Assets Tier: Boston Celtics

by | Feb 5, 2022

[social_warfare]

As always, the Boston Celtics are rumored to be in the middle of various trade talks. After winning 10 of their last 14 games, the Celtics have jumped up to ninth in the Eastern Conference. The recent hot streak has made the deadline direction harder to gauge for general manager and president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens. Stevens faces the question of whether the Celtics should trade veterans and play the young guys or strengthen the roster. While this is a definite dilemma, both routes require appealing assets. The Celtics don’t have the sexiest pieces in the world, but I am here to detail the ones they do have.

Untouchables: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown(?), Robert Williams

Almost every conversation you hear about the Celtics involves whether Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown fit together. The Celtics have smartly made it known that they are not looking to split up the Jays, but I believe that’s a temporary bandage.

A report came out that Brown could look to request a trade after this season. While I think that report shouldn’t put fear in the hearts of Celtics fans, I’m not sure not listening to offers for him is smart. While the Celtics shouldn’t consider trading Brown this season, they are coming up on tricky waters. In two years, Brown will be an unrestricted free agent and the worst thing a team can do is lose a star for nothing. You also run the risk of waiting until the last year of their deal which consequently degrades their value. Teams would be much more comfortable grabbing a guy with two years left on his deal than one. Eventually the Celtics need to either extend Brown or seriously weigh offers.

The worst thing you can do is lose him for nothing which could directly lead to Tatum walking the following year. I want to keep the Jays forever and that should be intact this season, but things could catch fire in the offseason.

Jayson Tatum along with Brown are having down years from the field. Tatum is shooting career lows from the field and behind the arc but he is trending upwards. In his last 10 games Tatum is averaging 27.3 pts on 46% shooting. Other than the last game against Charlotte, The Jays are literally the barometer between winning and losing. Celtics are undefeated this season when they both score 30 plus and if even one of them is struggling, it’s a tough out. Tatum, at 23 years old, is a franchise center piece.

Next, is newly untouchable Robert “Timelord” Williams. Averaging 9.8 pts, 9.5 rebs and 2 blks, Timelord is one of the NBA’s most improved players. He showed flashes of his current play mostly last year in a backup role. Fans continued to clammer for more minutes and a starting role for Rob, but Stevens refused. Former GM Danny Ainge then traded center Daniel Theis and Rob became the starter.

This year his play has shot through the roof. Health has always been the issue with him but this year he’s beat the injury prone allegations. 99% of games he is the most athletic person on the court which is an advantage in itself. His vertical spacing from lobs is vital but still underused. His shot blocking and help defense covers up any perimeter mistakes. Best of all his passing skills are impeccable. With your best two guys as scorers, having a big man with his vision and passing IQ opens opportunities that honestly need to be displayed more.

Tatum, Brown, and Rob Williams are the current core and that won’t change this season.

Trade Only if You Improve: Marcus Smart, Josh Richardson, Grant Williams, Al Horford

This is where things get tricky. 

Starting with Marcus Smart, it seems like we have been having this conversation for 5 years. With the departure of Kemba Walker he has become the new PG of the Boston Celtics. Since returning to the team after protocols and a thigh contusion, Smart has been stellar. His totals stand at 11.8 pts, 3.7 rebs, 6.7 ast and 1.7 stls. Beyond the numbers, his approach to game management and unselfishness is evident. Most impressively he’s shooting 54%(!) from the floor since his return while still being an all-defensive performer.

Some believe this is Marcus putting on his best don’t trade me act but I think this could be reality. Although we love it, heightened play also means heightened interest and if the Celtics can somehow get an upgrade at PG, they should do it instantly. But trading your best playmaker for no playmaking in return or a low value 1st round pick doesn’t please me at all unless the deal is too good.

Marcus and the team are going upward. Breaking it up for the kids or salary relief would be foolish. 

