Official Boston Celtics Thread

[areobee401]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

And now time for my personal favorite.

The “Nuclear Summer” option:

https://www.celticsblog.com/2019/5/21/18634161/how-the-boston-celtics-summer-could-go-the-nuclear-summer-option-nba-free-agency-kyrie-irving?utm_campaign=celticsblog&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

[jeremym480]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

And now time for my personal favorite.

The “Nuclear Summer” option:

https://www.celticsblog.com/2019/5/2...source=twitter

I could probably get down with that... but I'd still prefer to get Big Al at a discounted rate. If Kyrie is leaving then I hope Danny goes the "the dogs" route and gives us a team full of fighters and underdogs. I don't know if we have enough space but get Rondo, Crowder and hell even Jerebko back. Then hopefully Baynes will sign his player option (we need a big body down low and I don't think Williams is ready just yet). Just go out there and get after it night in and night out. Would Boston be a title contender? Probably not but I bet they would be fun to watch.

[tonybologna]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Kyrie and AD is may initial want but I'm not going to be too upset if Kyrie leaves. Disappointed probably but Kyrie at these numbers does scare me:

· 2019-20 - $32.7 million
· 2020-21 - $35.3 million
· 2021-22 - $37.9 million
· 2022-23 - $40.5 million
· 2023-24 - $43.2 million (player option)
· Total – 5 years/$189.7 million

If Kyrie leaves, then I think that Rubio would be a great option as a "fill in the gap" kind of a guy. He's a pass first, team player who will keep everyone involved. If Rubio isn't possible, then I'd probably even give Rozier a second chance. He's pretty much the exact opposite of Rubio and sure he sucked last season but maybe as a starter he'll get back to his old self.

As far as IT and Rondo I would love to see either one back in green. Rondo would be great as Kyrie's backup, especially if AD comes (him and AD had great chemistry in 17/18). I'm not sure how Rondo would fit in Stevens' offense (even though he's played in it before but we're a much different team now). However, Rondo is like having another coach on the floor and if anyone can keep the young guys in check I think it's Rondo. I'd love "the little guy" back in green more than anything. However, I think that at least initially I'd ask him to be more of a third PG on a minimum deal, then see if he can eventually get back to form. If he does I think he would be great as a 6th-man and closing games.

Here's a look at the "Run it back" option: https://www.celticsblog.com/2019/5/1...9-kyrie-irving

Rozier would be gone which I think would be addition by subtraction. I'm not sure they would want to go that deep into the luxury tax, unless they really thought this team would be a championship contender so in my opinion Morris might be gone under this scenario, as well. We may end up in the situation that we were in a few years ago, where a lot of rookies were asked to play big minutes. If the team gets back to playing hard and having fun, then I'm all for it.

I was thinking more along the lines of not wanting either Rondo or IT back in the scenario of having Kyrie back but this was chat about the "See ya ,Kyrie option". I'm just not really interested in getting Rondo back at all myself. You are right in that he could help some of the younger guys but other than that he just isn't worth the money anymore. IT I would take over Rondo. I'm just concerned about his hip & knees at this point in his career.

If he can just get semi-healthy then I would take him over Rondo. However, in my opinion, neither Rondo or IT are starting PG's anymore. That's why I say go get Ricky Rubio or Darren Collison instead. Rubio is my preferred choice. I WOULD accept either Rondo or IT as a backup PG to either Kyrie coming back or him leaving & we sign Rubio or Collison. We also have to factor is what we do with our draft picks. Do we draft a PG with the #14 pick IF we don't trade that away for AD?

I think that depends on whether Kyrie tells us he's going to stay or not. He leaves & we would probably entertain or consider taking a PG with that #14 pick. Again, that's if this pick along with the rest of the picks we have aren't traded away for AD. We could even get a decent PG @ #20 or #22 pick as well. Probably not a starting PG right away with any of those picks except for #14 but possibly one in a couple of years. In the case that we do keep all of these draft picks & Kyrie leaves then we have to make a push for Rubio, Collison, IT, or Rondo to come aboard.

I would guess other than getting Rubio of these 4 then Rozier would start & either Rondo or IT would be the backup PG. Rondo as a backup would probably see a few more minutes per game than IT because of his injury woes. IT on the team instead of Rondo would probably place Smart in the backup PG role & IT with select few minutes at least until he could show he can still have some flashes.

And now time for my personal favorite.

