The Celtics wake up this morning with a 14-14 record, in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, and a roster that does nothing to inspire much hope that there will be an immediate improvement.
The foundation for a team that can compete for a championship is there. Jaylen Brown (24 years old) and Jayson Tatum (22 years old) are both averaging about 26 points per game and provide the Celtics with the necessary talent to succeed now and in the future. Kemba Walker struggled in January coming off an off-season knee injury but has played better in February (averaging 18 points and 4 assists over seven games), and that is critical to providing offensive support to Tatum and Brown. Marcus Smart, out with a calf injury right now, provides defense, toughness, and secondary scoring. They have an above average rotation of big men between Tristan Thompson, Daniel Theis, and Robert Williams. They have also received solid bench play from rookie point guard Payton Pritchard.
The issue really is that they need to add quality depth that allows Brad Stevens flexibility to complement his stars and to better matchup with opponents on a night-to-night basis.
Right now, when Stevens needs to look to his bench, there are not many options. With Smart out, and Walker not playing the second game of a back-to-back, they are very thin in the back court and on the wing. Pritchard provides a spark, but is only a rookie and has limits to what he can, especially on defense. Jeff Teague, added as a veteran this off-season, has not played well. Rookie Aaron Nesmith has mostly been glued to the bench, although has played more recently and has flashed the ability to be helpful, but like Pritchard is limited in what he can be relied upon to contribute consistently. Javonte Green, Carsen Edwards, Semi Ojeleye, and Grant Williams are limited. Romeo Langford, last year's first round pick, has yet to play this season as he recovers from off-season wrist surgery and should not be considered the answer to the team's issues.
The time is now for Danny Ainge to bolster this roster and give this team a chance to compete. Despite their mediocre play, the Celtics are only four games behind first place Philadelphia in the loss column. This team is a few upgrades away from being right in the mix for the Eastern Conference championship.
With a $28.5-million trade exception from the Gordon Hayward sign-and-trade to Charlotte, there are many rumors circulating concerning the Celtics, most of which are unrealistic. I don't think they have enough to pry John Collins away from Atlanta. I don't think Andre Drummond or Blake Griffin would be worth the price they'd cost. My guess is they will wait to see what stars are available this summer, and try to use the Hayward trade exception at that time.
One realistic target for right now is Josh Hart of New Orleans. He would provide scoring and shooting off of the bench, and due to the trade exception the Celtics have courtesy of their sign-and-trade of Enes Kanter to Portland, they could assume his salary without dealing any players to the Pelicans. Dealing a future protected first round pick might be a slight overpay, but that's the cost of doing business when you are desperate. Hart is a 35% shooter from 3, and is currently averaging 9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He would be a major upgrade for Stevens bench.
Another realistic target is P.J. Tucker of Houston. Tucker is likely to be a target of many contenders, so Ainge should be proactive and try for the veteran wing now. While he's not having a great start to the season, Tucker is a proven defender and rebounder who also makes open 3's. He'd likely cost the Celtics at least a first round pick, and maybe a young prospect such as Nesmith (who I am a major fan of and would hate to lose) or Langford (along with a cheap contract like Theis to make the money work) but he would be an improvement over what the Celtics currently have on the bench.
Let's say Ainge makes these two deals:
2021 First Round Pick, Daniel Theis, Aaron Nesmith to Houston for P.J. Tucker
2023 First Round Pick (Top 15 protected) to New Orleans for Josh Hart
That would give the Celtics the following rotation:
Walker, Smart, Brown, Tatum, Thompson with Tucker, Hart, Pritchard, and Robert Williams filing out the primary rotation. Grant Williams and Ojeleye provide a bit of insurance as undersized forwards while Teague and Green do the same at guard and on the wing.
That team could could compete with the likes of Milwaukee, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia in the East. It also allows Ainge the flexibility to turn the Hayward trade exception into something substantial this off-season instead of rushing to use it now.
There's no more waiting. Ainge needs to add pieces to this roster and give his young stars the opportunity to compete now.
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