Boston Celtics Fans Could Be Gearing Up for Disappointment

Boston Celtics fans are expecting fireworks this summer. As much as I hope I’m wrong, people should be equally prepared for the possibility that next-to-nothing happens this offseason. Fans are giddy with dreams of Willie Cauley-Stein, Myles Turner, and Kristaps Porzingis, as they’re viewing draft night as if it’s Christmas Eve.

Apr 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Karl-Anthony Towns (12) and forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) celebrate a basket against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half of the 2015 NCAA Men

As exciting as it would be for the C’s to acquire a player like Cauley-Stein, Ainge won’t hesitate to cut the cord on a trade-up situation if he doesn’t feel it’s for the right price. Despite an infinite number of reports suggesting the Celtics will move up in the draft, its more than likely they’ll stick with the 16th overall pick.

While drafting a player like Bobby Portis, Kevon Looney, or Sam Dekker would still be a successful night for Boston, it wouldn’t have the same appeal to fans as a dramatic shake-up on draft night. Truthfully, I think Celtics fans are just anxious for any kind of offseason action since the Celtics ended the season with so much potential and now have the opportunity to start next season with even more.

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Not to be a negative Nancy, but the same scenario holds true for all offseason trade talks and free agent signings. No matter the player, Ainge will be careful not to overpay. Although fans are still polarized over signing a player like Greg Monroe, and even LaMarcus Aldridge to an extent, those who are expecting a player of this caliber may be severely disappointed.

Historically, Boston hasn’t performed well in free agency. The common argument supporting this is that it’s been decades since the team has REALLY had the cap space to sign marquee free agents. Unfortunately, whether that’s the case or not, there exists a stigma concerning the attractiveness of playing in Boston.

Apr 23, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) shoots against Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8) during the second half in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Cavaliers defeated the Celtics 103-95. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

While I’m not trying to be a pessimist, we must have realistic expectations of what lies ahead. There’s a good chance Kevin Love opts to stay in Cleveland and LaMarcus Aldridge decides to play in his home-state of Texas, where he’d enjoy far lower taxes. Greg Monroe may choose New York over Boston, as the bigger market and chance to play with Carmelo may seem more appealing.

God forbid, DeMarcus Cousins may end up playing for the Los Angeles Lakers despite Ainge chasing him for the better half of this season.

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I have as high of hopes as anyone for this upcoming season, and I have total trust in Stevens and Ainge to roll out a strong lineup on opening day. However, Celtics fans should prepare themselves for a quiet offseason, considering the chance of Ainge and Co. creating “fireworks” this summer appears less likely than many fans perceive.

Although this team performed extremely well heading into the postseason (2nd best record after All-Star break), there’s a possibility that this team under-performs this season.

Feb 3, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) takes a free throw during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons beat the Heat 108-91. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The unfortunate truth is that many lower-level Eastern Conference teams, whom the Celtics competed with for last year’s playoff seeds, are improving. The Orlando Magic have a new head coach and possess a high lottery pick in this year’s draft. Chris Bosh and Hassan Whiteside will be returning for the Miami Heat (except they may lose Dwyane Wade and Goran Dragic.) Paul George will be healthy again, making him capable of leading the Indiana Pacers to the top of the Eastern Conference once again. Even the New York Knicks, who were atrocious last year, will improve with a healthy Carmelo Anthony.

This doesn’t necessarily reflect my views so much as just one possible scenario. I certainly believe that the current Celtics squad, offseason additions or not, has the potential to be a strong team and potentially find themselves as a top-5 seed in the Eastern Conference. I also know that if things don’t work out like many are expecting, and the Celtics find themselves on the outside looking in next April, I won’t be discouraged.

2016 is already fixing to be another exciting offseason, and another chance for the Celtics to make a splash if they happen to strike out this year.

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