Who should the Boston Celtics keep in a potential expansion draft?

Over the last few years, the NBA has considered potential expansion, which could impact the Boston Celtics’ pursuit of Banner 18.

An expansion draft would force the Celtics to pick six untouchable players, leaving the rest open to being selected. With expansion being a matter of when not if, we at the Houdini thought we would select the six players the Cs should keep in a potential expansion draft.

For this exercise, we have divided the list into three categories: the locks, important role guys, and potential upside. Here are the six players that the Celtics should keep in a potential expansion draft.

Boston Celtics Group No. 1: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis aka the locks

The locks group is the easiest because the Celtics would look to keep their new big three intact. Tatum and Brown are obvious choices because they are the franchise and one of the best duos in the NBA.

Porzingis is included with Tatum and Brown because he has been brought in to help elevate them to championship status. Although Porzingis is injury prone, he would be protected over Al Horford, who is one of the omissions.

Boston Celtics Group No. 2: Derrick White and Robert Williams aka the essential role players

The important role guys group features two contributors to the C’s recent playoff runs. White has become of the best defensive guards in the NBA, and he has improved his offensive game tremendously. The Boston Celtics ultimately chose White over Smart moving forward, so he has to be protected.

Williams is worthy of being protected because he is a force when healthy. Over the last two seasons, Williams has been one of the best defensive centers when healthy, and he is also steadily improving offensively. The recent videos of Williams working out and improving his jump shot have me confident in the decision to protect him.

Boston Celtics Group No. 3: The upside play

The upside group has one player, and it’s going to be Sam Hauser. The decision to protect Hauser is a questionable one, but I think it’s necessary due to the potential upside. Picking Hauser over Horford or Malcolm Brogdon has to do with the new CBA rules and availability.

The Celtics are better off losing the contracts of Horford and Brogdon and finding replacements elsewhere. Also, Hauser has a chance to blossom into an elite shooter for the Cs.

Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments!