Boston Celtics: Let the Offseason Begin

With the Milwaukee Bucks ending the Boston Celtics’ season in not-so-dramatic fashion, there will be a lot of questions on the table between now and when free agency begins July first. Where will this Celtics team go from here?

No need to really go through game five from Wednesday night. If you watched it, you’re still pissed off as to how bad it was. The Celtics came out with no energy or desire to force a game six, which would have been back at home in Boston.

They continued to do the same thing they did in games two through four which was shoot crappy, contested three after crappy, contested three (7-39 overall). As an old school NBA guy, I hate the direction of the league.

Irving, again, who promised everyone in New England that the playoffs were a different beast. To not worry, that he was here. That the Celtics would flip the switch and no team could beat them in a seven game series. Technically he was right, the series only went five games.

Irving had another lackluster game, which makes four in a row if you’re counting at home. He also cowered away from speaking to the media after the game, which shows no accountability of being a leader of men. Is He just a really good second fiddle? Can he survive in a big market city where fans actually hold you accountable for your comments and play?

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Gordon Hayward continued to be a no-show as well on Wednesday night. His injury can only be an excuse for so long because he did show flashes of “Old Gordon” towards the end of the season and the series versus the Indiana Pacers. He was also a player, a leader, who didn’t speak to the media once in this series, which is unforgivable.

Jayson Tatum wasn’t what we all expected him to be after how strong he finished last season. He spent a lot of this series (and season) shooting contested, off balanced threes and complaining to the refs. I know he is young with a lot of promise, but he’s got to put that in his back pocket. He is a much better player when he takes it to the hole, which creates space for his jump shot.

The only Celtics that actually showed up to play with heart were Jaylen Brown, Al Horford and Marcus Morris. Brown at least tried to dunk all over Giannis every time he had the opportunity and didn’t just hide behind the three-point line.

Al didn’t have his best offensive game (in game five), but was putting in the effort and was the anchor to the defense. Morris had 14/11 off the bench and actually spoke to the media after the game. The crazy thing is, this could be the last time we see he and Al in Celtics’ uniforms.

When the Celtics hit training camp in the fall, this team could be completely different. Danny Ainge has a lot of wheeling, dealing, signing and drafting to do before that time hits. The Celts have three, possibly four first round picks in the upcoming draft. They also have a bunch of restricted and unrestricted free agents to look at.

As poorly as Irving has played in the last four games, he is still an extremely polarizing player. Irving’s only 27 and coming into the prime of his career. He’s also arguably the best ball handler in the league and has a ring that he earned.

When he opts out, will he sign the max deal and stay in Boston? Does he want to go to a horribly run franchise in New York or to a young Brooklyn team? Does he basically want to pick his teammates in one of those cities? Will he go play side kick again to LeBron or will James promise to take the backseat to him if he finds his way to LA?

Once Ainge and Irving figure out if his future is in green and white, the rest of the dominos will fall into place. If Irving stays, Rozier will hit the open market because the Celts will not resign him (as a restricted free agent). Terry made it very clear after the game and stated “I don’t give a “bleep” what nobody say, I sacrificed the most out of anybody. I’m a top point guard in this league.” Clearly he wants to get playing time and to get paid. And no one blames him for feeling that way.

Horford has an opt-out in his contract but will make $30M this year if he stays. Hopefully both sides can come to a compromise and resign him to a long-term deal to keep him in Boston.

Marcus Morris will be a UFA and even though he was quoted in saying “I love being here in Boston. I’ve enjoyed it a lot and hopefully I stay here, man, it’s a great organization – nothing but great for me being able to play on that stage.”

The Celts most likely won’t have the money available for what he wants. His twin brother is also a UFA this offseason and I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to go as a package deal. They did a share a bank account while playing in Phoenix together.

The Celtics also have the picks and players to toss into a big trade if they target Anthony Davis, which they’ve been linked to for about two years now. Who will they trade? If they don’t target Davis, who else out there will they look at? If Kyrie bolts, who will they build this team around?

Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens have a lot of work to do this off-season, and the clock started around the middle of the fourth quarter on Wednesday night. As disappointing as this season was, at least Celtics fans can say they lost to the best team in the NBA who has the MVP.

Will they look to trade pieces to bring in a veteran? Will they throw money at Kemba Walker or Klay Thompson? Or will they look to build around the group they have and develop players like Semi Ojeleye and Robert Williams? Only Danny and Brad know the answers to those questions and we will see come midnight on July 1st.