The “Nuclear Summer” option:

https://www.celticsblog.com/2019/5/2...source=twitter

Not too much of a backer of this "Nuclear Summer" option. Too much starting over but having Tatum & Brown to build around. This would be my least likeable option of the 4 articles posted thus far. I would rank them like this for me after 4 of them:

1. Welcome to Boston, AD
2. Run it back option
3. See ya, Kyrie option
4. Nuclear Summer option

[jeremym480]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

I'm been listened to Bill Simmons podcast about Kyrie leaving yesterday and him and his dad did make some good points about Kyrie causing too much damage last season. I'm starting to sway over to just letting him go a bit. However, I still think that my first choice would be to have him back with either AD or a S&T for KD (or both even though I think there's only a .0001% chance of that happening). However, if that doesn't happen then I think I'd prefer "See you, Kyrie" over "Running it back". Check with me tomorrow and I made have already changed my mind again.

Anyway, here's some key dates coming up: https://www.celticsblog.com/2019/5/9...ba-free-agency

Thursday June 13th - Player Option deadlines for Kyrie Irving and Aron Baynes
Tuesday June 18th - Player Option deadline for Al Horford
Thursday June 20th - 2019 NBA Draft
Sunday June 30th- Qualifying Offer deadline for Terry Rozier, Daniel Thies, Brad Wanamaker, and Jonathan Gibson
Monday July 1st - Semi Ojeleye's contract becomes fully guaranteed
Monday July 1st - 2019-20 league year begins and free agency opens

[tonybologna]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Looks like Kyrie is showing interest in the Nets. The Nets now have room for 2 Max contracts after the trade today for Taurean Prince from the Hawks. If Kyrie is going to leave Boston then I hoped he would go to the Western Conference or at least get out of our division. Geez!

[areobee401]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Good. Enjoy playing in Brooklyn, light brother. [emoji23][emoji3577]

[tonybologna]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Well, AD has made it clear if he's traded to the Celtics it would be a 1 year rental for us. I see absolutely no need to trade away the young assets we have in the likes of Tatum & Brown for a 1 year timeframe with AD on the roster.

I'm going to be highly upset if we trade for AD now knowing that he would only be here for 1 year. I would much rather keep what we got (even with Kyrie probably leaving) than to trade away our 2 best young players.

Get a decent player with that 1st pick in the draft coming up. The other picks will most certainly be G-League players as rookies more than likely. Then, whatever we can get in FA to add pieces to the puzzle. Kemba wants to stay in Charlotte for less money.

Looks like Rozier will end up being our starting PG more than likely for next season. I don't know if I like that but if he performs as a starter like he did in the playoffs in 2017-18 then that's the Rozier we need. I think with him knowing Kyrie is gone & has the starting job will immediately up his confidence. There's no way though Rozier scores like Kyrie but him giving us 13-15 points/game with his overall play like in the 2017-18 playoffs then that's definitely good enough.

Hayward is the one that's got to up his scoring quite a bit though. Tatum slipped a little offensively this season but still had a pretty decent sophomore season. Horford battled injury problems just about the entire season so we should hope for a healthy Horford first of all from him. Then, he needs to score a little more as well. He's capable of scoring more on the block than he has for us. He's turned into too much of an outside shooter. He can shoot the ball well but he's got too many skills to not score more in the paint.

I think both of his knees bothered him all season & that effected him this season. He can score on defenders underneath the basket with his quickness & various moves that he has. Smart improved his shooting this season & we already know what he brings defensively. He hustles every single possession too. Robert Williams in his limited time this season showed his defensive skills & his athletic ability. He can develop into a decent player in my opinion on both ends of the court.

Ojeyele didn't play that much this season & he should see increased playing time next season because he's a two-way player. He defends really well & has turned into a solid 3-pt. shooter. Yabusele is just a monster inside both offensively & defensively but anything past 10 feet out as far as shooting is something that he's got to start doing/working on. I personally think Jaylen Brown might just have the highest ceiling between him & Tatum. He's just so athletic. He can shoot the 3 ball. He can drive to the basket. He can defend. He can rebound. He can pass. He can block shots. His biggest fault is forcing things but so does Tatum as well.

