Boston Celtics Daily Dish: Slow Motion Sunday Edition

Happy Sunday, Boston Celtics fans.

There’s not too much going on in the NBA right now, which is understandable, given that we’re in that neutral zone between the draft and free agency, and the preseason.   Thank goodness the FIBA World Cup begins at the end of the month!  Read about the most recent addition to team USA’s roster following Kevin Durant’s leaving the squad.

Durant.  Paul George.  LeBron james.  Kevin Love.  There are an awful lot of NBA superstars who will NOT be suiting up for Team USA in Spain for the FIBA World Cup.  So how does the actual squad look without those talents?

"The considerable losses of would-be starters Durant and George leave a couple of roster spots up for grabs during the next couple weeks of practice and exhibitions. Although the backcourt situation could be affected – U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski has discussed playing three-guard lineups, and sans Durant, they could take a fourth point guard (likely Damian Lillard) – the biggest selection issue remains in the frontcourt.That said, operating under the assumption that six spots will go to guards and that another belongs to either Kyle Korver or Gordon Hayward as a shooting specialist, five positions remain to fill out the team with big men. In selecting one of the most depleted American frontcourts in years, finding the correct fits will be even more critical. Let’s take a look at the players in the mix . . . ."

We all know there are changes coming to the NBA Lottery system, and we all know who we have to thank for these changes: those tanking Philadelphia 76ers.  Even so, the changes that have been proposed by the NBA may not be the best way to go about eliminating such obvious tanking efforts.  Here are a few alternate solutions that might work better.

Finally, Boston Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck is still having to deal with the ramifications of his infamous “fireworks” comment.  To his credit, he did a pretty good job explaining how the team DID try to live up to that promise, and why the team is still in a good position even though no major fireworks ever occurred:

"“I said we’d try for fireworks and we tried,” Grousbeck said. “I’m reasonably content that first of all we tried as hard as we could and second of all we added some good pieces. But we have maintained our draft picks and we’ve maintained more building in the future as opposing to firing all the bullets now.“We’re going to have to go the more patient route.”"

Speaking of patience, I have a piece started that discusses whether or not the Boston Celtics will continue to look to add to their roster this offseason, since there are still some options available for the team.  Look for that soon, but until then, thanks for the read!