SI Recognizes Slow but Progressive Celtics Offseason

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated has released a series of offseason grades and the Boston Celtics were awarded a respectable B-. The offseason can in no way be seen as a failure considering the Celtics made progress. Unfortunately, they lacked the blockbuster move that would have earned them an A.

Mannix acknowledge the David Lee pickup as the best move this offseason. David Lee may not be as significant of a player as Amir Johnson this season but the fact that it allowed them to shed Gerald Wallace‘s contract makes it one of the better moves in the NBA this offseason.

Dec 19, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Gerald Wallace (45) and forward Jared Sullinger (7) on the bench during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The good news is that the offseason has a lot of potential to be even better. The Celtics failed to trade up in the draft but they brought in three players that will all have a chance to contribute. It is unlikely that all of them will wind up with a steady spot in the rotation but Stevens should give each of them an opportunity to prove their worth.

The Celtics failed in a lot of people’s mind because they failed to acquire a super star but they may get him the old fashioned way. The Celtics have 11 different players that are 25 years or younger and there is a tremendous amount of untapped potential on the squad.

Marcus Smart appears to have the brightest future and even if there are no sure things the Celtics have a lot of talent that may be on the verge of breaking out. The Celtics may not have done enough this offseason to immediately make them championship contenders but they are progressing faster than most expected.

A surprise playoff appearance changed how the Celtics are viewed in the east and if all their young talent develops they may not need any blockbuster trades or free agent signings to become a contender in the east.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the best examples as they managed to get Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Serge Ibaka through the draft. The Celtics may not get a single player that is at the caliber of those players but many teams have proven that free agency and trades are not necessary to acquire star power.

Jan 31, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook and forward Kevin Durant warm up prior to the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Danny Ainge is still on the hunt for his superstar and he will never give up exploring every trade possibility. If Ainge finds the right partner then he will be speeding up the process but they have such an incredible collection of prospects and draft picks that it just may be a matter of time before they develop their own superstar.

The Celtics are already contending for a playoff position in the east and almost all their players have no where to go but up and they have a lot of young and exciting talent.

The best news for the Celtics is that they are doing nothing to suggest any kind of regression. They continue to rebuild and with Brad Stevens at the helm they may not even need a superstar to become contenders in the east.

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