It’s safe to say that Josh Richardson has exceeded most expectations. After three straight years of subpar shooting, his 41% clip beyond the arc is 2nd on the team. His midrange/ in between game looks better than ever. Along with his much-needed bench play, he really seems to be cementing himself as a Celtic off the court. Trading him for a 2nd round pick would weaken this team heavily for a bench that’s already 28th in scoring.

In a dark cloud of recent player development, Grant Williams has evolved into a fixture in the rotation. After losing 15 pounds and evidently shooting 1,000 corner threes a day, Grant has transformed himself. He leads the team in 3pt percentage, and his weight loss has helped him in a switching defense. His stretch ability and defensive versatility is something that can stay in Boston for a long time. Unless he’s in a deal to acquire a star/starter, he’s staying put.

Al Horford is obviously the most expendable out of this group despite starting the season in a fountain of youth. For the first 18 games of the season, he averaged 12.2 pts, 9 rebs , 3.2 asts and 2.4 blks. He since of course has slowed down, and the shooting ability has never materialized. His $27 million dollar salary this season makes things interesting though. He also could bring salary relief with half of his salary being shaved off next season. It’s unlikely you get something of value for a 35-year-old big man on that deal but, we’ve seen worse trades *Hi Portland*.

Besides that, he is a key part of a stating unit with elite NET ratings. His savvy and toughness are a cog in the #1 overall defense since Christmas. I wouldn’t mind seeing him moved for the right price but it’s very unlikely.

Dump: Dennis Schroder and Enes Freedom

At the beginning of the year, it was actually a debate whether to just dump Dennis Schroder. Dennis was actually very effective in some games and singlehandedly won them about three. The problem is that Dennis benefited from injuries at the guard position. When Jaylen Brown and or Marcus Smart missed games, he was the next man in the starting lineup. The production difference between bench Dennis and starter Dennis is mind boggling. Off the bench he averages 9.3 pts and 4 asts on 35% shooting. As a starter his scoring exactly doubles at 18.6 pts with 5 asts on 48.6% from the floor. He also shoots 11.1% better from three when starting. The Celtics health blessing has actually been a curse for Dennis.

Since Marcus and JB have been consistently in the lineup, coach Ime Udoka hasn’t been going to Schroder as often. Every single month of the season his minutes have gone down. In October and November his minutes were at 33 and dipped slightly to 30 in December. But for the next two months, January and February, his time has plummeted from 26 to 19. Dennis was actually a valuable piece to winning at the beginning of the season and his value was nowhere near dump. But as the season progresses his time, production, and value have dipped which leaves him in my dump zone.

Kids/sweeteners: Aaron Nesmith, Romeo Langford, Payton Pritchard, P.J. Dozier, Bol Bol, Bruno Fernando

Sigh

Since the 2019 draft the Celtics have had a problem with drafting/player development. Grant Williams is the only current BOSTON rotational piece from the last three drafts. Boston is in all caps because Matisse Thybulle and Desmond Bane are players they picked and traded in back-to-back drafts. To start in 2019, Romeo Langford was their first pick at #14. He’s dealt with injuries his first two years and this season he’s flashed excellent on ball defense, but they’ve been minimal. In the 2nd round they had three picks being Grant, Carsen Edwards, and Tremont Waters. As we know Tremont and Carsen Edwards aren’t on NBA rosters.

In 2020 they owned three first round picks. At #14 (again) Aaron Nesmith was chosen out of Vanderbilt. He came in labeled as the best shooter in the draft with a small college sample size. With no summer league and a shortened training camp, the rook struggled and fell out of the rotation. Later in the year he got another shot and showed Celtics fans his shooting and under advertised athleticism. Surprisingly to me at least, this season he has completely lost the little touch he had. If he’s not hitting shots (which he’s not) he has no value at all.

Next, Payton Pritchard gets selected at #26. With Kemba Walker missing the start of Payton’s rookie year, Pritchard got an opportunity to play. Unlike Nesmith, Pritchard played four years in college and his extra seasoning showed with Kemba out. His limitless range and shot creation were a nice addition to the squad. This season though, he hasn’t earned the same amount of time. Dennis and Richardson have come in and bunched up Payton’s window and now he’s just a garbage time baller. To me Pritchard is the most capable kid/sweetener and I’m curious to see what he is if Schroder in fact gets moved. 30th overall is Demond Bane but of course he doesn’t wear green.

