Celtics still hold the Grizzlies’ draft pick, which will be protected if it falls in between No. 1 and No. 8 in 2019 or No. 1 and No. 6 in 2020, and will be unprotected in 2021.

Last season, Memphis finished 14th in the Western Conference with a 22-60 record. With the return of Mike Conley from injury, as well as the emergence of former Celtic MarShon Brooks, the Grizzlies may improve. If that is the case, the Celtics may get their hands on a draft pick in the back half of the lottery. Although if the Grizzlies are to struggle, it may be another season or two until the Celtics see any further return on Jeff Green.

Los Angeles Clippers

During the 2016 NBA Draft, the Celtics traded picks 31 (Deyonta Davis) and 35 (Rade Zagorac) to the Memphis Grizzlies for a future 2019 first-round pick from the Clippers. Boston still owns the Clippers pick, which is lottery protected in both 2019 and 2020. If Los Angeles has not conveyed the pick by then, they will instead convey a 2022 second-round selection.

With the Clippers returning to mediocrity, it seems unlikely the Celtics will receive compensation any time soon. Last season, the Clippers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2010-11. With the departures of Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan, not one of their remaining players has ever appeared in an All-Star game.

When the Clippers inevitably struggle, it will be detrimental for Boston. Their best-case scenario would be to receive a first-round pick outside of the lottery. Celtics fans should be rooting for Doc Rivers once more, because the more the Clipper lose, the longer the Celtics will have to wait for a return.

Sacramento Kings

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Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) dribbles up court during an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Prior to the 2017 NBA Draft, Danny Ainge made a bold, but brilliant trade, moving the No. 1 draft pick (Markelle Fultz) to the Philadelphia 76ers for the No. 3 overall pick (Jayson Tatum) and a future first-round pick in 2018 from the Los Angeles Lakers. Boston would only receive the Lakers pick if it was between No. 2 and No. 5, which it was not, however. So, Philadelphia will send Boston the better of their own or the Sacramento Kings 2019 first-round picks.

Celtics fans should not expect to receive the 76ers pick, as they finished third in the Eastern Conference last season and have two of the NBA’s brightest young talents in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Rather, Celtic’s fans should expect to receive the Kings pick, as they are clearly the inferior team, finishing 12th in the Western Conference last season. It will be important to keep an eye on De’Aaron Fox and the Sacramento Kings, as they could have a dreadful season, which would drastically assist Boston come draft day.

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ESPN Releases Projected Records For The 2019 NBA Season

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ESPN Pegs Golden State as Consensus No.1, Boston Not far Behind

In what may come as a surprise to nobody, the Golden State Warriors are projected to win 53.8 games this season. ESPN had recently dropped their projected win totals for all 30 NBA teams. Rounding out the top 3 for the Western Conference is the Houston Rockets, and Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Eastern Conference shows little surprise as well. The Boston Celtics earned a projected 51.1 wins. With Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving ready to rumble, this team is finally back to full strength. This Celtics team can and will give the Warriors a huge run for their money this season.

The Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors round out the top 3. Both teams are great second tier talents. They just do not have enough to keep up with this dangerous and versatile Celtics roster.

The 2019 NBA Draft Could be Boom or Bust for Boston

One of the biggest implications towards next year’s draft would be the projected record of the Sacramento Kings. They owe Boston their first round pick( number 1 protected) which means that we own the pick as long as it doesn’t land number 1 overall. Sacramento is going in no apparent direction at the moment and appears in all likelihood to be the worst team in the league this year. ESPN has their projected win total set at a league low 25.4 wins. Under the new lottery rules if Sacramento finishes the season with the worst record the No.1 pick would land in the hands of the 76ers. That would be a disastrous outcome for Boston.

This is a stacked draft class this year, as some pretty good freshman can go one and done. Zion Williamson, Rj Barrett, Nassir Little, Cam Reddish, and Bol Bol are all great talents. There are a lot of guys from Duke this year.   Not to mention the Celtics can also take the Memphis Grizzlies’ first rounder as long as it falls outside the top 8. Boston could have as many as four first rounders this year. If disaster strikes they could be handing over their golden pick to the rival 76ers. We shall see in due time.

While this season can and will be something to watch for Boston fans, we still have teams to keep an eye on throughout the season. Be sure to root for Sacramento to be bad, but not THAT bad. Let’s hope Memphis can land somewhere in the back half of the bottom 10 teams. The future of this team looks bright.

