''Celtics focused on trying to add a 3rd star''

[No Nickname]

How about John Wall?

He looks healthy, and is sitting in limbo because he wants to start and the management says no.

He's owed a king's ransom the next two years, but if you want a guy, you figure something out--Lakers and Nets style.

Simmons is out--Philly will never deal him to an arch rival, and he will cost Brown. So no to that.

The guy to get is Wall. They can get him without giving up Tatum or Brown. Money makes the world go around....

How would we send out 40 million in contract money?

I guess they'll have to figure something out. Something's gotta give, like the song says.

Wall can pass the ball and score, but will drive people crazy Smart-like with poor 3 pt shooting. 

Minds sharper than mine might be able to discern the potential benefits or detriments there may be to having his 47M expiring contract next season.

He's one of the worst defenders out there.  He only went for steals, NEVER boxed his man out (he'd consistently give up offensive rebounds), and would lose his man who'd go back door for a layup and then he'd blame his teammates.

His basketball IQ is one of the lowest I've ever seen.  I would never want him on a team I support.

[Birdman]

Looks like Sabonis is the clear winner so far

[ManUp]

Celtics need to stop chasing guys who are already established and starting getting guys on the upswing. Christian Woods is one of those players. He has a cheap contract and he's trapped on a rebuilding team. He's an agile, athletic big, who can shoot as well as drive the ball. I'd trade TimeLord, Nesmith, a  protected 1st for him. I don't think resigning him would be an issue and he fits with the Jays timeline.

You realize there is a contradiction in your thought pattern here, right? Christian Wood, young guy on the upswing, but you want to trade Timelord to get him, an even younger guy on the upswing.

Wood fits into out TPE, so that and two picks(1st and a highly protected 1st that converts to 2 seconds). Or Juancho, Freedom and Nesmith with a first works also. Two expiring contracts, a prospect and a pick seems reasonable.

If Wood goes on the block though, I imagine those things won't be enough. Several playoff bound teams will be jumping all over the place in a bidding war for Wood.

I think Houston needs value that's where TimeLord comes in. I don't think we can get woods with just throw ins and I don't want to give up too many 1sts.  Woods is probably leaving Houston by trade or next contract for a better situation, Timelord is locked in. I also think what Woods would be more dependable and consistent with TimeLord and I think he has borderline all-star upside ala Randle.

[nickagneta]

Celtics need to stop chasing guys who are already established and starting getting guys on the upswing. Christian Woods is one of those players. He has a cheap contract and he's trapped on a rebuilding team. He's an agile, athletic big, who can shoot as well as drive the ball. I'd trade TimeLord, Nesmith, a  protected 1st for him. I don't think resigning him would be an issue and he fits with the Jays timeline.

You realize there is a contradiction in your thought pattern here, right? Christian Wood, young guy on the upswing, but you want to trade Timelord to get him, an even younger guy on the upswing.

Wood fits into out TPE, so that and two picks(1st and a highly protected 1st that converts to 2 seconds). Or Juancho, Freedom and Nesmith with a first works also. Two expiring contracts, a prospect and a pick seems reasonable.

If Wood goes on the block though, I imagine those things won't be enough. Several playoff bound teams will be jumping all over the place in a bidding war for Wood.

I think Houston needs value that's where TimeLord comes in. I don't think we can get woods with just throw ins and I don't want to give up too many 1sts.  Woods is probably leaving Houston by trade or next contract for a better situation, Timelord is locked in. I also think what Woods would be more dependable and consistent with TimeLord and I think he has borderline all-star upside ala Randle.

I think, long term the goal would be to have Wood play alongside Timelord , as Wood can play the PF/C position much like the way the team is using Horford. Adding him I think sinks our future picks into the mid 20's. For that reason, in a bidding war, I would have zero issue trading picks. Time to secure high quality vets and get out of the developing youth business.

I can understand people's desires to keep picks, but recent world champs didn't get there by developing youth for a decade or more. They got their through trades for superstars, stars and high quality vets. With what's looking like two excellent home grown superstars(Tatum, Brown) and three extremely solid/important home grown rotation pieces(Smart and Grant and Robert Williams), it's time to get into the acquiring high quality vets business. JRich was a good pickup. Cashing in youth and picks for Wood would be the right move as well, IMHO.

Cashing in picks isn't going to kill the Celtics because their core is so young. This isn't a Laker or Brooklyn issue where the core is much older and the lack of picks will decimate the team in a few years when the old guys wear down or retire.

[ManUp]

Celtics need to stop chasing guys who are already established and starting getting guys on the upswing. Christian Woods is one of those players. He has a cheap contract and he's trapped on a rebuilding team. He's an agile, athletic big, who can shoot as well as drive the ball. I'd trade TimeLord, Nesmith, a  protected 1st for him. I don't think resigning him would be an issue and he fits with the Jays timeline.

