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Celtics

Greatest Celtics to Never Win a Championship

The Boston Celtics have a league high 17 NBA Championships. The franchise is represented by champions like Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, John Havlicek and many more. Despite the abundance of champions, there are many great Celtics who never won in Boston. The following players deserve to be recognized despite their lack of hardware.

Reggie Lewis

Lewis was selected by the Celtics with the 22nd pick in the first round of the 1987 NBA draft. In Lewis, Boston added a young scorer to their aging core of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. In his rookie season under coach K.C. Jones, Lewis would average just over eight minutes per game. The Celtics finished the season with a 57-25 record. They eventually lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Detroit Pistons.

On July 27, 1993, Lewis would suffer sudden cardiac death at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. He was just 27-years-old. (Photo via Pintrest)

Things would change dramatically for Lewis in year two. An injury to Larry Bird and the addition of new head coach Jimmy Rodgers allowed Lewis to see a major increase in playing time. As a 23-year-old, Lewis played about 33 minutes per game while averaging 18.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists.

The Celtics would struggle without Bird, posting a 42-40 record in the regular season. The Detroit Pistons would eventually sweep Boston in the first round of the playoffs.

In years three and four, Lewis would continue being an integral secondary scorer. He averaged a combined 17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists across 34 minutes per game during said span.

Lewis Breaks Out

His major breakout would come during the 1991-92 NBA season. Lewis played a team high 37.4 minutes per game due (yet again) to injuries to Bird and McHale. With the increased opportunity, Lewis would average 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He would also make his first All-Star team that season. In ten postseason games, Lewis would average an incredible 28.0 points per game. The Celtics eventually lost in the Eastern Conference Semifinals to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

1992-93 would be Lewis’ last season in the NBA. With Bird retired, Lewis was the primary scorer in Boston. In 39 minutes per game, Lewis averaged 20.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists. The Celtics would finish with a 48-34 record, good enough for second in the Atlantic Division. Lewis played 13-minutes of the Celtics first playoff game before collapsing to the floor and being taken to the hospital. Without Lewis, the Celtics lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Charlotte Hornets in four games.

On July 27, 1993, Lewis suffered sudden cardiac death at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. He was just 27-years-old. His number 35 jersey is retired in Boston, making him one of two Celtics players (Ed Macauley #22) to have their numbers retired without winning an NBA Championship.

Antoine Walker

Although Walker did win an NBA Championship, he failed to do so in Boston.

He was selected with the sixth pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Celtics and made an immediate impact. At 20-years-old, Walker averaged 17.5 points and nine rebounds and was voted to the 1996-97 All-Rookie first-team. The Celtics won 15 games and were rewarded with the third pick in the NBA draft (Chauncey Billups was later selected).

In year two, Walker started all 82-games. He averaged 22.4 points and 10.2 rebounds across 39 minutes per game, while making his first All-Star team. The Celtics improved their record to 36-46, and would receive the tenth overall selection in the 1998 NBA draft (Paul Pierce was later selected).

Fast forward to 2001-02, Walker averaged 22.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists across 42 minutes per game. Alongside Pierce, Walker led the Celtics to the playoffs for the first time in his career. In 16 playoff games, Walker averaged 22.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists. The Celtics made a deep run into the playoffs, but eventually lost to the New Jersey Nets in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Close But No Cigar

Walker and the Celtics returned yet again to the playoffs in 2002-03. In what would be Walker’s final season as an All-Star, he averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists. The Celtics would once again fall short to New Jersey, though in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

On October 20, 2003, Walker was traded by Boston to the Dallas Mavericks for Raef LaFrentz, Chris Mills, Jiri Welsch and a 2004 first-round draft pick (Delonte West was later selected). In February of 2005, Walker was traded by the Atlanta Hawks back to the Celtics for Tom Gugliotta, Gary Payton, Michael Stewart and a 2006 first-round draft pick (Rajon Rondo was later selected). In August of 2005, Walker was included in a five-team deal sending him to the Miami Heat. Walker would win a Championship in his first season with the Heat, although he will always be remembered as a Celtic.

Isaiah Thomas

Thomas was the final selection in the 2011 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. He would spend three seasons in Sacramento, averaging 15.3 points and 4.8 assists across 29.1 minutes per game. In 2014, the Kings traded Thomas to the Phoenix Suns for Alex Oriakhi and a trade exception. Thomas started one of his 46 games in Phoenix, averaging 15.2 points and 3.7 assists in 25.7 minutes per game. Half way through the season, the Suns parted ways with Thomas.

On February 19, 2015, the Celtics would acquire Thomas in a three-team deal including Tayshaun Prince, Marcus Thornton and a future first round draft pick (Skal Labissiere was later selected). Thomas averaged 19.0 points and 5.4 assists in 26 minutes per game in the final 21 games of the season. The Celtics would eventually be swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs.

