Blake Griffin is reportedly re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers. Paul George has been traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Where does this leave the Boston Celtics’ offseason plans?
Multiple reports suggested that the Boston Celtics favored a marriage of Paul George and Gordon Hayward in Beantown. The favorite alternative to George was Blake Griffin. Now that both players are off the table, the Celtics need to re-strategize. Well, that is if that was ever the real strategy or just speculation.
Either way, the rest of the NBA is restructuring and retooling to challenge the Warriors and Cavaliers new world order. So far, the Rockets have added Chris Paul. The Spurs are still the biggest threat to that order and they are shopping as well. The New Orleans Pelicans’ Twin Towers, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, will embark on their first full season together. Russell Westbrook is hyped about Paul George’s arrival.
So where do the Boston Celtics fit in within this evolving landscape? Two of their rumored top targets won’t be coming. The third, Hayward, may now be rethinking his position. A lot is made of Hayward’s relationship with Celtics coach, Brad Stevens. Hayward was his star pupil at Cinderella school, Butler. However, the Jazz advanced to the second round of last season’s Playoffs. With Rudy Gobert and coach Quin Snyder, they’re a team on the rise. Other squads are lurking as well.
In Hayward, the Boston Celtics would have a second potent scoring weapon to support Isaiah Thomas. However, the team’s major shortcomings from last season are rebounding and defense. Griffin and George would both ease the load on the glass. George is an elite NBA defender but he excels on the perimeter. It’s really an interior leak the Celtics need to plug. Hayward doesn’t really ease either concern. Incumbent Celtics starting Small Forward, Jae Crowder, is a better rebounder and defender. And he wasn’t shy in sharing his thoughts on Hayward rumors last season.
So, where does Boston look to improve on its 53-win team? Who is available to make the squad better and also improve the odds of Hayward coming onboard? The first order of business is probably deciding on the futures of in-house personnel. Kelly Olynyk is a restricted free agent that will attract interest. Will the Celtics match any offer sheet? Green, Jerebko, Johnson and Young are all unrestricted free agents.
Green proved to be a serviceable role player last offseason. Ready to go once called upon. Jerebko’s versatility is appreciated but at what cost? Same for Johnson who didn’t really help address the rebounding concerns. Young’s failure to launch since being drafted might have finally run its course. They are all valuable assets but the NBA is rife with similar talent, possibly at discounts. Olynyk is the one to keep if numbers still work out with a personnel upgrade.
With that in mind, we should explore which players will help the Boston Celtics remain competitive. There’s talent in the free agency pool and no team has more trade assets than Boston. So whichever avenue is traveled, missing out on Griffin and George doesn’t spell doom for the Celtics. Some of these guys might be able to help.
Paul Millsap, PF (Unrestricted FA)
Career Averages: 14.2 PPG 7.2 RPG 49.3 FG% 32.8 3FG% 73.6 FT% 19.2 PER
Millsap is an efficient big man that knows his role and plays it effectively. He is also a capable shooter from behind the arc. His familiarity with Horford is another plus for the Celtics. Both can mix it up in the paint but also stretch defenses with the long ball.
Millsap is 31-years old but set career highs in points (18.1) and assists (3.7) last season. The trend carried on in the Playoffs with highs of 24.3PPG and 4.3 APG to go along with 9.3 RPG. In Stevens’ offense based on ball-movement, a passing big man will thrive. And his rebounding would be a welcome addition.
The 11-year veteran would also be a welcome influence for their young front court core.
Serge Ibaka PF/C (Unrestricted FA)
Career Averages: 12 PPG 7.3 RPG 2.4 BPG51.6 FG% 36.9 3FG% 75.7 FT% 17.3 PER
Ibaka started his career as a slam dunking defensive force. In more recent seasons, he has been more of a stretch 4, falling in love with the three. However, he would still be the Celtics best interior defender. He doesn’t block as many shots as he once did but is still a deterrent to driving opponents.
He may be the best two-way big available at this point and would fit in with the Celtics. One can only hope he rediscovers his defensive bite while staying ready when his number is called on offense. A driving and dishing guard like Thomas can bring out the best in Ibaka.
Nerlens Noel C/PF (Restricted FA)
Career Averages: 10 PPG 7.5 RPG 1.5 BPG 1.6 SPG 51.1 FG% 16.5 PER
Noel’s young career has been marred by injury and coach’s decisions. Last season, he averaged 8.5 PPG and 6.8 RPG in 22 games for the Mavericks. Defense is what he’s known for but he’s yet to establish himself as an NBA defensive anchor.
Brad Stevens has a way of bringing the best out of young players. While Noel should benefit from his tutelage, the Celtics might not have the luxury of time to wait for him to break out. However, with the options thinning out, an offer sheet to the young big man might not be the worst idea.
Jahlil Okafor C/PF (Philadelphia 76ers)
Career Averages: 14.7 PPG 6 RPG 1.1 BPG 51 FG% 16.1 PER
Okafor saw his minutes diminish in his second season and his production suffered as a result. However, the former number three pick is a solid interior player and decent rebounder. He would bring the Boston Celtics a wide body that can disrupt on the inside and clean the glass.
The young 76er has had his run-ins with Celtics fans, showing the kind of grit that is welcomed in Boston. Playing with a core of Horford, Hayward, Bradley and Thomas could see Okafor blossoming into the NBA star many predicted.
Once Hayward is guaranteed, a straight swap for Jae Crowder should be considered.
Other affordable options to consider include Taj Gibson, Kris Humphries, Aron Baynes, Zaza Pachulia, Thiago Splitter, Alex Len and Dewayne Dedmon.
Pau Gasol is also an Unrestricted Free Agent that would be a great addition. I just can’t see him coming to Boston for some reason. But I’d be very happy if he proved me wrong.