Bulpett: ‘Extremely Active’ Celtics Looking to Future at Trade Deadline

[colincb]

From the dean of Celtics beat writers:

Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoop 4 hours ago

I didn't want to do a @Celtics piece so early into this new national NBA columnist gig, but so many sources kept telling me they're trying to make deals.

Here's his piece:

https://heavy.com/sports/boston-celtics/nba-trade-deadline-brad-stevens/

The Celtics appear to have to come to the conclusion that changes need to be made. Now.

According to sources around the league, the Celts have been extremely active in trade talks ahead of the February 10 deadline, looking to reconfigure the pieces around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The club also seems ready to alter a course charted with last summer’s transactions.

“It’ll be interesting to see if something like yesterday makes them back off a little or makes them patient,” said one rival GM. “But they’ve definitely been looking to get something done.”

“Yesterday” refers to the 116-87 waxing of the Wizards down in Washington, a game in which Tatum broke his 3-point ice — nay, iceberg — after missing his previous 20 attempts from beyond the arc. He went for 51 points in 33 minutes, adding 10 rebounds and seven assists in a well-rounded effort that largely mirrored the Celts’ efficiency as a whole.

Significantly in the larger sense, it was Marcus Smart’s first game back after six out with a thigh bruise and health and safety protocols, giving the club back its starting five and most desired rotation overall from the first half of the season. Those starters have been together just 13 games (8-5), and there may be some interest in seeing how they and primary subs Grant Williams, Josh Richardson and Dennis Schroder can function over the next two weeks.

But riding it out with that rotation would require a large change in the Celtics’ stance as it has developed over the last two months.

Time to Play the Kids?

According to Heavy.com sources, there has been understandable frustration with the club’s inconsistencies, not only from game to game, but from quarter to quarter. Devolving into isolation ball on offense and failing to get back in transition on defense have been just some of the issues that have left the Celts at 24-24.

At this stage, sources are indicating that first-year head of basketball operations Brad Stevens is at the very least looking to unload some salary cap burden (as he did in moving Juancho Hernangomez last week) and clear a path for Payton Pritchard, Aaron Nesmith and Romeo Langford to get more playing time.

The first two of the latter trio were essentially buried when the Celtics acquired Schroder and Richardson in the offseason. The idea was to get more experience around Tatum and Brown, and the vets have had some very good games. But, for many reasons, the mix hasn’t yet worked to a satisfactory extent. Much can be attributed to poor execution, but there is clearly a need for the kind of shooting the young three have shown in flashes.

When it was suggested in a Heavy.com discussion with a league exec that Nesmith might be a reasonable facsimile of Miami marksman Duncan Robinson if given the same opportunity, the exec said, “That’s one reason that (Heat coach) Erik Spoelstra is one of the best coaches in the league. And (Grizzlies’ coach) Taylor Jenkins. They look at what players can become.”

Said another front office source who’s worked with new Celtic coach Ime Udoka, “It looks like Ime is doing what a lot of first-time head coaches do: He’s leaning on some veterans and playing guys a lot of minutes. But Ime’s a good coach. He’ll be better. I know he’s got the support of Brad and ownership.”

“They’ve got some guys all through the rotation that you have to play,” said a former NBA head coach. “But some of them are not that good that they should play no matter what.”


Celtics Had Eyes on Alperen Sengun

Looking at the current roster, it’s interesting to reflect on last offseason’s moves.

Kemba Walker had lingering knee issues and two big-money years left on his contract, and the Celtics got away from that by dealing him and their first-round pick to Oklahoma City for Al Horford (one guaranteed year and a partial for 2022-23). Moses Brown and a second-round pick swap were also included.

Word is 19-year-old center Alperen Sengun was the Celts’ guy if they had kept the pick — and OKC ended up making him the choice and dealing him to Houston.

“He’s a tough kid,” said one NBA personnel man of the 6-9 Sengun. “He’s a little raw, but he’s been playing with adults overseas for years. He’s going to be good. Him and (Rob) Williams would be a really good tandem.”

The roster created has shown it can compete in wins over Milwaukee (twice), Phoenix and Philadelphia. But the Celts have suffered embarrassing losses on too many other nights, squandering late leads and going away from their best interests.

