Brad Stevens' brutally honest Celtics assessment brought one name to mind

Brad Stevens struck a balance between being critical and measured during his end-of-season press conference. He spoke candidly about subjects that included their play style, Joe Mazzulla's playoff track record, and the need to create more margin for error in pursuit of banner 19.

Regarding their offensive approach, the Celtics launched 46 threes per game in the postseason. That was easily the most by any team in the first round. The Oklahoma City Thunder hoisted seven fewer shots from behind the arc and were second in that category. Boston also made the most per contest, but it came with a 33.7 percent conversion rate, which ranked ninth.

When asked whether the franchise feels it needs to diversify its offense, Stevens' answer breathed life into the possibility that the Celtics will go big-game hunting this offseason.

"My general feeling watching us play, in really each of the last two playoffs, in the second round against New York, even against Orlando in the first round, was, we had a hard time generating really good looks on that first shot," voiced the organization's president of basketball operations. "One of the things that we've got to figure out is how to have more of an impact at the rim. And I think we do need to add to our team to do that."

Giannis could be the solution to the Celtics' offensive concerns

It was impossible not to think about the two-time former league MVP as Stevens addressed Boston's playing style and the need to fix it with an external solution.

He referenced the high degree of difficulty with some of the Celtics' shots at the rim and in the mid-range. It's a team that built this season's formula on three-point attempt rate, creating as many second-chance opportunities as possible, and taking care of the ball. Every facet of how they played was engineered around generating more possessions than their opposition.

However, against the 76ers, they went from manufacturing 16.9 second-chance points per game, the fifth-most in the regular season, to 14.9, ranking ninth out of 16 teams. It's a small but costly drop. Among first-round participants, only the Suns attempted fewer shots in the restricted area. Boston was 14th in opportunities created inside the paint but outside of the restricted area. The second seed in the East produced the second-fewest points in the paint in the first round. That's not a championship formula.

With Stevens suggesting the answer is not on the roster, it's time to take the idea of a blockbuster deal with the Bucks more seriously.

Antetokounmpo led the league in points in the paint this season, averaging 18.7 per tilt. The same goes for his volume of attempts in the restricted area. His 11.2 shots at the cylinder would be a welcome addition to the Celtics' offensive profile. So would his 9.9 free-throw attempts, the second-most in the Association. It's another source of easier scoring than relying too heavily on threes and offensive rebounds.

The nine-time All-NBA selection would help Boston's ability to create second-chance points. His 5.4 assists would have matched Derrick White for a team-high in the regular season. He's also a former Defensive Player of the Year who remains one of the best weak-side rim protectors in the sport.

However, it's buyer beware with any team trading for Giannis

There's a lot of mileage on the 13-year veteran's tires. He only played in 36 games this year and turns 32 in December. His playing style aligns with what the Celtics need. However, it's also why he might not be built to age gracefully. His future durability and availability are significant concerns.

There's also the question of cost.

Is this the year where the gossip about Jaylen Brown's future in Boston proves to be more than just rumors? Would the Celtics commit to a run with him, Jayson Tatum, and Antetokounmpo on their books?

Of course, there's also the need to assess the situation from Milwaukee's perspective. The Bucks may still hope to cling to the face of their franchise. If it has reached the point where they're ready to move on this summer, will a package from Boston without Brown going to be the best offer on the table?

A combination of White, Sam Hauser, promising young talent, and the necessary draft capital is a respectable proposal. Other teams, like the Houston Rockets, could get more aggressive, though.

Maybe the Celtics will break up their star tandem this summer. If that's the case, they need to see if there's a worthwhile star swap with less risk than acquiring Antetokounmpo. Perhaps there isn't.

However, the best path forward probably still centers around their current franchise cornerstones.

As Stevens stated, "Our margin for error needs to get bigger. And at the same time, I don't think we're like way far away."

There's also an urgency that comes with not wanting to squander a year of Tatum's prime. Ditto for Brown's, provided he's back. The Celtics understand what a championship team looks like. This season's growth is a meaningful stepping stone. However, there's more work to do. If there wasn't, they'd be squaring off against the Knicks right now.

"We've lived it here. We've been, again, this is where the honest assessment parts got to come in," stated Stevens. "We've been to six Eastern Conference Finals, a couple [of] Finals in the last few years. We've been to [two], we've won one, and when you get beat in the first round, you're not there."

To return to the NBA summit, they need more from their head coach. And they may have to punt on resetting the luxury tax. However, while the Celtics could orchestrate a summer blockbuster, the best move is probably to continue building around Tatum and Brown.

What this season gave them was a clear identity to win the minutes when Tatum's off the floor. They cultivated a style that the other half of their star duo relishes. It brings the best out of him and many on the roster.

The frustration and disappointment over how Boston's first-round rivalry clash against Philadelphia unfolded warrants frustration and disappointment. That's how those in the building feel. A significant move to help recalibrate the Celtics' offensive approach and create more margin for error is needed. Trading Brown is not. However, measured as it may be, a first-round exit and squandering a 3-1 series lead for the first time in franchise history necessitates changes. It's a conclusion arrived at through multiple years of their offense letting them down this time of year.

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