Kemba looks healthy and if that's the case Danny needs to go all in for this team
In the end the Joel Embid, Ben Simmons, and the rest of Philadelphia 76ers proved to be just too much for the short-handed Celtics to handle in their two game mini-series this past week. The 76ers were just flat better. They killed the Celtics in transition and on the offensive glass (both recurring themes), and punished the C's for any lapses (which there were plenty) on the defensive end. The 76ers also showed the knack to knock down tough contested shots - a key element for any team that has championship aspirations.
The Celtics inability to get stops down without fouling down the stretch of both games was glaring. On Wednesday night the 76ers pounded the ball inside to Embid which resulted in an endless parade of free throws and then on Friday Simmons took control through a series of drives and plays in transition. The Celtics were consistently in a late scramble in their defensive rotations which resulted in open three point looks for the plethora of 76ers shooters. Rob Williams inability to box out on the defensive rebound gave the Philly extra possessions, Tristan Thompson appears to be half-step slower, and Jeff Teague is a liability on the defensive end. To compound matters the Celtics lost Payton Pritchard to an apparent knee sprain early on Friday night. Pritchard had been the Celtics best guard at applying ball pressure - and still being able ease into rotation.
Despite the glaring defensive lapses it is not time for the Celtics fans to hit the red panic button. Kemba Walker played in just his 3rd game back from knee injury and appears to moving freely and has shown consistent burst and explosiveness. Jaylen Brown scored 42 points and looked like the second best player on the floor (behind Embid) throughout the two games. The Celtics were still without their best player, Jayson Tatum, who is recovering from health and safety protocols. Some of the Celtics defensive lapses can be attributed to not having their best players play and practice together. By having Tatum, Brown, and Walker on the floor together it will allow other teammates to fall back into more natural roles. Smart will not have to carry as much of the ball handling and playmaking duties and can instead concentrate more of his energy on the defensive end (where he is elite). Less will be asked of players like Jeff Teague and Javonte Green which should help solidify rotations. Tristan Thompson should play his way into better shape and become more comfortable with the scheme, and hopefully Payton Pritchard's knee injury isn't severe and he can continue to apply pressure on opposing teams ball handlers.
Truth be told I'm more bullish on the Celtics prospects than I was even a week ago. Tatum and Brown are playing like high level all-stars, the early signs with Kemba's knee is very encouraging, and the C's bench is an improved unit from last season. The Celtics have a real chance to contend in the East and if healthy could beat any team in a playoff series as constituted. The Celtics also are positioned to be title contenders for at least the next two to three seasons. The Celtics are also in the unique position to add to this team now by utilizing their massive TPE. Danny Ainge should look to make a move sooner rather than waiting to the trade deadline. This season more than any other has been difficult for teams to build continuity and with games having to be rescheduled practice time will be at a premium the later we go into the season. Getting a player now and incorporated into the team as early as possible would be advantageous to the Celtics.
Here is a list of players the Celtics could target and what it could conceivably cost:
Group A - starter level players with multiple years on their contracts:
Aaron Gordon, F, Orlando Magic - Gordon would be the ideal pickup for the Celtics. He can play on the wing and cover multiple positions on defense. He is an ok 3 point shooter (35% this season) and is an explosive finisher around the rim. Gordon would instantly slot in as the Celtics 4th best offensive player and could move Marcus Smart to the bench to man the 2nd unit. Gordon would also help the the Celtics on the defensive glass - an area where they desperately need help. His 20.6% defensive rebounding rate would rank him second on the team behind Tristan Thompson. Gordon would be the perfect stretch 4 player for the Celtics and would be deadly in the pick and roll with Kemba Walker.
Gordon's Contract: Gordon is signed through next season. Gordon is on the books for 18.1m this year and 16.4m next season.
What it could cost: The cost here would be high, because Gordon is still on the books next season. Proposed deal: Celtics get: Aaron Gordon and future 2nd round pick Magic receive: Grant Williams, Romeo Langford, and 2021 first round pick
Harrison Barnes, F, Sacramento Kings: Barnes would provide the Celtics with much needed wing depth that can score and defend. Although there has been some decline in Barnes overall game he can still score the basketball. Barnes is shooting 39% from deep and scoring almost 16ppg. He can still defend well and has big game experience as part of the Warriors championship teams. The Kings are going nowhere fast and should want to move a guy that is on the books for 20 plus million over the next three seasons. Barnes would become the Celtics best player off the bench and give them much need wing depth for this season and beyond.
Barnes contract: 3 years remaining at about 20 mil per
What it could cost: 2021 first round pick and Edwards.
Dejounte Murray, Guard, San Antonio Spurs: Murray would be the perfect fit for the Celtics. A defensive minded guard who is still a plus on the offensive end. He is only 24 years old and is under contract for multiple years. There is no indication that the Spurs would want to move him and they may see him as part of his rebuild, but a sizable offer could interest them.
Murray Contract: 4 years at about 16mil per year
What it could cost: 2 first round picks and at least Payton Pritchard and Grant Williams.
Other players who could be available with multiple years: Thad Young, Norm Powell, Taurean Prince
What it could cost: The Celtics should not give more than multiple 2nds
Players who are up after this season: Kelly Oubre, Trevor Ariza, OKC, George Hil, P.J. Tucker, Rudy Gay, Paddy Mills, Terrance Ross, Evan Fourneir, Victor Olidapo
What it could cost: All of these players should come cheap (Olidapo being the exception) and should cost not much more than a 2nd round pick. Oladipo would cost at least a first and probably you would not retain bird rights - he is probably not a likely target for those reasons.
There are guys out there that could help the Celtics now and into the future. The Celtics paid a high price of Gordon Hayward and 2 2nd round picks to get the TPE. Danny should be aggressive early and try to add a team that has a real chance to contend.