Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Boston Celtics Offseason: All Defense Scenarios

Being the night before the draft, the Celtics are still looking for a partner to trade the 3rd pick to. In these scenarios I have the Celtics trading the 3rd pick to build a defensive juggernaut. One scenario has Kevin Durant coming to Boston, one does not have him coming to Boston. I'll start with the one without Durant.
There are a few teams I think need a rebuild. One of those teams is the Hawks. Earlier today they traded away Jeff Teague in a 3 team trade and acquired the 12th pick. This allows them to use Dennis Schroder as their starting point guard. I believe they need to rebuild the team completely around Dennis Schroder and a few other players. So that means I have them not re-signing Al Horford and trading Paul Millsap. I can think of a couple other teams I'd trade Millsap to, but this is a Celtics article. In the trade I have Jared Sullinger, Terry Rozier, the 3rd Pick and the right to swap picks with Brooklyn in 2017 for Paul Millsap. Sullinger would bring an offensive rebounder with a great mid range jumper, similar to Horford, on a smaller salary. Terry Rozier is plus defending point guard who can rebound and will get better as he puts on muscle. The 3rd pick can grab them Jaylen Brown to take over at Small Forward. For the Celtics Millsap brings another defensive force to the team. The Celtics still needs Center however. I don't have them signing Al Horford however. I don't like the pairing of him and Millsap because of the lack of low post offense and rebounding. I have them bringing Hassan Whiteside. I believe with the right pitch Whiteside would definitely come to Boston. It wouldn't hurt to offer him a max deal in this scenario either. The two other moves I have the Celtics making are re-signing Evan Turner and guaranteeing Jonas Jerebko's contract. Turner has been great for the Celtics, doing anything they've asked him to do and he has said he'd take a hometown discount to come back. Jerebko brings energy and the ability to stretch the floor off the bench. He paired well with Kelly Olynyk and did great when inserted in the starting lineup during the playoffs. Bringing him back would also allow Jordan Mickey to continue his development. So here is what the Celtics would look like in this scenario.
Starters
  1. Isaiah Thomas
  2. Avery Bradley
  3. Jae Crowder
  4. Paul Millsap
  5. Hassan Whiteside
Reserves
  1. Marcus Smart
  2. R.J. Hunter
  3. Evan Turner
  4. Jonas Jerebko
  5. Kelly Olynyk
In my opinion that's an absolute defense that every team will hate playing. I do believe this trade will be harder to accomplish than the Durant scenario trade.
For the Durant scenario the trade I have to acquire Paul Millsap is Jae Crowder, the 3rd Pick and the right to swap with Brooklyn in 2017. I could also have them adding the 16th pick or a young player like Rozier or James Young. After the trade the Celtics would sign Hassan Whiteside for slightly less than max. The Celtics would have to sign him first in order to lure Durant to Boston. I would have them bring back Evan Turner here as well but not Jonas Jerebko, because of their need for cap space. Here is what the Celtics would look like with Kevin Durant.
Starter
  1. Isaiah Thomas
  2. Avery Bradley
  3. Kevin Durant
  4. Paul Millsap
  5. Hassan Whiteside
Reserves
  1. Marcus Smart
  2. R.J. Hunter
  3. Evan Turner
  4. Jordan Mickey
  5. Kelly Olynyk
This team would be a nightmare on both ends of the floor. With a quality bench like this it makes it even worse for opposing team. I believe this team could outplay the Cavs and Raptors next season. On another note I realize I said bringing back Jerebko would allow Mickey to develop more but he's already a plus defensive player with good low post offense. His mid range game has improved dramatically and he has the ability to hit 3s. Give him time in the rotation and he'll flourish.
So let's see what Danny Ainge can do before or on draft night. I have faith in him.

No comments:

Post a Comment