The best-case scenario for the Boston Celtics may be to hold steady and avoid any major moves at the February 9 trade deadline, but the worst-case scenario would be seeing their desired trade targets land on their biggest roadblocks in the Eastern Conference.
ClutchPoints’ Owen Crisafulli laid out a nightmare blueprint for the Celtics that includes their top target, San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl, landing with the Brooklyn Nets and one of their wing targets, inactive Phoenix Suns wing Jae Crowder, ending up on the Milwaukee Bucks.
Poeltl’s current asking price of several first-round picks could have the Nets hesitant on pulling the trigger on the Spurs pivot. Crowder could be gettable if the Bucks were willing to part with Grayson Allen.
The Boston Celtics sticking the course could be the key to a dream postseason
When the postseason starts, Robert Williams and Al Horford will be receiving the bulk of the 48 minutes at the center position, with Grant Williams and Jayson Tatum capable of playing small-ball five in short stints.
On the wing, Tatum and Jaylen Brown will just about cover every minute, with Williams spelling Tatum at the four. In the backcourt, Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, Derrick White, and yes, Payton Pritchard, are all capable of contributing when the games shorten.
With the Cs building such a lead in the standings — as of this writing, Boston sits 4.5 games ahead of the second place Philadelphia 76ers — the team should be in good shape to finish the season being able to sit out their primary minutes-getters. When the postseason starts, the Celtics have enough talent to cover all five positions two spots deep.
The most prudent move that could lead to a dream offseason could just be staying put at the upcoming trade deadline. Brad Stevens’ work of molding this roster may truly be done.