Another game, another unfathomable Boston Celtics loss.
Against a Los Angeles Clippers team lacking Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Reggie Jackson, the Cs still somehow lost by nine and only put up 82 points on the board. And, sure, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, and Dennis Schroder were all out. But most of the NBA has been missing a key piece at some point or another all season. That excuse doesn’t track any longer.
Wins need to pile up eventually. Otherwise, even the #10 seed the Celtics currently occupy won’t be held onto if Boston can’t climb the Eastern Conference ladder.
This is all pretty sad dialogue to be having for the second straight year. Actually, 2020-21 looked a lot more promising than what this season looks like down the stretch. A move needs to be made ASAP because this roster simply doesn’t work.
NBC Sports Boston’s John Tamase joined Chris Forsberg on Celtics Talk recently, and his answer for the Boston Celtics evokes memories of successful Cs of years past.
John Tamase believes the Boston Celtics should land a Rajon Rondo type player
Tamase made sure to distinguish that he didn’t want Rondo, a current Lakers reserve, but a player of his ilk:
"“Maybe I’m in the minority here. I want a (Rajon) Rondo. I understand that that’s not going to give you shooting, you need shooting, but for me, find the shooting everywhere else and go get a point guard who is pass-first and unselfish.”"
What does that say about Tamase’s opinion of the current roster? Well, he clearly isn’t high on Dennis Schroder being the next Rondo, as many have suggested he could be in the past. He also doesn’t see that true point guard play from Marcus Smart.
In terms of available players that fit the bill, Tomas Satoransky–who has created more points off of assists than his own scoring over his career–should be available on an expiring contract given the New Orleans Pelicans’ futility in 2021-22. Ben Simmons certainly fits the Rondo bill but with a much more elongated frame, but he isn’t likely for Boston based on recent chatter.
No matter who they come up with, Stevens better come up with someone. Things are getting supremely ugly in Boston.