They are now in the same mathematical position as last summer following the 36-36 season and first-round playoff exit.

“They have big expectations,” said a league exec of Celtic ownership, “and they really want the Brown-Tatum tandem to be special.”

It remains to be seen whether the club can move closer to those expectations before February 10, or will have to wait until summer for a more significant renovation.

Given the desire to play PP, AN, and RL, you'd think that at least DS would be moved now. Maybe Smart too for another starting quality PG like Brunson.

As far as Sengun, he was my pick at 16, but as I remember it, he wasn't likely to be there. Some very questionable picks of Ziaire Williams and Joshua Primo at 10 and 12 let him slide.

[Walker Wiggle]

Bulpett is a voice I trust and I believe it.

I would be shocked if they went past the trade deadline with this roster intact. At the very least, I would expect Schroeder gone.

[Who]

Hearing this is less about excitement and more relief. A deep breadth out "oh thank god they see how urgent the situation is" ... whether they get it done or not, at least they see the urgency. This needs to be tackled and sooner rather than later.

[CFAN38]

From the dean of Celtics beat writers:

Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoop 4 hours ago

I didn't want to do a @Celtics piece so early into this new national NBA columnist gig, but so many sources kept telling me they're trying to make deals.

Here's his piece:

https://heavy.com/sports/boston-celtics/nba-trade-deadline-brad-stevens/

The Celtics appear to have to come to the conclusion that changes need to be made. Now.

According to sources around the league, the Celts have been extremely active in trade talks ahead of the February 10 deadline, looking to reconfigure the pieces around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The club also seems ready to alter a course charted with last summer’s transactions.

“It’ll be interesting to see if something like yesterday makes them back off a little or makes them patient,” said one rival GM. “But they’ve definitely been looking to get something done.”

“Yesterday” refers to the 116-87 waxing of the Wizards down in Washington, a game in which Tatum broke his 3-point ice — nay, iceberg — after missing his previous 20 attempts from beyond the arc. He went for 51 points in 33 minutes, adding 10 rebounds and seven assists in a well-rounded effort that largely mirrored the Celts’ efficiency as a whole.

Significantly in the larger sense, it was Marcus Smart’s first game back after six out with a thigh bruise and health and safety protocols, giving the club back its starting five and most desired rotation overall from the first half of the season. Those starters have been together just 13 games (8-5), and there may be some interest in seeing how they and primary subs Grant Williams, Josh Richardson and Dennis Schroder can function over the next two weeks.

But riding it out with that rotation would require a large change in the Celtics’ stance as it has developed over the last two months.

Time to Play the Kids?

According to Heavy.com sources, there has been understandable frustration with the club’s inconsistencies, not only from game to game, but from quarter to quarter. Devolving into isolation ball on offense and failing to get back in transition on defense have been just some of the issues that have left the Celts at 24-24.

At this stage, sources are indicating that first-year head of basketball operations Brad Stevens is at the very least looking to unload some salary cap burden (as he did in moving Juancho Hernangomez last week) and clear a path for Payton Pritchard, Aaron Nesmith and Romeo Langford to get more playing time.

The first two of the latter trio were essentially buried when the Celtics acquired Schroder and Richardson in the offseason. The idea was to get more experience around Tatum and Brown, and the vets have had some very good games. But, for many reasons, the mix hasn’t yet worked to a satisfactory extent. Much can be attributed to poor execution, but there is clearly a need for the kind of shooting the young three have shown in flashes.

When it was suggested in a Heavy.com discussion with a league exec that Nesmith might be a reasonable facsimile of Miami marksman Duncan Robinson if given the same opportunity, the exec said, “That’s one reason that (Heat coach) Erik Spoelstra is one of the best coaches in the league. And (Grizzlies’ coach) Taylor Jenkins. They look at what players can become.”

Said another front office source who’s worked with new Celtic coach Ime Udoka, “It looks like Ime is doing what a lot of first-time head coaches do: He’s leaning on some veterans and playing guys a lot of minutes. But Ime’s a good coach. He’ll be better. I know he’s got the support of Brad and ownership.”

“They’ve got some guys all through the rotation that you have to play,” said a former NBA head coach. “But some of them are not that good that they should play no matter what.”