You realize there is a contradiction in your thought pattern here, right? Christian Wood, young guy on the upswing, but you want to trade Timelord to get him, an even younger guy on the upswing.

Wood fits into out TPE, so that and two picks(1st and a highly protected 1st that converts to 2 seconds). Or Juancho, Freedom and Nesmith with a first works also. Two expiring contracts, a prospect and a pick seems reasonable.

If Wood goes on the block though, I imagine those things won't be enough. Several playoff bound teams will be jumping all over the place in a bidding war for Wood.

I think Houston needs value that's where TimeLord comes in. I don't think we can get woods with just throw ins and I don't want to give up too many 1sts.  Woods is probably leaving Houston by trade or next contract for a better situation, Timelord is locked in. I also think what Woods would be more dependable and consistent with TimeLord and I think he has borderline all-star upside ala Randle.

I think, long term the goal would be to have Wood play alongside Timelord , as Wood can play the PF/C position much like the way the team is using Horford. Adding him I think sinks our future picks into the mid 20's. For that reason, in a bidding war, I would have zero issue trading picks. Time to secure high quality vets and get out of the developing youth business.

I can understand people's desires to keep picks, but recent world champs didn't get there by developing youth for a decade or more. They got their through trades for superstars, stars and high quality vets. With what's looking like two excellent home grown superstars(Tatum, Brown) and three extremely solid/important home grown rotation pieces(Smart and Grant and Robert Williams), it's time to get into the acquiring high quality vets business. JRich was a good pickup. Cashing in youth and picks for Wood would be the right move as well, IMHO.

Cashing in picks isn't going to kill the Celtics because their core is so young. This isn't a Laker or Brooklyn issue where the core is much older and the lack of picks will decimate the team in a few years when the old guys wear down or retire.

I only wish to keep the picks to facilitate other deals. Our underwhelming prospects won't do so well as trade sweeteners when we only have expirings to offer. Woods for Timelord makes a lot of sense to Houston, but I would absolutely trade two firsts and filler for him if that's all it took. IMO, the Celtics need a 3rd scorer who isn't a wing and a point that can run the offense and knockdown open 3s. Woods would be the 3rd scorer, I think with our expiring deals and picks we could find that point. Brogdon would be that guy if I had my way.

[Who]

Towns only has two years left on his deal after this season. Good chance he becomes available in a trade next season (before, during or after the season).


Minnesota still only fighting for .500 status. Their only significant young and improving piece is Edwards and he is still largely an empty-stats guy (or at least flattering, overstating his impact stats guy). D-Russell has always been an empty stats guy. Towns still not a leader. This does not look like a team set for major improvement next season - the type of improvement that could convince a star like Towns to stick around long term. So good likelihood decisions will be made before, during or after next season about Towns future.

[td450]

Celtics need to stop chasing guys who are already established and starting getting guys on the upswing. Christian Woods is one of those players. He has a cheap contract and he's trapped on a rebuilding team. He's an agile, athletic big, who can shoot as well as drive the ball. I'd trade TimeLord, Nesmith, a  protected 1st for him. I don't think resigning him would be an issue and he fits with the Jays timeline.

You realize there is a contradiction in your thought pattern here, right? Christian Wood, young guy on the upswing, but you want to trade Timelord to get him, an even younger guy on the upswing.

Wood fits into out TPE, so that and two picks(1st and a highly protected 1st that converts to 2 seconds). Or Juancho, Freedom and Nesmith with a first works also. Two expiring contracts, a prospect and a pick seems reasonable.

If Wood goes on the block though, I imagine those things won't be enough. Several playoff bound teams will be jumping all over the place in a bidding war for Wood.

I think Houston needs value that's where TimeLord comes in. I don't think we can get woods with just throw ins and I don't want to give up too many 1sts.  Woods is probably leaving Houston by trade or next contract for a better situation, Timelord is locked in. I also think what Woods would be more dependable and consistent with TimeLord and I think he has borderline all-star upside ala Randle.

I think, long term the goal would be to have Wood play alongside Timelord , as Wood can play the PF/C position much like the way the team is using Horford. Adding him I think sinks our future picks into the mid 20's. For that reason, in a bidding war, I would have zero issue trading picks. Time to secure high quality vets and get out of the developing youth business.

I can understand people's desires to keep picks, but recent world champs didn't get there by developing youth for a decade or more. They got their through trades for superstars, stars and high quality vets. With what's looking like two excellent home grown superstars(Tatum, Brown) and three extremely solid/important home grown rotation pieces(Smart and Grant and Robert Williams), it's time to get into the acquiring high quality vets business. JRich was a good pickup. Cashing in youth and picks for Wood would be the right move as well, IMHO.

Cashing in picks isn't going to kill the Celtics because their core is so young. This isn't a Laker or Brooklyn issue where the core is much older and the lack of picks will decimate the team in a few years when the old guys wear down or retire.