Thomas’ first All-Star campaign came during the 2015-16 season. He averaged 22.2 points and 6.2 assists across 32.2 minutes per game. The Celtics would lose in the first round of the playoffs again, although this time forcing the Atlanta Hawks to six games.

The 5-foot-9 guard broke out during the 2016-17 NBA season. He averaged a career high 28.9 points and became the sixth Celtic ever to score 2,000 points in a single season. Thomas lead the Celtics to their third consecutive playoff appearance.

Tragedy Strikes and Thomas Overcomes with Valiant Effort

During the first round of the 2016-17 playoffs, Thomas tragically lost his sister in a car accident. In a heroic effort, Thomas would score 53 points – the second highest in Celtics playoff history – on what would have been his sister’s 23rd birthday. Thomas’ performances during these playoffs will never be forgotten.

The magical playoff run would inevitably come to an end against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite the lack of a championship, Thomas has indefinitely left his mark on the franchise.

On August 22, 2017, Thomas would be traded along with Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets’ unprotected 2018 first-round draft pick (Collin Sexton was later selected) in exchange for Kyrie Irving. The move was shocking, although it was clearly the best decision for Boston moving forward.

Since leaving Boston, Thomas has bounced around the NBA, landing in Cleveland, Los Angeles and now Denver. As Celtics fans, we must wish Thomas the best of luck. Without him, this rebuild process would not have been possible.

Celtics

Which NBA teams should Celtics fans keep an eye on?

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

Celtics

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

Celtics

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

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.

Marcus Smart Being Targeted by Three Teams, per Reports

Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports reported earlier today that there are three teams that will approach Celtics guard Marcus Smart once free agency begins. The Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, and Denver Nuggets will all target the 24-year-old guard fresh off his rookie contract. Here is the full quote from Mannix:

“I think there are a lot of people out there that really like Marcus Smart,” Mannix said. ” … Sacramento is going to get in it, I think Denver, if they can move some pieces around before free agency to clear some space, which i think they will — I think they’re going to get into it. I think Indiana is a team that, depending on what happens with Thaddeus Young and his contract, I think they’re going to get in it. ” … Going after him is one thing, but offering $15 million per year is another. … He’s going to get offered some money, but I’m not sure it’s going to be an offer that Boston’s not going to be able to match.”

Three Teams Vying for Smart’s Services

The Sacramento Kings ran with rookie guard De’Aaron Fox last year as their starting guard, with Buddy Hield at the two-guard spot. The King’s aren’t in a position to contend at this time, so their interest in Smart is curious. That being said, adding a veteran like Smart could tremendously help with the growth of the two young talents and give the team a much-needed leader.

The Denver Nuggets do not have the finances to offer Smart the contract he is seeking at this time. They will need to ship some guys out in order to make the finances work for Smart. Much like Sacramento, the Nuggets have two young guards running their offense. Jamal Murray and Gary Harris are currently the starters, but they are both score-first type players. Throwing in a guy like Smart to be the main floor general would open the offense up and allow the two to excel at their play styles.

The Indiana Pacers are perhaps the most interesting team of the bunch. Indiana has typically stayed away from any big-time spending in the free agency period. With the Eastern Conference more wide open than it has been in nearly a decade, it makes sense for Indiana to put something together to compete. The Pacers are a playoff caliber team as is, but could use some help in their back court. Pairing Smart with Oladipo is an intriguing possibility. Together the two would terrorize their opposition on the defensive side of the ball.

Marcus Smart’s Impact

Smart has been a valuable contributor for the Celtics since being picked sixth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. In 2017 Marcus Smart averaged 10.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds a game to go along with 1.3 steals in 29.9 minutes per game.

Since day one Marcus has been a bulldog. He never gives up on a play and is always the first guy on the ground after any loose ball. He epitomizes everything it means to be a Celtic through his grit, determination, and toughness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXfyWpeHasw

Smart’s utter lack of fear on the court and ultra-competitive play style makes him invaluable to a contending team. It’s no secret that the Celtics would prefer to have him on their side heading into next season. The front office has refused to include his name in multiple trade scenarios in recent years.

Danny Ainge recently appeared on 98.5 The Sports Hub and had this to say about Smart:

“We don’t negotiate in the media. We need Marcus. Marcus is a good player. He provides a lot of energy for our team and I hope we can work something out going forward.”

Marcus has made it clear that he believes he’s worth more than $12 million a year. This price tag is a steep one to match for the Celtics with so much money on the books. Smart will be a restricted free agent this summer, so Boston will get the chance to match any offer that comes his way.

As long as the offers Smart will receive aren’t too egregious, chances are good that Ainge will do what he can to keep him on board.