Celtics Had Eyes on Alperen Sengun

Looking at the current roster, it’s interesting to reflect on last offseason’s moves.

Kemba Walker had lingering knee issues and two big-money years left on his contract, and the Celtics got away from that by dealing him and their first-round pick to Oklahoma City for Al Horford (one guaranteed year and a partial for 2022-23). Moses Brown and a second-round pick swap were also included.

Word is 19-year-old center Alperen Sengun was the Celts’ guy if they had kept the pick — and OKC ended up making him the choice and dealing him to Houston.

“He’s a tough kid,” said one NBA personnel man of the 6-9 Sengun. “He’s a little raw, but he’s been playing with adults overseas for years. He’s going to be good. Him and (Rob) Williams would be a really good tandem.”

The roster created has shown it can compete in wins over Milwaukee (twice), Phoenix and Philadelphia. But the Celts have suffered embarrassing losses on too many other nights, squandering late leads and going away from their best interests.

They are now in the same mathematical position as last summer following the 36-36 season and first-round playoff exit.

“They have big expectations,” said a league exec of Celtic ownership, “and they really want the Brown-Tatum tandem to be special.”

It remains to be seen whether the club can move closer to those expectations before February 10, or will have to wait until summer for a more significant renovation.

Given the desire to play PP, AN, and RL, you'd think that at least DS would be moved now. Maybe Smart too for another starting quality PG like Brunson.

As far as Sengun, he was my pick at 16, but as I remember it, he wasn't likely to be there. Some very questionable picks of Ziaire Williams and Joshua Primo at 10 and 12 let him slide.

Great read especially interesting to read that Sengun may have been the pick if it wasn’t traded that and the drafting of Begarin may indicated BS is a fan or euro prospects? Maybe this means Nikola Jovic is high in his board this season? (He looks like a nice long term pick as a skilled 6’10 wing)

As for the trade deadline it really seems like 2 of the 3 (Smart, Richardson, and Schroeder) will be on the move to open up time for the teams youth.

[slamtheking]

I fully expect Shroder to be dealt by the deadline unless this team is on a major upswing with him as a crucial piece of it.  Would anticipate Smart being moved as well if he can bring in a PG that can run and offense and shoot reasonably well. 

[Somebody]

From the dean of Celtics beat writers:

Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoop 4 hours ago

I didn't want to do a @Celtics piece so early into this new national NBA columnist gig, but so many sources kept telling me they're trying to make deals.

Here's his piece:

https://heavy.com/sports/boston-celtics/nba-trade-deadline-brad-stevens/

The Celtics appear to have to come to the conclusion that changes need to be made. Now.

According to sources around the league, the Celts have been extremely active in trade talks ahead of the February 10 deadline, looking to reconfigure the pieces around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The club also seems ready to alter a course charted with last summer’s transactions.

“It’ll be interesting to see if something like yesterday makes them back off a little or makes them patient,” said one rival GM. “But they’ve definitely been looking to get something done.”

“Yesterday” refers to the 116-87 waxing of the Wizards down in Washington, a game in which Tatum broke his 3-point ice — nay, iceberg — after missing his previous 20 attempts from beyond the arc. He went for 51 points in 33 minutes, adding 10 rebounds and seven assists in a well-rounded effort that largely mirrored the Celts’ efficiency as a whole.

Significantly in the larger sense, it was Marcus Smart’s first game back after six out with a thigh bruise and health and safety protocols, giving the club back its starting five and most desired rotation overall from the first half of the season. Those starters have been together just 13 games (8-5), and there may be some interest in seeing how they and primary subs Grant Williams, Josh Richardson and Dennis Schroder can function over the next two weeks.

But riding it out with that rotation would require a large change in the Celtics’ stance as it has developed over the last two months.

Time to Play the Kids?

According to Heavy.com sources, there has been understandable frustration with the club’s inconsistencies, not only from game to game, but from quarter to quarter. Devolving into isolation ball on offense and failing to get back in transition on defense have been just some of the issues that have left the Celts at 24-24.

At this stage, sources are indicating that first-year head of basketball operations Brad Stevens is at the very least looking to unload some salary cap burden (as he did in moving Juancho Hernangomez last week) and clear a path for Payton Pritchard, Aaron Nesmith and Romeo Langford to get more playing time.