P.J. Dozier and Bol Bol were acquired in a three-team trade that sent Juancho Hernangomez to the Spurs. Everyone I’ve spoken to sees both players as dumps, but I would like to take a chance. Dozier is an actual rotation piece with size, on ball defense, and secondary playmaking ability. Bol Bol is a 7’2″ uber talented big man. I honstly believe that someone of his size with his handle, shooting, and shot blocking ability can help an NBA team. I hope Boston can unlock something in him.

Everyone in this tier should be add- ons attached to picks or another veteran for the Celtics to upgrade.

The Celtics are on a pretty nice tear of late, but this team is nowhere near finished. Staying under the tax seems to be an emphasis for Brad Stevens but I would be surprised if nothing happens in Beantown.

Check out more of my content! https://thepeachbasket.net/author/nikland/

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More from thePeachBasket

More from thePeachBasket


Should New York Knicks Consider Trading Up From RJ Barrett?

Should New York Knicks Consider Trading Up From RJ Barrett?

There have been trade rumors surrounding RJ Barrett through the season. Should the Knicks move him for a potential star? Since the Knicks almost traded to RJ Barrett in a deal for Donovan Mitchell during the 2022 off season there has been speculation that the Knicks...

Philadelphia 76ers: Title Contenders Or Title Pretenders

Philadelphia 76ers: Title Contenders Or Title Pretenders

The Philadelphia 76ers went on a recent streak winning eight straight games. The surge took them within two losses of the top seeded Milwaukee Bucks. Is this the hot team we can expect to see in the playoffs or are they the team that struggled early in the season....

New York Knicks: Redemption Time?

New York Knicks: Redemption Time?

Julius Randle has been on a scoring frenzy as of late and is playing the best basketball of his career. Will he make amends for his playoff struggles 2 years ago? Since becoming a Knick, Julius Randle has had his fair share of ups and downs. From winning the MIP award...

Random NBA Thoughts #11

Random NBA Thoughts #11

Editors Note: Scroll down to listen to the NBA Shot Clock Pod where we discuss these random thoughts in more detail! The best 15 minutes of NBA random thoughts online! The Random Words 1. Josh Hart is the type of player every team needs. High energy, toughness and...

Making Sense of the Weird Western Conference

Making Sense of the Weird Western Conference

Ok, I will admit up front that this is a very misleading title. I mean, can anyone make sense of the weirdness that is the NBA's Western Conference? Famed former Indiana Hoosiers basketball coach Bobby Knight is credited with once saying to a group of reporters that...

What Happened to the Boston Celtics

What Happened to the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics just went through a horrible weekend. They lost three straight and over the course of a week lost two games to a team not considered to be as good as them, the New York Knicks. Streaks like this shouldn't happen to a team contending for a title this...

New York Knicks: Thibs In the Mix

New York Knicks: Thibs In the Mix

Tom Thibodeau has done a phenomenal job (especially recently) coaching the Knicks to success. Should he be in the running for coach of the year? The Knicks are the hottest team in the Association and have continued to put the basketball world on notice. They are...

What a Weird and Wacky Week in Los Angeles

What a Weird and Wacky Week in Los Angeles

Our focus at thePeachBasket has always been and will always be basketball. So, this article will be about basketball in Los Angeles, I promise. But, I can't talk about last week in Los Angeles without calling out the fact that it snowed in LA! I get that doesn't mean...

Random NBA Thoughts #10

Random NBA Thoughts #10

The New York Knicks' winning streak is impressive. They have played well and are a dangerous team come playoff time. The one interesting stat from their streak is that they are shooting 41% from the three. For the season they are shooting 35.1 % from the three. If...