Big Boom or Big Bust: Robert Williams III

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What’s the old saying? The rich get richer? That’s what appears to have happened for the Celtics this past Thursday at the 2018 NBA Draft. Big names fell to where most mock draft boards had them going, but perhaps no bigger name (or shoes) in the draft felt more like a steal than the 6’10″ 240lb Texas A&M center Robert Williams III. Falling all the way to #27, Brad Stevens commented:

”Each pick we were hoping more and more he would be available at 27 .. The ability to block shots, the ability to alter shots, the quickness to catch up to guards shooting if they get a step and still be able to alter that …  and then, if you can have four shooters on the floor and a guy like that rolling to the rim, you can just throw it up in the air and he can go and get it and finish.”

Pretty much nailed it, and high praise for sure. The kid seems like he could fit the mold of a DeAndre Jordan or a poor man’s Dwight Howard (the good one) at best. At worst, he could resemble a Stromile Swift or Joakim Noah. For now, save your money on that Williams III jersey. The defense is elite from this guy, but he could use some work offensively, though. Let’s button down some projections and outlooks for the newest member of the Boston Celtics, Robert Williams III.

A Numbers Game 

With 2017-2018 behind us, Boston looks to recharge from an ECF exit. How do you add more electricity to an already supercharged team? You go to Texas and find Robert Williams III. Remember when you had that Nerf hoop and would put all your friends on posters? That’s pretty much what he does with any open look at the rim. RWIII has a wingspan of 7’6”, rivaling fellow draftee Mo Bamba of the Orlando Magic, who measured a record 7’10”. To put it in NBA perspective, Rudy Gobert measured at 7’9”, which was the best in the league before Bamba. Williams III averaged four blocks per 40/min, which is incredible. Gobert is one of the best defenders in the NBA because of the measurement, and it’s an important one for Williams game too.

A smidge undersized for a center height-wise, Williams III’s 240 pounds of physical nature and bully-ball frame will be what gets him off the pine for Stevens if not for his at-the-rim athleticism. Not only does RWIII excel in transition, he’s a solid rebounder that pursues the ball well. With his length and frame he’s often bigger than his opponents, though adding some muscle and establishing a good footwork regimen could help this young spark plug establish a more dominant foundation down low. Don’t sleep on his blocking ability either. With reach like his and being a shot hunter, don’t expect any easy buckets when taking it to the hole.

Lob City 2.0? Possibly! Throw the ball anywhere near the hoop and Williams III will catch it and hurt your feelings. His added energy and try-hard attitude is exactly what Boston needs at the five spot. Baynes gets dunked on while Williams does the dunking. Monroe was serviceable, but he’s past his peak and could be gone sooner than later. Al Horford is where you get what you can’t teach, leadership. Theis will be back as well which could slide Al to his natural four spot, and falling into a mentor role wonderfully. Williams would be the second wind Horford desperately needs as his career winds down.

Adding someone like RWIII to the already #1 defensive team in the NBA seems unfair, and having him being able to throw it down from anywhere seems inhuman. He could be something special in a year or two, but he’s young, and college isn’t the NBA. Rim protector? 100%, as he did win the SEC DPOY his two years of college. Offensively, however, is where RWIII could spend some time on the farm.

Old McDanny

Lately, DA’s been right on the money when drafting young talent. Someone who would make any AAA team proud,  Ainge might be the best GM in the NBA. That Nets-Celtics trade that launched DA into GM superstardom was the most crucial moment for the Celtics post-2008. Out with the old, in with the new. Sure, he broke some hearts along the way, but that’s what rock stars do. With a cast of Brown, Rozier, Smart, and Tatum, Williams III seems to be the missing link between Game 7 and hoisting the Larry O Brien. Point of interest, Ainge addressed a major issue that Celtics had without giving up anything to get it. After all, defensive does win championships, and as previously mentioned, the new guy will bring that and then some.

His offense is the biggest question mark when translated to the NBA, though. Bluntly, he’s a poor shooter and fades in and out of games when he reverts to relying on teammates. Luckily he plays in Boston now, so he’ll have plenty of help putting the orange in the hoop and won’t have to carry a high volume scoring load. Still, even getting the ball to teammates might be tough as he’s even worse at passing out of tough situations or double teams, averaging 2.8 turnovers per 40/min. But, not all is lost. Someone named Irving usually handles the ball, so really Williams III just needs to get open. He won’t wow you with points, and his offensive blunders could have him spending time in the G League. If that is the case he won’t be there for long, if at all.