The first two of the latter trio were essentially buried when the Celtics acquired Schroder and Richardson in the offseason. The idea was to get more experience around Tatum and Brown, and the vets have had some very good games. But, for many reasons, the mix hasn’t yet worked to a satisfactory extent. Much can be attributed to poor execution, but there is clearly a need for the kind of shooting the young three have shown in flashes.

When it was suggested in a Heavy.com discussion with a league exec that Nesmith might be a reasonable facsimile of Miami marksman Duncan Robinson if given the same opportunity, the exec said, “That’s one reason that (Heat coach) Erik Spoelstra is one of the best coaches in the league. And (Grizzlies’ coach) Taylor Jenkins. They look at what players can become.”

Said another front office source who’s worked with new Celtic coach Ime Udoka, “It looks like Ime is doing what a lot of first-time head coaches do: He’s leaning on some veterans and playing guys a lot of minutes. But Ime’s a good coach. He’ll be better. I know he’s got the support of Brad and ownership.”

“They’ve got some guys all through the rotation that you have to play,” said a former NBA head coach. “But some of them are not that good that they should play no matter what.”


Celtics Had Eyes on Alperen Sengun

Looking at the current roster, it’s interesting to reflect on last offseason’s moves.

Kemba Walker had lingering knee issues and two big-money years left on his contract, and the Celtics got away from that by dealing him and their first-round pick to Oklahoma City for Al Horford (one guaranteed year and a partial for 2022-23). Moses Brown and a second-round pick swap were also included.

Word is 19-year-old center Alperen Sengun was the Celts’ guy if they had kept the pick — and OKC ended up making him the choice and dealing him to Houston.

“He’s a tough kid,” said one NBA personnel man of the 6-9 Sengun. “He’s a little raw, but he’s been playing with adults overseas for years. He’s going to be good. Him and (Rob) Williams would be a really good tandem.”

The roster created has shown it can compete in wins over Milwaukee (twice), Phoenix and Philadelphia. But the Celts have suffered embarrassing losses on too many other nights, squandering late leads and going away from their best interests.

They are now in the same mathematical position as last summer following the 36-36 season and first-round playoff exit.

“They have big expectations,” said a league exec of Celtic ownership, “and they really want the Brown-Tatum tandem to be special.”

It remains to be seen whether the club can move closer to those expectations before February 10, or will have to wait until summer for a more significant renovation.

Given the desire to play PP, AN, and RL, you'd think that at least DS would be moved now. Maybe Smart too for another starting quality PG like Brunson.

As far as Sengun, he was my pick at 16, but as I remember it, he wasn't likely to be there. Some very questionable picks of Ziaire Williams and Joshua Primo at 10 and 12 let him slide.

Great read especially interesting to read that Sengun may have been the pick if it wasn’t traded that and the drafting of Begarin may indicated BS is a fan or euro prospects? Maybe this means Nikola Jovic is high in his board this season? (He looks like a nice long term pick as a skilled 6’10 wing)

As for the trade deadline it really seems like 2 of the 3 (Smart, Richardson, and Schroeder) will be on the move to open up time for the teams youth.

If only he is a fan of European coaches as well

[SparzWizard]

Finally, some real news and some real sources.

I think Smart is gone for sure. And Schroder.

[Jiri Welsch]

“Alter[ing] a course charted with last summer’s transactions” seems to suggest Horford, Richardson, and Schroeder are all on the block.

Would love to essentially dump those guys and get a decent point guard in return.
 

[#1P4P]

This team is in need of better coaching, Jayson to become a full time All NBA player, and a floor general. I’m not swayed by the negativity surrounding the team, this roster is good with youth and depth. Brad would’ve had this team on pace for 50+ wins with Langford, Nesmith, and Pritchard getting more minutes in the process.

The one move I support is for a PG: my first option is Fred VanVleet (whose price might be exorbitant right now) with Brunson as my second option. If the team performs well with Brunson, extend him, if not, a sign and trade to Toronto for VanVleet. Trade Schroder and a 1st for Brunson and a matching salary.

I’m hesitant to trade one of the youngsters because I think Langford, Nesmith, and Pritchard will eventually be excellent complementary pieces. But with this coach and the impatience from the vociferous fools of the fan base, it might be best to part with one of them instead of the 1st.