Josh Hart Is In for the Long Haul

Josh Hart Is In for the Long Haul

Josh Hart has been a spark plug for the Knicks since he’s joined the team. Should extending Hart be a priority for the Knicks in the offseason? Since his arrival to the Knicks, Josh Hart has made an instant impact on both ends of the floor. The Knicks haven’t lost yet...

Recap Week 19 of the 2022-23 NBA Season

Recap Week 19 of the 2022-23 NBA Season

Power Rankings These are the only NBA rankings based on strength of schedule. It's math, so you can't be mad! You beat a good team at home, you get points. You beat a good team on the road and you get more points. The most points possible are if you beat a contending...

The Greatest All Time Player

The Greatest All Time Player

After LeBron James set the All Time Scoring Record the debate for the greatest player of all time was talked about again. As a fan who has watched the NBA since the early sixties, though games weren't televised that often then, I tried to examine it from various...

Jalen Brunson ASG Snub: Making it a Positive

Jalen Brunson ASG Snub: Making it a Positive

Can being an All Star snub be a good thing for Jalen Brunson? Every year there’s a group of deserving players that don’t get the NBA All Star nod. Unfortunately, Knicks G Jalen Brunson was one of those players this year. This was surprising considering the stellar...

Recap Week 18 of the 2022-23 NBA Season

Recap Week 18 of the 2022-23 NBA Season

Power Rankings These are the only NBA rankings based on strength of schedule. It's math, so you can't be mad! You beat a good team at home, you get points. You beat a good team on the road and you get more points. The most points possible are if you beat a contending...

Random NBA Thoughts #9

Random NBA Thoughts #9

I am a big NBA fan however I find nothing enjoyable about the All Star festivities. The skills games, three point shot and dunk contest are the same old, same old. The All Star game, while fun to see the best players in the league, is nice. The All Stars not playing...

New York Knicks: Playoff Lock?

New York Knicks: Playoff Lock?

The Knicks have continued to play well heading into the All Star break. Are they a lock to make the postseason? Considering all of the ups and downs the Knicks have already endured this season, they have been able to remain relevant in the Eastern Conference playoff...

Recap Week 17 of the 2022-23 NBA Season

Recap Week 17 of the 2022-23 NBA Season

Power Rankings These are the only NBA rankings based on strength of schedule. It's math, so you can't be mad! You beat a good team at home, you get points. You beat a good team on the road and you get more points. The most points possible are if you beat a contending...

How Mike Muscala Can Help the Celtics

How Mike Muscala Can Help the Celtics

The Boston Celtics were in the market for size and reached a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Boston sent Justin Jackson and two second round picks to the Thunder in return for 11-year veteran Mike Muscala. Muscala is averaging 6 points and 3 rebounds in just...

Random NBA Thoughts: Trade Deadline

Random NBA Thoughts: Trade Deadline

Before the NBA buyout season these are early thoughts on this year's trades at the deadline: The big winner is obviously the Phoenix Suns because they got the best player out there. Right now they have the best starting five in the league. Don't give them the title...

The Los Angeles Lakers Are a Mess

The Los Angeles Lakers Are a Mess

It pains me to write this, it really does. But, it's impossible to ignore the facts. The Los Angeles Lakers have three of the top 75 players to ever play the game in LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook. Between them that trio have five MVP trophies, 36...

New York Knicks Dodged a Bullet

New York Knicks Dodged a Bullet

Does the Kyrie Irving trade make up for the Knicks 2019 offseason debacle? Over the past 20+ years, The Knicks have struggled to acquire superstar talent to the franchise. Year in and year out, Knicks fans have dealt with the pain of watching the NBA’s elite spurn the...

Fan Experts Thoughts on a Wild NBA Week: Kyrie and LeBron

Fan Experts Thoughts on a Wild NBA Week: Kyrie and LeBron

For fans of the NBA there are three key blocks of time when the season is most exciting. When the season starts everyone is optimistic and hopeful that this is the season their team breaks through! When the playoffs start even casual fans check in. The third exciting...

