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Boston Celtics Can’t Get Caught Up in Win Now Mentality

By Joshua Bateman

Jan 5, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge (left) speaks to fans during the first half of a game between the Providence Friars and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge (left) speaks to fans during the first half of a game between the Providence Friars and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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After their unexpected success this regular season the Boston Celtics may feel as though they are in a position where they need to sell their assets for pieces that will immediately benefit them the most. Unfortunately, contending in the league means being able to compete with historically great teams and the Celtics need to make sure they remain patient and do not threaten their long term future, which still remains much more promising than their short term future.

This is not to say that the Celtics need to continue to collect assets because they have reached a point where they may not benefit from more draft picks. What the Celtics need to focus on is finding players, whether through draft or free agency, that will be a part of their long term future. They cannot be afraid to take players that may not be ready to have an impact, because their development can lead to something much more special.

The Celtics are already rebuilding much faster than expected and there is no reason for them to rush. The mentality has shifted in the sense that the Celtics need to start using their assets, instead of collecting them. However, that does not mean that the Celtics need to get ready to sell everything right now. The Celtics have multiple first round draft picks and that puts them in a perfect position to take players that may need to be stashed in the D League for a season or two (like Jordan Mickey) for the sake of long term development and potential.

The Celtics should keep this mentality in free agency too. Unless they land Kevin Durtant (which feels almost impossible at this point), there is no one player in free agency that can make the Celtics a true contending team that can compete with the historically great cores that are on display in the playoffs right now. The Celtics need to make sure they are spending their money in free agency on top players that can also be a part of their long term outlook.

Someone like Al Horford is certainly more established than a Hasaan Whiteside. Horford is established and what he can offer is certainly worthy of a max contract. Unfortunately, there is uncertainty with regard to how much longer Horford will be in his prime, and he has probably reached the peak of his potential. Whiteside, on the other hand, is much more of a project. Whiteside is already an elite rim protector, and that will give them some immediate satisfaction. Whiteside also has that long term potential that can exceed someone like Horford. The Celtics need to find players that can stand to improve and develop in Stevens’ offense, who have the potential to become exactly what the Celtics need in the future (this is not to say the Celtics would not want Horford, it is about making sure they continue to prioritize the long term future, while not conceding any of the development they have already made).

Apr 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) shoots over Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the second half in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) shoots over Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the second half in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

There certainly has been a mentality shift in the sense that the Celtics couldn’t imagine adding to their absurd collection of draft picks but they cannot become too shortsighted by trading away some of their better prospects for players that may opt to leave in free agency before they can have a chance to truly contend. They also need to make sure they do not sacrifice high end potential, particularly in the front court, for players they may believe can have a more immediate impact.

There is no reason to distrust what Danny Ainge is doing. He is rebuilding at an incredible rate and the Celtics should feel comfortable in his hands. The Celtics have an opportunity to establish a great core to go along with their great coach and they will need both if they are going to catch up to the top teams in the league.

The Celtics have done a great job with their depth and second unit and they need to maintain that, while making the drastic increase to their top end talent. If the Celtics lose that depth and lose too many of their talented prospects for the sake of a player that will make them immediately better, they may be taking a step backwards in the long run.

Next: Boston Celtics Draft Profile: Marquese Chriss

The Celtics have an opportunity to be the most improved team this offseason. They have done a great job of rebuilding the right way and if that continues the Celtics will be on their way to a contending team, even if that means they have to wait more than a year before being at the level of the top teams in the league.

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