At yesterday's trade deadline, Danny Ainge made two moves that improve the Celtics for the stretch run and should help them next year as well.
The first move was to send two second round picks and veteran guard Jeff Teague to Orlando for Evan Fournier. Fournier, who the Celtics absorbed his contract with the Gordon Hayward Traded Player Exception (TPE), adds much needed scoring, size, and experience on the wing. One of the Celtics biggest issues this year has been a lack of wing scoring beyond Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and Fournier helps to address that issue. He can create his own shot and is a 38% shooter from three-point land.
Fournier is set to become a free agent, but as he's expected to have an important role on a playoff team it will not be a surprise if he re-signs. If he does look elsewhere, the Celtics would be able to create a TPE to allow them to add a replacement.
In the other deal, underrated center Daniel Theis was sent to the Bulls along with Javonte Green in exchange for forward Mo Wagner and center Luke Kornet. Wagner projects to be Boston's third big man, behind Robert Williams and Tristan Thompson, while Kornet is likely to be released.
Wagner intrigues me as a skilled forward who has good size (6-11) and can shoot. Brad Stevens is adept at finding a role for players who can shoot, so Wagner could potentially carve out a small role for the Celtics.
The Theis deal also saves the Celtics from being a repeat luxury tax offender, which should help them re-sign Fournier if they choose to do so this summer.
The Celtics are also rumored to be heavily interested in Cavaliers center Andre Drummond, who was released today.
Stevens now has a group of Tatum, Brown, Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart, Fournier, Robert Williams, Tristan Thompson, Payton Pritchard, and Wagner. Grant Williams and Semi Ojeleye will compete for minutes as a forward while Aaron Nesmith and Romeo Langford could fight for minutes on the wing.
The reality for this team is that the Nets, 76ers, and Bucks are clearly better this year, and after acquiring Victor Oladipo yesterday the Heat are as well. The goal should be allowing Tatum and Brown to continue to grow into their roles as team leaders while Robert Williams, Pritchard, Nesmith, and Langford get a chance to earn minutes and further their development.
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While I believe the 2021 Red Sox will be significantly better than the 2020 team, I'm not sold on their pitching and do not see them making much of a push for the playoffs.
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I will burn more words as we get closer to the NFL Draft on the Patriots off-season but the targeted strikes in free agency on the defensive front seven, tight end, and wide receiver have them back in position to compete for the Lombardi Trophy.
The only issue now is at quarterback.
I think that Jimmy Garopollo will solve that issue sometime in the next few weeks.
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There is a good chance that Boston University and Boston College will play on Sunday for the right to go to the NCAA Frozen Four.
BU has to get by St. Cloud State tomorrow (BC got a bye due to Notre Dame forfeiting due to Covid) but if the Terriers and Eagles meet it will be a match-up of two bitter rivals who also happen to have two of the most skilled teams in the country.
Put me down for the Terriers to survive a physical battle tomorrow against St. Cloud State and then winning an overtime classic against BC on Sunday.
BU coach Albie O'Connell, who should have won Hockey East Coach of the Year after navigating the Terriers to the tournament despite strict Boston University rules regarding Covid that cost many players multiple weeks, will finally get the recognition for being a top coach by getting the Terriers to the Frozen Four.
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Enjoy Jayson Tatum tonight.
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