Why Kyrie

Why Kyrie

Picture a basketball player who is only six feet two inches tall. The player may be the best combination ball handler and scorer that ever played the game. Being small and talented makes him beloved by most fans.  That is what Kyrie Irving should have had. Now let's...

Recap Week 16 of the 2022-23 NBA Season

Recap Week 16 of the 2022-23 NBA Season

Power Rankings These are the only NBA rankings based on strength of schedule. It's math, so you can't be mad! You beat a good team at home, you get points. You beat a good team on the road and you get more points. The most points possible are if you beat a contending...

ChatGPT: Los Angeles Clippers GOATS

ChatGPT: Los Angeles Clippers GOATS

I admit to feeling a little guilty writing this article. To be clear, this is me writing - not ChatGPT. Obviously, it could if I asked it to, but I only asked for its thoughts on who the greatest Los Angeles Clippers of all time are. I feel guilty because ChatGPT is...

Random NBA Thoughts #8

Random NBA Thoughts #8

If OG Anunoby is the prize I'm confused. He is a really good defensive player and can score. A wing three and D player teams covet. However if a team is giving up as much draft capital and players as reported I'm stumped. He isn't the big time star that will get you...

Team Of The Future  – Orlando Magic

Team Of The Future – Orlando Magic

If you haven't noticed by now the Orlando Magic are a team worth watching. The team started the season 5 - 20 and since have been 15 - 11 making them 20 - 31 for the season. They are presently just four games out of a play-in spot. Some of their wins have come against...

Recap Week 15 of the 2022-23 NBA Season

Recap Week 15 of the 2022-23 NBA Season

Power Rankings These are the only NBA rankings based on strength of schedule. It's math, so you can't be mad! You beat a good team at home, you get points. You beat a good team on the road and you get more points. The most points possible are if you beat a contending...

NBA Trade Deadline: Buy Or Sell

NBA Trade Deadline: Buy Or Sell

Over the last few weeks we have discussed whether teams should trade or not before the deadline. Today we will look at two teams, the Washington Wizards and Portland Trail Blazers. We'll do it in a different way. We will look at both teams simultaneously because they...

2 Trades to Improve the Celtics + 3 Targets

2 Trades to Improve the Celtics + 3 Targets

Despite having the NBA's best record, the defending Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics can still use some external help. A bench unit that was once tops in the league regarding points per game, now sits at number 19. Regression from Sam Hauser and injuries...

New York Anunoby?

New York Anunoby?

OG Anunoby’s name has been brought up in Knicks trade rumors over the past couple of months. Should the Knicks make a deal to bring him to New York? As the trade deadline approaches in February, the Knicks are expected to be involved in the trade market. According to...

Recap Week 14 of the 2022-23 NBA Season

Recap Week 14 of the 2022-23 NBA Season

Power Rankings These are the only NBA rankings based on strength of schedule. It's math, so you can't be mad! You beat a good team at home, you get points. You beat a good team on the road and you get more points. The most points possible are if you beat a contending...

The NBA Wild, Weird Western Conference

The NBA Wild, Weird Western Conference

With the 2022-23 NBA season now over 1/2 complete under-performing teams can stop using the "it's early" excuse. At this point, the teams you have are what they are. Of course, the trade deadline can change that for a select few, but generally speaking this point -...

Random NBA Thoughts #7

Random NBA Thoughts #7

I was wrong about the Clippers. I thought they were dangerous with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. What I'm realizing is teams need continuity and that means your stars don't miss a lot of games. If things don't improve this year I can see the Clippers making big...

The Cavs Look to Upgrade Their Roster

The Cavs Look to Upgrade Their Roster

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been inquiring about several players to upgrade their roster in preparation to make a deep run in the 2022-2023 NBA playoffs. The Cavs, who are currently seeded 5th in the Eastern Conference, want to improve play at the 3 spot in the...

New York Knicks: What’s to Come

New York Knicks: What’s to Come

The Knicks have a tough schedule coming up. What will be the key to success against the cream of the crop? In order to be the best, you have to beat the best to prove it. Within in the next several weeks, the Knicks will have the chance to show if they are a real...

