When it comes to the likes of Boston Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, their specific timelines are quite interesting to ponder on, as there are two trains of thought when discussing such a topic.
On the one hand, both players are still rather young and, in theory, not yet in the primes of their careers, as they are just 23 and 24, respectively, and are in the early stages of their first post rookie-scale contracts.
On the other hand, however, despite their youth, both wings have proven that they are eager and ready to contend for championships now, as the Jays have managed to make it to two Eastern Conference Finals trips whilst running alongside one another.
For the front office, what both of these points mean is they must put an emphasis on molding a supporting cast for their two stars that can both compete in the now as well as down the road, and targeting specific players that fit into Tatum and Brown’s timeline should be viewed as one of their top priorities.
Though Brad Stevens and co. may not be flush with cash this coming offseason, there are still several relatively realistic ways in which they can go about bringing on players who meet this aforementioned description.
As for who across the league’s landscape fits Jayson and Jaylen’s specific timeline, we at the Houdini believe there are 3 targets, in specific, that the Boston Celtics should consider pursuing this summer:
Player that fits timeline of Boston Celtics star No. 1) Larry Nance Jr.
Though it may seem as though Larry Nance Jr. is one of the “elder statesmen” of the league, the man is still just 28 years old and is coming off of his sixth season in the NBA.
Having become one of the best 3-and-D fours in the game over the last few years, the Ohio native is coming off of quite a solid 2020-21 campaign despite playing for the abysmal Cleveland Cavaliers.
In 35 outings played, Nance posted 9.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and half a block per game on 47 percent shooting from the floor and 36 percent shooting from deep.
A player we at HH have been rather big on seeing the Cs pursue for quite some time, the concept of Boston trading for the big man isn’t all that hard to get behind, and the method of acquiring him could be even easier as his $10.69 million 2021-22 salary would fit right into what still remains of the Gordon Hayward TPE.
A talent that can play both ends of the ball while knocking down open triples and defend virtually any position on the floor would be invaluable to a team looking to contend, and the Boston Celtics should strongly consider a pursuit of the baller.
Player that fits timeline of Boston Celtics star No. 2) Collin Sexton
Staying with the Cavaliers, we shift our sights towards Collin Sexton, a player who, like Nance, could be acquired by means of the Hayward TPE though, a little different than the power forward, would cost a bit more to strike a trade for.
Either way, by all means, the 22 year old fits the timeline that Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are on.
Coming off of the best season of his career, Sexton went on to post stellar per-game averages of 24.3 points, 4.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and a steal on 48 percent shooting from the floor and 37 percent shooting from deep.
An uber-talented offensive-minded player, Sexton not only would be a fantastic tertiary shot-creator alongside the Jays but he’d also come in and help patch up the void at point guard that has left behind by Kemba Walker’s departure back in July.
Entering just his fourth year in the league, if added to Boston’s roster Sexton would instantly be viewed as the team’s third building block for the future, while his already impressive skillset could help aid in their desire to get back into the upper echelon of the East’s elite teams.
Player that fits timeline of Boston Celtics star No. 3) Lonzo Ball
At this point, we’re sure you’ve heard us pound the proverbial drum at least once or twice for the Boston Celtics to make a move for New Orleans Pelicans point guard, Lonzo Ball. Frankly, until they land him (or someone better), we’ll just keep pulling out our sticks and slamming away on the skins.
That’s how much we believe the fourth-year baller would be the ideal fit for the Cs moving forward because, well, he would be.
Fitting the timeline of the Jays beautifully — was selected directly ahead of Jayson Tatum back in the 2017 NBA Draft — while also shoring up Boston’s weakest position at the one, there’s a lot to like about a Big-3 of Tatum, Brown, and Ball, but perhaps the biggest plus to such a trio would be the playmaking abilities and all-around skill set of the 23 year old.
Coming off of his best season in the pros, Lonzo Ball managed to put up impressive stat-sheet stuffing averages of 14.6 points, 5.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and just over half a block per contest on 38 percent shooting from deep (8.3 attempts per game).
Deemed by Magic Johnson as having the highest basketball IQ out of all other point guards in the game today, the restricted free agent would be a dream addition for the Boston Celtics and, according to our very own Dallas Malloy, an acquisition of Lonzo Ball would be a major catalyst to the perfect offseason.