With recent, unexpected success coming so early from the Celtic youth, it’s hard to argue Danny didn’t get this one right too. RWIII isn’t going to blow you away on the offensive end every night, Boston has other players for that. DA drafted the exact player the Celtics needed: a defensive anchor. Another case of the Luck of the Irish seems to be the culprit, because a lot of teams needed the skill-set that comes along with a Robert Williams yet passed up on him twenty-six times. Why? Even tougher to find a real center anymore in the NBA, RWIII’s name could soon be coupled with Ayton and Bamba in years to come.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

Williams was suspended to start his sophomore season at Texas A&M for an undisclosed reason that was dealt with at the school level. No doubt Danny Ainge did his own research, and even mentioned the red flags that come with Williams in a post draft interview. His college coach was quoted, “unfortunately, young people make mistakes”. Hopefully he was just caught self-medicating instead of some straight up criminal act. Which is better, right?

We’ve covered Williams offensive struggles, but pay very close attention to this. His complacency in the offensive when he can’t get things going slows him down as well as forces him into bad shots and passes. He shoots reminiscent of JaVale McGee taking a jumper, something no one wants to see. He also shoots free throws like Shaq. Not the most consistent player on either end, either. He might have a big frame but he hardly goes left. If you can stop him going right, you’ve most likely stopped him all together. Also, yes he has “hops”, but that’s a double edge sword as he falls for the slightest of fakes. A could be defensive star, Williams would benefit from getting minutes to keep his at-times-questionable motor running.

Rosters moves could propel or prevent Williams from getting some love, but he’ll bring an instant impact when his name’s called. Having a sweet baby hook when his backs to the basket will be in for a treat. Tatum exceeded expectations, while Rozier and Brown have become household names. DA might’ve found himself another diamond in Williams III, and with elbow grease and polish to his game, there’s potential to be the center of the future for not only Boston, but possibly the NBA.

Rookie Projection

Watch out Easten Conference, Boston has its defensive juggernaut. Ainge didn’t have to make a major trade or give up assets for one, and that’s a win right there. He does appear far behind offensively, so as a rookie he might be able to only offer easy baskets, putbacks, rebounds and blocked shots. Which hell, isn’t too shabby if you ask me. He’ll most likely be used for his athleticism around the basket, though it wouldn’t be surprising if he spent time developing in practice. Can he follow in the footprints of a Clint Capela or a DeAndre Jordan, similar athletes who don’t need the ball or jump shots to be effective? Expect him to be mostly a role player for now with potential to anchor an NBA team down the road.

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REPORT: The Celtics are Including Terry Rozier in Draft Trades

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Danny Ainge and the Celtics are reportedly involving Terry Rozier in potential trades to move up in the draft. This was first reported by Brian Robb of the Boston Sports Journal. Robb says that, “the Celtics have discussed Terry Rozier with other teams as part of a trade package to move up.”

Rozier, 24, is entering the final year of his contract next season. He expects to cash out on his next deal considering his 2017-18 performance. He was the 16th overall pick by the Celtics in the 2015 NBA Draft and has made a massive contribution to this team. His first two-years for the Celtics were pretty quiet. He started no games and averaged 1.8 PPG and 5.5 PPG. However, in his third year Rozier exploded into one of the best bench-options in the NBA. In the 80 regular season games that Rozier played, he started 16 of them. This was due to the injuries Kyrie Irving accumulated throughout the year. Rozier averaged a career-high in PPG (11.3), RPG (4.7), APG (2.9), FG% (.395), and 3-point FG% (.381).

Scary Terry became a national star in the playoffs as he started every game for the Celtics. He averaged 16.2 PPG, 5.6 APG, and 5.3 RPG. Terry Rozier was a major reason as to why the Celtics made it all the way to a game-seven of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Possible Options with Rozier:

Rozier has one year-left on his rookie contract, leaving the Celtics with a big decision. Do they keep him and try to negotiate a new deal with Rozier, or do they trade him? In this scenario the Celtics use Rozier as leverage to move up in the draft. This does not mean he is the center of the trade. However, it means he will be one of the reasons it will happen. The Celtics have had reported interest in top-10 prospects Mohammad Bamba and Michael Porter Jr.

The Celtics could be looking at a potential major trade to help them not only compete with teams around the league, but win the NBA championship.

Which Celtics Target Makes the Most Sense at Pick 27?

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The Boston Celtics are slotted to select lower than 16th in Thursday night’s draft for the first time since 2012. The last time the C’s picked this low was in 2009. That year, they selected the immortal J.R. Giddens following their first NBA title in 22 seasons.

This, of course, is barring any last-second jockeying from President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge. He could decide at any moment that the #27 overall pick would be better served as part of one of his infamous trade packages. Twitter has been buzzing with fake trades for Kawhi Leonard or a move into the top five. However, such moves seem unlikely. It appears we’re headed for a (relatively) straightforward night.