The bottom line is that we probably aren't going to have Kyrie. AD doesn't want to play in Boston. Keep what we have in our talented young guys in Tatum & Brown instead of even having AD for a 1 year rental & AD not being happy in that 1 year with us. Add whatever piece(es) by the draft & FA. We could still be a pretty good darn team. Title contenders? Probably not but you just never know. We have a good mixture of young & veteran talent already on this team even with Kyrie gone.

[jeremym480]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Ainge is not going to be bothered with Rich Paul's threats. If he wants AD, he'll take his shot knowing the risks, just like he did with KG. Obviously, it's different with Kutch's involvement but a lot can change in a year. If AD comes to Boston and has the most team success his had in his career, plays on the best team that he's played on, and plays in front of a full house of cheering fans night in and night out, then maybe he'll stay. Not to mention, that LA may not want to sign a bunch of 1-year deals to wait on AD and waste another year of Lebron. It would be a gamble but, one that may be worth it for a Top 5 player.

I think KD's injury could have changed Kyrie's destination. If KD were healthy then I think the two would have teamed up in NY or Brooklyn but since he's likely out next season, then I don't see Kyrie wasting a year playing with a roster that's worse than last years Celtics.

If AD and Kyrie care about winning (and Kyrie cares about money) then the choice is pretty simple. With that said, if one or both of them is going to be moody and a malcontent little baby(ies) all year, then I would rather just go with the youngins. And if that's the case, I don't think Danny sits on his hands and does nothing to improve the roster.

I still believe that AD to the Lakers with the help of a 3rd is the most likely but wouldn't be surprised if Ainge took a shot either. I kind of hope he doesn't because I don't want to hear that "is AD gonna, stay or is he gonna go?" crap all season long. Hopefully, we'll hear something soon because I'm just ready for this to be over.

[tonybologna]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Ainge is not going to be bothered with Rich Paul's threats. If he wants AD, he'll take his shot knowing the risks, just like he did with KG. Obviously, it's different with Kutch's involvement but a lot can change in a year. If AD comes to Boston and has the most team success his had in his career, plays on the best team that he's played on, and plays in front of a full house of cheering fans night in and night out, then maybe he'll stay. Not to mention, that LA may not want to sign a bunch of 1-year deals to wait on AD and waste another year of Lebron. It would be a gamble but, one that may be worth it for a Top 5 player.

I think KD's injury could have changed Kyrie's destination. If KD were healthy then I think the two would have teamed up in NY or Brooklyn but since he's likely out next season, then I don't see Kyrie wasting a year playing with a roster that's worse than last years Celtics.

If AD and Kyrie care about winning (and Kyrie cares about money) then the choice is pretty simple. With that said, if one or both of them is going to be moody and a malcontent little baby(ies) all year, then I would rather just go with the youngins. And if that's the case, I don't think Danny sits on his hands and does nothing to improve the roster.

I still believe that AD to the Lakers with the help of a 3rd is the most likely but wouldn't be surprised if Ainge took a shot either. I kind of hope he doesn't because I don't want to hear that "is AD gonna, stay or is he gonna go?" crap all season long. Hopefully, we'll hear something soon because I'm just ready for this to be over.

This wasn't any threats or talk from just Rich Paul. It's AD saying he won't play past 1 year in Boston. His Dad also said the same thing so it's not just AD's agent but AD himself plus his own father so it's not threats really. It's just as simple as AD not wanting to play in Boston for some reason. What I don't get is what's so bad about playing/being in Boston?

We are one of the most winningest franchises in NBA history so I don't get some of these players like AD & Kyrie acting like Boston is a bad place to play. Maybe it has something to do with either Ainge's management or Steven's coaching.

I don't know but Boston is by far a better place to play NBA basketball than most other NBA cities/teams. I'm ready to move on/away from AD/Kyrie & just keep all of our young guns & role with that. Get whatever we can in FA plus the draft. We are still going to be a decent team.

By the way, this AD thing is said to be going down some way or another before the draft coming up. The sooner the better for me & I hope we're not involved at all.

[jeremym480]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

This wasn't any threats or talk from just Rich Paul. It's AD saying he won't play past 1 year in Boston. His Dad also said the same thing so it's not just AD's agent but AD himself plus his own father so it's not threats really. It's just as simple as AD not wanting to play in Boston for some reason. What I don't get is what's so bad about playing/being in Boston?

We are one of the most winningest franchises in NBA history so I don't get some of these players like AD & Kyrie acting like Boston is a bad place to play. Maybe it has something to do with either Ainge's management or Steven's coaching.

