After a 22-point victory over the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center in San Francisco, the Boston Celtics have maintained their streak of avoiding two losses in a row since January 21st.
If Cs fans reading this have championship expectations because of that, don’t feel as though your feelings are invalid.
Given the rapport this current core possesses–remember, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Al Horford, and Robert Williams were all playing together four years ago, three years, and now this year once more, and the ‘Jays’, Smart and the ‘Time Lord’ didn’t miss those middle years–Banner 18 being tangible is a realistic fantasy.
Sportsbooks still favor the likes of the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat for a futures bet, but Boston could still buck the odds.
And if they don’t? Well, luckily Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens will have pieces he can still deal to improve the roster.
Should the worst-case scenario (a non-title conclusion to the 2021-22 campaign) occur, these 3 Cs would be the most expendable in the offseason:
Boston Celtics expendable offseason piece #1: Nik Stauskas
While Nik Stauskas recently signed with the team, his non-guaranteed contract makes him an easy trade target should the free agent market provide options that make more sense.
Sam Hauser’s presence makes that all possible given their similar skillsets. Hauser, by nature of being drafted seven years later, ultimately holds more value than Stauskas.
The Michigan product would be the first to go if the need for a roster spot ever grew dire.