Celtics Notebook: Why Boston should prepare for a mediocre year
The Celtics should be mediocre this upcoming season, and I don’t say this in a predicting way. I’m not trying to project their final record, so no need to screenshot this and rub it in my face if they make a run. I say they should be mediocre because they shouldn’t go out of their way to try to be great.
That may be tough to hear, but it’s true. No, the Celtics shouldn’t blow it up and go into a rebuild. They are far from that. What they need to do is stay where they are and not try to hit a home run. Don’t try to land one of the big free agents this offseason, because if you wait, in 2022 you can start swinging for the fences – for two reasons.
First, let’s tackle the financials. Boston currently has an estimated $133 million committed for the upcoming season. That is above the projected salary cap, but within the luxury tax. So, the Celtics could use their $5.9 million mid-level exception on one player or go up to $9.5 million, but that would hard cap them and complicate things next season.
Next offseason, the Celtics only have Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Al Horford on guaranteed contracts, with multiple other players having team and player options. This means Boston will have enough room to sign a max-level contract to get a top-tier player. Whether you think they need a big man or guard, they could do either financially.
So, from a money standpoint, the Celtics need to be smart and not take on a long, expensive contract this offseason that handcuffs them next year. The reports that Brad Stevens may want to trade Marcus Smart is the area of worry. If that trade does happen, it can’t be with a bad contract unless it is expiring.
Celtics Reveal More of Summer League Roster
With the NBA Finals wrapped up and the NBA Draft done, the next milestone on the league calendar is Summer League. The Celtics have slowly but surely releasing names of who will be donning the green and white out in Las Vegas.
It was already reported that Payton Pritchard, Yam Madar, Romeo Langford, Aaron Nesmith and Carsen Edwards will all play on the Celtics Summer League team. Grant Williams and Robert Williams have been confirmed to not be on the roster.
Chris Grenham of Forbes Sports has reported five more players have joined the summer team and the Celtics have named the coach. Sam Hauser, a forward out of Virginia who signed a two-way contract with the Celtics after the draft, will play in Las Vegas. Two Americans who have been playing overseas, Zach Auguste and Aric Holman, are signed up to play for the Celtics. Plus, former Memphis and Kansas forward Dedric Lawson and his brother KJ Lawson, who spent the last year playing professionally in England, will be on the team.
That makes the summer league roster look like this: Romeo Langford, Aaron Nesmith, Carsen Edwards, Payton Pritchard, Yam Madar, Sam Hauser, Zach Auguste, Aric Holman, Dedric Lawson, KJ Lawson.
Celtics Offseason Living Up To Grousbeck’s Warning
After the Celtics got booted from the playoffs, co-owner Wyc Grousbeck warned everyone that it was going to be a busy offseason. Since then, Boston has made changes in the front office, coaching staff and roster. He is living up to his word, especially this past week. With free agency about to start, there are plenty of reports coming out about what the Celtics are going to do. Catch up on all of the news by clicking the links below.
More Celtics on 985TheSportsHub.com:
— Report: Brad Stevens ‘frustrated’ with Marcus Smart, could trade before season
— Celtics reportedly eyeing noteworthy veterans ahead of NBA free agency
— Celtics add another piece to complete Josh Richardson trade
— Celtics acquire Kris Dunn and more from Hawks for Tristan Thompson
— Report: Celtics showing interest in free agent Lonzo Ball
Follow the Boston Celtics and the NBA at 985TheSportsHub.com.
