3 blockbuster deals the Boston Celtics could make
By Mark Nilon
So far in 2019-20 the Boston Celtics have established themselves as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. However, if they want to reach “upper-echelon” status, they should strongly consider acquiring one of the top-tier names rumored to be on the trading block.
The Boston Celtics have been good thus far in 2019-20, but, as of recent, have shown they are far from great. Sure, they are likely to have three of their players participate in February’s All-Star game in Chicago but, truth be told, this truth does not tell the full story of their season.
Coming into the season, one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Celtics pertained to their center position, and how shallow the talent pool was. Now, halfway through the year, this concern still remains as prevalent as ever.
While the team’s rotation of Daniel Theis, Enes Kanter and Robert Williams has surprised at times — specifically in the early parts of the season –, more often than not we’ve seen opposing teams take advantage down low in the post and on drives into the paint.
Top-tier front court talents have easily dominated against the C’s lackadaisical interior play on defense. In two games a piece, guys like Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo have all averaged 24+ points 10+ boards and have all shot around 50% from the field.
Now, I know what you may be thinking: those guys are amazing and dominate virtually everyone.
Well, what about looking at lesser talent’s turnouts such as Serge Ibaka, John Collins and rookie Jaxson Hayes? Ibaka and Collins have averaged 15 points & 8.7 boards on 71% shooting from the field and 16 points & eight boards on 67% shooting from the field, respectively, while Hayes, no where near known as an offensive guru, put up 20 points on 69% shooting from the field.
With these stats, coupled with the good ole’ fashioned eye test, it’s quite apparent that the Boston Celtics need to upgrade at the pivot if they truly wish to be seen as legitimate title contenders. Sure, people have thrown low-key names such as Davis Bertans and Harry Giles into the Celtics trade-rumor mill, but if the franchise wants to partake in a blockbuster type of trade scenario, these are the three players Danny Ainge and co. should consider dealing for.