As of Monday, the Celtics have held pre-draft workouts with 17 different players, including:

  • National Player of the Year Jalen Brunson
  • Final Four Most Outstanding Player Donte DiVincenzo
  • Duke guard Grayson Allen
  • Arizona guard Allonzo Trier
  • Villanova forward Omari Spellman

Ainge mentioned in interviews earlier this month that he and his team had “tried to laser focus in to about 10 [players] at this point” for the 27th pick, taking a number of different factors into account. But which of those players makes most sense for the C’s?

Needs and Wants

Guard is the most pressing area of need roster-wise. That explains why Boston has worked out so many high-pedigree players at that position. Marcus Smart is a restricted free agent. Terry Rozier proved his value in the postseason, but his contract expires after this season. Shane Larkin was serviceable as a spot up shooter and fringe rotation guy. However, he’s more of a nice depth piece to have in the mix than an irreplaceable rotation player. And of course, Kyrie Irving‘s health and impending free agency have spawned hot takes and think-pieces across the internet for well over a month.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Celtics are thin at big.  Al Horford is Brad Stevens‘ Swiss Army Knife and Boston’s most important player. He also turned 32 on July 3rd. Aron Baynes was surprisingly effective last season. He’ll hopefully figure into the team’s plans next season. Daniel Theis is coming off a torn meniscus, and Greg Monroe is not a viable modern center.

Ainge seems to favor gritty guards and wings with strong intangibles (Rozier, Smart, Avery Bradley, Tony Allen, Jaylen Brown), especially with first round picks. That rules out a player like Trier, whose scoring is offset by often lazy defending and lack of focus.

Spellman and DiVincenzo could be high ceiling options who fit the mold. DiVencenzo has wowed at both the combine and in his individual workouts, which has only perpetuated a stock rise. Spellman could be the type of multi-faceted offensive big Ainge hoped to get with Jared Sullinger. However, I’d be surprised if either are still there at #27 based on their pre-draft buzz.

Best Options

Ultimately, I think the best bet here is Brunson, followed closely by Duke’s Allen and Georgia Tech shooting guard Josh Okogie. Brunson’s feel for the game is unmatched by anyone else in this draft class. He’s also a terrific shooter (52/41/80 shooting splits last season) with a diverse offensive arsenal that includes a developed post-game. Plus, Brunson has proven himself on the biggest stage, winning two national titles as a starter. In other words, he’ll be able to contribute immediately.

The Same can be said for Allen, who, despite his on-court antics and volatility, has been a top contributor on one of the best teams in the country throughout his college career. Okogie is a project with tremendous upside. He has all of the physical tools (6′ 4″ with a 7′ wingspan). He was also a 37.6% three point shooter at the college level. Okogie may be rough around the edges, but would be a welcome addition to Boston’s ever-growing stable of switchable wings.

Ainge will take the best player available on the board, there’s no denying that. But part of the beauty and fun of the draft is “the best player on the board” could be anyone. It all depends on who rises, and who falls. All things considered, if that player is Jalen Brunson, expect commissioner Adam Silver to call his name when the Celtics are on the clock.

Boston Celtics Draft Prospect Profile: Grayson Allen

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With the draft a short week away, the Boston Celtics begin to turn their attention toward the young athletes looking to make the leap into the league.

Headlining the draft are the likes of Duke forward Marvin Bagley, Arizona’s Deandre Ayton, and international guard Luka Doncic. These are the players garnishing most of the buzz as mock drafts begin winding down and top 100 rankings start clearing up.

Boston holds the 27th pick and has reportedly narrowed down their field of prospects to around 10 players. Perhaps the most interesting of the prospects the team has worked out is Duke’s Grayson Allen.

The Prospect

Allen is the most polarizing and perhaps controversial name to look for as the draft creeps towards the end of the first round and into the second. He played four years under legendary Coach Krzyzewski, finishing his tenure with 14 points, three assists, 3.1 rebounds, and two three-pointers made per game on 37.5% three-point field goal shooting. His best season came in his second year at Duke, where he averaged 21.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while eclipsing the 40% mark from three-point range.

Allen became a polarizing figure because of his on court tripping antics, receiving the label as a ‘dirty player’.

What Allen Does Well

These on-court antics should not concern Boston. Jayson Tatum gave Ainge the thumbs up on Grayson. Tatum said that he is not a ‘dirty’ player, he is just highly competitive. He is a well-educated individual that will soon learn that the tripping will not fly in the NBA. As he matures this will be a non-factor.

