Boston Celtics: Finding logic in C’s interest in Collins and Barnes

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Boston Celtics are “interested” in Atlanta Hawks big man, John Collins:

"“Another player of interest for the Celtics: Hawks big man John Collins, sources said. Atlanta’s asking price has been steep for Collins, however: A high-level first-round draft pick and/or a talented young player.”"

The Cs may have what it takes to obtain Collins from the Hawks’ grasp, but like stated above, it won’t be easy. We would, most likely, have to part with multiple first-rounders being we don’t have the highly coveted “top-tier” first-round pick.

In terms of a talented young player, Boston has a few, but parting with them would deplete our already bottom-of-the-barrel bench. A player like Collins could be worth it, as the “shooting with size” is something we so desperately need.

The Hawks forward is posting averages of 18 points and seven rebounds per game on 53 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from deep. Boston has gone all the way from fourth in offensive rating last year to twelfth this year.

Collins could shore up the starting lineup with his floor spacing and scoring ability, and hopefully mask the bench issues. Defensively, Collins is not all too great and may not be the answer we are looking for on that end.

According to NBA.com’s tracking statistics, players guarded by Collins shoot one percent better than their average. These are not the numbers you want to see from a player that is supposed to have defensive versatility as a power forward.

The Cs have also dropped from fourth to seventeenth in defensive efficiency. The last thing the Boston Celtics need is even worse defense, especially in the frontcourt.

The fourth-year pro could be a suitable option, being we don’t need to use the Hayward TPE, but the asking price is high. They would most likely have to part with Robert Williams or a combination of Payton Pritchard, Semi Ojeleye, Aaron Nesmith, and picks.

That is not to say the Celtics don’t have expendable players, but a more suitable option could be in Sacramento.

The Boston Celtics have also expressed interest in Harrison Barnes:

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Barnes is the C’s most “likely” and “logical” trade target.

Barnes is averaging 16.7 points and 3.5 assists on while shooing a 62 percent true shooting percentage, five percent over league average. Barnes is probably the perfect candidate for the Hayward TPE, as he is practically Gordon Hayward with better defense.

The C’s wing depth is very suspect, with just Ojeleye and the hardly-seen Nesmith coming in after the Jays. Boston can hardly function without them and adding more veteran leadership, playmaking, and scoring to the mix is a recipe for success.

Barnes is an NBA champion and has been in this league for nine years, yet this year may be his most well-rounded. It is by far his most efficient season, and he is posting nearly double his previous-best assists per game.

He has turned into a real playmaking threat, and this team needs someone who can create their own shot, as well as get others involved.

In terms of an asking price, it has not exactly been specified:

"It’s unclear what first-year Kings general manager Monte McNair would want in return for Barnes, but it certainly doesn’t hurt that Boston has all of its first-round draft picks. What’s more, Boston has a number of young players taken in the first round or early second that it could offer (Payton Pritchard, Robert Williams, Grant Williams, Carsen Edwards, Romeo Langford and Aaron Nesmith). Those prospects, as it turns out, would fit the Sacramento timeline that is all part of the Kings’ plan (i.e. build around 23-year-old De’Aaron Fox and 21-year-old rookie Tyrese Haliburton)."

Barnes looks like the most likely candidate for a trade, being that the Kings have lost 12 out of their last 15.

Barnes does not exactly fit the timeline in Sacramento, but perfectly fits in here with the Boston Celtics, both in play-style and contract.