[liam]

"Said another front office source who’s worked with new Celtic coach Ime Udoka, “It looks like Ime is doing what a lot of first-time head coaches do: He’s leaning on some veterans and playing guys a lot of minutes. But Ime’s a good coach. He’ll be better. I know he’s got the support of Brad and ownership.”


He's coaching desperate.

This is so true: “He’s a tough kid,” said one NBA personnel man of the 6-9 Sengun. “He’s a little raw, but he’s been playing with adults overseas for years. He’s going to be good. Him and (Rob) Williams would be a really good tandem.”

[#1P4P]

So Brad has to trade the veterans to force Udoka to play the youngsters? That’s ridiculous.

Making long term personnel decisions based on Udoka’s rookie coaching performance is asinine. A non-Schroder/Fernando trade is a short sighted move that BS will pass on.

He has the core playing heavy minutes while in a switch-everything defense and an uptempo offense, and you wonder why the team is one of the worst 4th Quarter teams! Either use the depth or intermittently change to a zone and/or ISO offense. Stamina isn’t only a thing on video games and it’s affecting the team’s performance. Get a clue!

[nickagneta]

So Brad has to trade the veterans to force Udoka to play the youngsters? That’s ridiculous.

Making long term personnel decisions based on Udoka’s rookie coaching performance is asinine. A non-Schroder/Fernando trade is a short sighted move that BS will pass on.

He has the core playing heavy minutes while in a switch-everything defense and an uptempo offense, and you wonder why the team is one of the worst 4th Quarter teams! Either use the depth or intermittently change to a zone and/or ISO offense. Stamina isn’t only a thing on video games and it’s affecting the team’s performance. Get a clue!

Ummmm.....uptempo offense?

Are you watching the same team the rest of us are watching?

[Rikibellevie]

I think it is the right conclusion and it is time to stop to try to force the same way we build around the Jays since Irving departure.
But all this interogate a lot on PBS first decisions. If the summer don't turn very good, I think he has to go definitly (I would prefer a 100 times he would stay in the post he was very competenent for sure). I still trust in his vision a little but his mistake ask some questions at least

_ If we can have 1, 2 or 3 first for Schroeder, Richardson and Smart it wouldn't have been for nothing to sign or resign them. I even don't question Smart resigning because his contract has real trade value. The presence of the 2 others is far more discutable. They maybe made us progress from a late lottery team to a borderline PO team... But is that the goal of our team ?
_ This put in a position for our rookie coach to not play the youth and maybe not go in the way Brad wanted. Also it put mess on the core, disapoint some young guys (PP was clearly frustrated at times). If it didn't perturb their progression (a theory in which I am unsure, like the players only progress on film and practice) at least it duidn't build team chemistry for future and didn't allow us to test their value (for us or for a trade). Did their signings wasn't (not Smart one but Rich and Schroed one) an obstacle to team and maybe youth development... For basicaly nothing ??
_ We dumped Walker for Horford contract and lost Sengun. It was quiet obvious he was the player who fitted (duo with Timelord) and had a real potential. If we lost him just for to trade an almost useless Kemba for an almost useless Hordord. Some think we now must take an even worst contract with Porzingis. This is insane.
I am not sure like some that the 18 M difference to unload 1 year contract is that big, on what we have to give next summer (a future 1st). Kemba contract was huge but there is trash team that can take a 1 year deal and fire the player. Unload a 2 years deal is more expensive. So did Brad didn't lost us a good future role player for badically nothing ? Like Danny did with Bane by exemple ?
_ And the last and most obvious : wasn't it clear that it was a transition year and that next FA (and Beal) was the target ? So the decisions were right to go to this target with the right development, assets and direction ?

If so, PBS has to bring Beal and build a very strong supporting cast, Udoka has to progress next year. If not it is time for both to go away and our ownership to think about what he is doing with our team.
I still regret Brad as a coach but still trust a little his intelligence.

[GreenShooter]

Nmind

[footey]

Sounds like Brad is planning to correct his mistakes. He figured by tweaking the team with Horford, J Rich and Schroder we would be a contender, and now realizes that was foolish and has damaged the development of his younger players.