Grayson is a decent athlete with a pretty good shot (37.5% 3pt) and an ability to get to the rim. He is not a true point guard, but he also lacks the ideal size for a shooting guard in today’s NBA. Allen is much smaller than guys like Klay Thompson, DeRozan, and Harden, all examples of players that fit the shooting guard mold perfectly.

Where He Struggles

Grayson is not as athletic as most of the undersized shooting guards in the NBA, which could hurt his ability to create separation between him and his taller defender. He is not a crafty ball handler and lacks an explosive first step. At times, Allen struggles with reading his defender’s position and tends to be a bit one dimensional with his move set.

There is a level of concern about Allen’s defensive capabilities moving forward. Based on his size and average athleticism, Grayson might struggle to try to guard his bigger and more explosive counterparts. He is not super quick laterally. Without good help defense, he may be prone to blow byes.

Grayson Allen has a high basketball IQ, good shooting ability, and he does come from a winning culture. Duke University does have a solid track record of producing good pro ball players. Some alumni include Grant Hill, Kyrie Irving, JJ Redick, Jayson Tatum, and Brandon Ingram.

Player Comparison

Under the right system, Grayson Allen could develop into a solid role player. Given his physical attributes, he comes as a pretty big gamble with a conservative ceiling and a low floor. He should still be on the board when Boston is on the clock with the 27th overall pick. It is unlikely Boston takes Allen as the team favors long, athletic players with switch ability.

Best case player comparison- Eric Gordon.

Likely player comparison- Austin Rivers.

The Celtics are Interested in Mo Bamba

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There are reports that the Celtics are interested in Texas big man Mo Bamba. Boston is reportedly willing to move up moving up in the draft to take him. Bamba is a 6’11” prospect with a record-breaking 7’10” wingspan.

The Prospect

Considered the most NBA ready rim protector in his draft class, Bamba has the highest ceiling out of every prospect this year. He averaged 12.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and an absurd 3.7 blocks per game in 30 appearances for Texas as a freshman. He possesses good lateral quickness for a guy his size, making him a deadly offensive threat if he can improve on his footwork. His 68% shooting from the charity stripe indicates potential for a consistent outside shot, adding to his respectable 28% three point percentage.

The main drawback with Bamba is his frame. As long as he is, he weighs in at only 216 pounds. As a comparison, Marcus Morris is three inches shorter and weighs 19 pounds more than Bamba. He also tends to have an inconsistent motor. He can sometimes get hot and score in bunches, and other times he is nonexistent on the court.

Bamba is a ridiculous physical specimen that, despite a few shortcomings, has perhaps the highest floor in the draft just as much as he has one of the highest ceilings. His length and athleticism will make him an instant rim protector from the get go. His most common NBA comparison is Rudy Gobert based on his physical attributes.

Will Boston Make a Move?

The Celtics have a major need for a rim-protecting big man that can hold down the paint and grab rebounds consistently. The team has implemented a rebound by committee approach that landed them ranked fifth in the NBA in boards. However, the team struggled to control the boards against Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Finals. In three of their four losses to the Cavs, the Celtics were out-rebounded, giving up key second chance opportunities from offensive rebounds.

Mo Bamba is the one prospect that has all of the attributes the Celtics are looking for. It makes sense that the team is looking into moving up to snag him. The team already interviewed him at the Chicago pre-draft combine a few weeks ago.

Boston has the assets to make a trade, but the question becomes- is Danny Ainge willing to cough up enough to make it happen?

Trade Assets

The Celtics possess the Sacramento Kings’ first round pick in the 2019 draft. They have their own 27th overall pick this year, and the Memphis’s first round pick in 2019. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown surely will be inquired about in such trade talks. It is doubtful that Ainge includes either in such a deal.

The Grizzlies at number four and the Mavericks at five have both expressed interest in trading their picks this year. Mo Bamba has been projected as high as third but will most likely fall to the 4-6 range.

The most likely trade scenario would have to involve Terry Rozier. He has an expiring contract after next season, leaving him expendable. There has already been talk about concern of Rozier’s ultimate departure for a team willing to let him blossom as a starting point guard. His value blew through the roof during Boston’s playoff push this season, averaging 17.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game while shooting 38% from three.

Boston could pair him up with next year’s Sacramento pick and toss in their own first round pick this year to sweeten the deal. Boston has the assets to make it happen, it’s only a matter of if they want to pull the trigger.

Who says no? Is such a deal worth it for Boston to add another intriguing prospect to the roster? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.