NBA Trade Deadline: Buy or Sell

NBA Trade Deadline: Buy or Sell

With the trade deadline approaching some teams need to decide whether to buy or sell their  players. Two weeks ago we looked at the Knicks and the Bulls today we will continue examining teams on the cusp with important decisions to make. This week we will look at the...

New York Knicks: Toppin’s Back

New York Knicks: Toppin’s Back

Obi Toppin has finally made his return to the court. Can he be the difference maker the Knicks have been waiting for? After being sidelined for over a month with a fractured fibula, Obi Toppin made his 2023 debut against the Milwaukee Bucks this past Monday. Even...

Los Angeles Clippers: What Happened?

Los Angeles Clippers: What Happened?

I am a big fan of the articles Steve Purciello writes where he shares his NBA random thoughts. So, with apologies to him for the blatant rip-off, here are my NBA Random Thoughts - Clippers edition! The Clippers started the 2022-23 season as the 4th favored team to win...

Random NBA Thoughts #6

Random NBA Thoughts #6

The Atlanta Hawks are in an interesting situation. Last week Nate McMillan, the Hawks coach, was rumored to be thinking of resigning. Reportedly he has had problems with Trae Young. This is the second coach Young appears to be having a problem with. Young is not...

NBA Trade Deadline: Buy Or Sell

NBA Trade Deadline: Buy Or Sell

With the trade deadline approaching some teams need to decide whether to sell players or add players. Today I'll look at two organizations that appear to be at some sort of crossroads and try to determine how they should approach the trade deadline. New York Knicks...

Immanuel Quickley is Rising to the Occasion

Immanuel Quickley is Rising to the Occasion

Immanuel Quickley has played some great basketball as of late. Can he keep it going? Since being drafted to the Knicks in 2020, Immanuel Quickley has always been a solid contributor for the Knicks coming off the bench. He’s had some great offensive performances in the...

New York Knicks: No Tobias

New York Knicks: No Tobias

There have been rumors about the Knicks being interested in acquiring Tobias Harris.  Would that be a mistake? There has been a lot of speculation that the Knicks will be active in the trade market before the Feburary deadline. One of names that has been brought up in...

New York Knicks: Stay Randle Stay?

New York Knicks: Stay Randle Stay?

Recently, there has been some trade talk surrounding Julius Randle. Should the Knicks consider dealing him? The Knicks are one of the hottest teams in the NBA and Julius Randle is a big reason for that. After dealing with last season's woes, he’s been more efficient...

Random NBA Thoughts #5

Random NBA Thoughts #5

The Toronto Raptors are another team that needs to decide if they are in or out. Currently they are 13 - 18 and sit in tenth place. If the playoffs began today they would be in the play-in game, they expected more. Their problems are numerous, poor shooting from the...

Cavaliers Win Ugly Against Depleted Mavs

Cavaliers Win Ugly Against Depleted Mavs

In what should have been a mismatch, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled out a 100-99 win vs a Dallas Maverick team that was without star Luka Doncic. They also were without key players Spencer Dinwiddie and Dwight Powell as well. The Cavs seemed to struggle on offense...

New York Knicks: Grimes Time

New York Knicks: Grimes Time

Quentin Grimes has really shown his value as of late. Is it time for time to take the next step? During the 112-99 win against the Sacramento Kings this past Sunday, G Jalen Brunson suffered a right ankle sprain with about 9 minutes left in the game. According to...

Sacramento, It’s In The Offense

Sacramento, It’s In The Offense

The Sacramento Kings are one of the feel good stories thus far this season. The Kings, a team that hasn't made the playoffs since the 2005 - 2006 season are presently fourteen and eleven sitting fifth in the Western Conference. How they have gotten here defies...

New York Knicks: Something to Build on

New York Knicks: Something to Build on

The Knicks were able to pull off a big win against a contender. Can this shift the momentum for this season? After a 5 game home losing streak the Knicks came away with a 92-81 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. This was by far the best defensive...