I don't know but Boston is by far a better place to play NBA basketball than most other NBA cities/teams. I'm ready to move on/away from AD/Kyrie & just keep all of our young guns & role with that. Get whatever we can in FA plus the draft. We are still going to be a decent team.

By the way, this AD thing is said to be going down some way or another before the draft coming up. The sooner the better for me & I hope we're not involved at all.

AD is an easy influenced a wishy washy guy. Just like last year when we supposedly gave a list of teams but then he himself said that all 29 teams were on his list.

This is all Klutch... He signed with them in September of 2018. Before that he was the perfect solider in New Orleans, playing hard, going to work, and never complaining, even signing an extension. He signs with Klutch and everything changes in 3-4 months. They're telling that he can go to L.A., play with Lebron, you can be in movies, you don't want to be in Boston, that's not good for your "brand" yadda, yadda, yadda. But AD isn't Lebron and he's never going to be a star like Lebron. The only reason they're telling him that is to benefit one person.... LEBRON.

Now, knowing that one can assume that if you've been influenced once, then you can be influenced again. If Ainge trades for him he gets a chance to showcase what a good organization (from to to bottom), with a good team, and great fans feels like. If he wants to go to L.A. to their dumpster fire of an organization to play with 35 year old Lebron after that, then so be it. Hell, if I'm Ainge I would do it just out of spite to screw up another year of Lebron's career.

[BleacherBum2310]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Yeah I don't think Ainge is deterred by Rich Paul threats. What I will say is Ainge better be sure about 2 things is will AD trade Convince Kyrie to stay or 2 if Kyrie Leaves will a still really good team convince AD to stay because now if he leaves after a year you would have lost AD/Kyrie/Tatum and will be left with Jaylen and picks basically. They aren't loaded with assets anymore. I'm interested to see what Ainge does because I really don't think he's interested in a semi rebuild. So basically even if they don't get AD i think he's going to try to build a winner so beware on what plan B and C will be.

Also sadly I do think the KD injury helped the Celtics with Kyrie but he seems really intent on going to BKN. a Star better be going with him because he's going to the same situation if he doesn't.

[areobee401]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Ainge trading for AD would be a fireable offense.

[jeremym480]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Ainge is 60 and has had 2 heart attacks. I'd be willing to be that he's not going to start a rebuild or to have a Tatum/Brown led team that's destined for the 6-7 seed and a treadmill, then pray that they Grizzlies pick turns into something in two years.

Him and Wyc both want to compete so they'll either take a shot with AD or come up with something else. The only thing now is I don't think they end up with Tatum in the trade... Not after this Rich Paul fiasco. I think that (Tatum's involvement) has been the hold up so far and I don't think Ainge budges unless Kyrie stays. If he goes, then I think either they will move on or Brown will be the centerpiece. Brown, Smart, filler, pick 14 and Memphis is still better than the rumored Lakers offer.

[tonybologna]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Ainge is 60 and has had 2 heart attacks. I'd be willing to be that he's not going to start a rebuild or to have a Tatum/Brown led team that's destined for the 6-7 seed and a treadmill, then pray that they Grizzlies pick turns into something in two years.

Him and Wyc both want to compete so they'll either take a shot with AD or come up with something else. The only thing now is I don't think they end up with Tatum in the trade... Not after this Rich Paul fiasco. I think that (Tatum's involvement) has been the hold up so far and I don't think Ainge budges unless Kyrie stays. If he goes, then I think either they will move on or Brown will be the centerpiece. Brown, Smart, filler, pick 14 and Memphis is still better than the rumored Lakers offer.

Well, we don't have to worry about AD no more at least for the near future: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...pelicans-davis

By the way, I was a little surprised that just 3 Laker roster players were included in the deal. I thought it would take 4 plus 1-2 draft picks. Turns out it took 3 roster players & 3 draft picks. Still 6 players in total will end up being lost by the Lakers.

I figured 5-6 players/draft picks would be what it took to trade for AD regardless of which team was involved. We certainly could have parted with 6 players & draft picks but I think just like Ainge that it's risking too much with the young talent we have right now especially for a rental player for 1 year.

[jeremym480]

Re: Official Boston Celtics Thread

Well, we don't have to worry about AD no more at least for the near future: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...pelicans-davis

We won't have to worry about getting close to a championship anytime in the near future either.... but at least watching Lebron win another one will be fun *vomits