Like the trend has been over the past several years, the 2021 NBA trade deadline was relatively uneventful for the Boston Celtics.
Despite coming into this illustrious day on the schedule with a ton of hype and potential to make a big splash, Danny Ainge and co. went the ‘cost-efficient’ route by swapping out two second-round picks, a few role players, and, perhaps the most impactful departure, Daniel Theis in exchange for Evan Fournier, Mortiz Wagner, and Luke Kornet.
Though not the “sexy name” acquisitions that the C’s fanbase was hoping for, Ainge and the front office are under the impression that not only do these moves help them in the now but also for the future, and claimed Fournier to be that “shooter with size” that they’ve been looking to add:
"“We talk about shooting with size. He’s 6’7”, he can shoot. He can handle the ball. He can pass. … We acquired him with the idea he can be here for a long time.”"
Now, while we here at HH are still looking back on the deadline and pondering on “what could have been”, we’re simultaneously looking ahead to the remainder of the season, wondering how these new acquisitions will better their odds of contending for the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Regardless of what one’s feelings may be in regard to expectations vs reality when thinking about March 25th, the decisions made should still bring some positive progressions to the team’s rotation.
This mindset is shared with the staff at Bleacher Report, who recently placed the shamrocks four slots higher in their updated post-deadline Power Rankings.
B/R believes the Boston Celtics are deserving of 13 overall in Power Rankings
Mainly citing Fournier and his specific attributes, writer Mo Dakhil believes the Boston Celtics are deserving of a jump up from 17 to 13 in these new rankings:
"The Celtics made a trade with the Magic, but it was not for Aaron Gordon. Boston sent Jeff Teague and two second-round picks for Evan Fournier.They also sent out Daniel Theis and Javonte Green in a three-team deal with the Wizards and Bulls that netted them Mortiz Wagner and Luke Kornet.Fournier will bring a scoring punch off the bench who has been averaging 19.7 points and shooting 38.8 percent from three. He also can help with playmaking, having averaged 3.7 assists for the Magic.Boston is hoping this trade can turn around its disappointing season. It will not take much with how bunched up the East is."
Bringing on a nearly 20 point-per-game scorer to a team already consisting of offensive juggernauts in Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kemba Walker (though inconsistent this season) is certainly nothing to scoff at.
Boston’s underwhelming scoring punch should certainly improve from the addition which, in turn, should help them jolt back up the Eastern Conference standings as well as get them back above a .500 record for the first time since mid-March.