If we trade KG, the entire culture of this team will change for the worse. I have no doubt that removing KG from this team would result in a total rebuild... and likely a decade+ of mediocrity.
We're heading there anyways... it's inevitable. Our team doesn't have a superstar and we are nowhere close to acquiring one. The long winter is coming... so maybe they want to expedite that process and get the 10 year rebuild started. That said, the longer we can have KG in this locker room mentoring and tutoring the young players and keeping the culture of Celtic pride alive... the better chance we have of having our young players "get it". KG is lightning in a bottle. He single-handedly brought back the long dead "Celtic Pride" aura that was the staple here during Russell's 60s, Cowen/Hondo's 70s and Bird's 80s. Continuity between those generations is part of the reason Celtic pride was able to last as long as it did. If KG leaves, it's unlikely that some role players like Sullinger and Bradley will keep it alive alone. We need more time...and we need better prospects for KG to tutor. Time is running out. I believe that's why we have continued to desperately shop Rondo. Rondo is a solid player in his prime, but he's not a superstar you build a team around. We desperately want a superstar prospect for the next generation and Rondo isn't that.
I don't usually agree with you, but I do this time. Fully and completely.
KG and Pierce stay. We need them for the intangibles they bring to the team. Besides, I'm still convinced that KG is better now and next year...and maybe the year after that...than anybody the C's could get in trade for him. Pierce is better than anybody we can get for him, as well.
Yes, Danny has got to find the next superstar and he might have to trade a lot of guys we really, really, like to get him. It may come down to Paul or Kevin going, too, but that should be last resort, not first.
Trade Bass and Wilcox for one good PF/C. I like Lee, Terry, Barbosa, and Melo has potential, but they are trade assets. I *really* like Green, Bradley, and Sullinger has grown on me, but I yep, I trade them before I trade KG or Paul. I'd even trade Rondo, and selling low is a big no-no for me, a quality center who can help right now and a first round pick.
I think the Celtics really are one quality big man away from having more than a puncher's chance at making the finals.
Bradley/Lee/Terry/Barbosa - our committee of guards will do
Pierce/Green - still as good once as he ever was
Bass/Green - one man short
KG/??? - one man short
We need one very good PF/C, or a backup PF and a backup C. A real PG wouldn't hurt, but that's a distant third on my wish list.
Danny has Melo, Wilcox, Collins, this year's pick...and I don't like it, but a low balled Rondo and/or Sullinger to get them.
Anybody else out and we'll be making holes. Trade Bass and you need another big. Trade Bradley or Terry and you need a PG. Trade Lee or Barbosa and you need an SG. Trade Green and you need an SF.