Wood would be a tremendous get for this team. My primary concern is with priorities. This team has a lot of talent, but it doesn't have the playmaker/tough minded decision maker. There are zero paths to a title without that guy. We need our Dennis Johnson or Chauncey Billups type leader to make this type of talent base deadly.

So that takes precedent over any other upgrades in my mind. There are precious few guys like that around, and almost none that have proven it. Perhaps a Malcolm Brogdon, or a Dejounte Murray or Tyrese Halliburton  might become that type of guy. I would love to add Wood but not if it left us without the assets we need to overpay for a floor general.

[nickagneta]

Celtics need to stop chasing guys who are already established and starting getting guys on the upswing. Christian Woods is one of those players. He has a cheap contract and he's trapped on a rebuilding team. He's an agile, athletic big, who can shoot as well as drive the ball. I'd trade TimeLord, Nesmith, a  protected 1st for him. I don't think resigning him would be an issue and he fits with the Jays timeline.

You realize there is a contradiction in your thought pattern here, right? Christian Wood, young guy on the upswing, but you want to trade Timelord to get him, an even younger guy on the upswing.

Wood fits into out TPE, so that and two picks(1st and a highly protected 1st that converts to 2 seconds). Or Juancho, Freedom and Nesmith with a first works also. Two expiring contracts, a prospect and a pick seems reasonable.

If Wood goes on the block though, I imagine those things won't be enough. Several playoff bound teams will be jumping all over the place in a bidding war for Wood.

I think Houston needs value that's where TimeLord comes in. I don't think we can get woods with just throw ins and I don't want to give up too many 1sts.  Woods is probably leaving Houston by trade or next contract for a better situation, Timelord is locked in. I also think what Woods would be more dependable and consistent with TimeLord and I think he has borderline all-star upside ala Randle.

I think, long term the goal would be to have Wood play alongside Timelord , as Wood can play the PF/C position much like the way the team is using Horford. Adding him I think sinks our future picks into the mid 20's. For that reason, in a bidding war, I would have zero issue trading picks. Time to secure high quality vets and get out of the developing youth business.

I can understand people's desires to keep picks, but recent world champs didn't get there by developing youth for a decade or more. They got their through trades for superstars, stars and high quality vets. With what's looking like two excellent home grown superstars(Tatum, Brown) and three extremely solid/important home grown rotation pieces(Smart and Grant and Robert Williams), it's time to get into the acquiring high quality vets business. JRich was a good pickup. Cashing in youth and picks for Wood would be the right move as well, IMHO.

Cashing in picks isn't going to kill the Celtics because their core is so young. This isn't a Laker or Brooklyn issue where the core is much older and the lack of picks will decimate the team in a few years when the old guys wear down or retire.

Wood would be a tremendous get for this team. My primary concern is with priorities. This team has a lot of talent, but it doesn't have the playmaker/tough minded decision maker. There are zero paths to a title without that guy. We need our Dennis Johnson or Chauncey Billups type leader to make this type of talent base deadly.

So that takes precedent over any other upgrades in my mind. There are precious few guys like that around, and almost none that have proven it. Perhaps a Malcolm Brogdon, or a Dejounte Murray or Tyrese Halliburton  might become that type of guy. I would love to add Wood but not if it left us without the assets we need to overpay for a floor general.

While, I don't 100% agree, I think having that guy would help. But I don't think guys like Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry, Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday and Steph Curry, guys that fit that mold, are going to become available any time soon.

Developing Tatum into that guy might have to be the answer for this team, but I am not sure that's in Tatum's basketball DNA. But he is only 23 so maybe in 3-4 years he does become that guy. Time will tell. It could happen. James Harden wasn't that guy at 22-23 years old but clearly is a guy like that now. So it is possible.

[td450]

Celtics need to stop chasing guys who are already established and starting getting guys on the upswing. Christian Woods is one of those players. He has a cheap contract and he's trapped on a rebuilding team. He's an agile, athletic big, who can shoot as well as drive the ball. I'd trade TimeLord, Nesmith, a  protected 1st for him. I don't think resigning him would be an issue and he fits with the Jays timeline.

You realize there is a contradiction in your thought pattern here, right? Christian Wood, young guy on the upswing, but you want to trade Timelord to get him, an even younger guy on the upswing.

Wood fits into out TPE, so that and two picks(1st and a highly protected 1st that converts to 2 seconds). Or Juancho, Freedom and Nesmith with a first works also. Two expiring contracts, a prospect and a pick seems reasonable.

If Wood goes on the block though, I imagine those things won't be enough. Several playoff bound teams will be jumping all over the place in a bidding war for Wood.

I think Houston needs value that's where TimeLord comes in. I don't think we can get woods with just throw ins and I don't want to give up too many 1sts.  Woods is probably leaving Houston by trade or next contract for a better situation, Timelord is locked in. I also think what Woods would be more dependable and consistent with TimeLord and I think he has borderline all-star upside ala Randle.

I think, long term the goal would be to have Wood play alongside Timelord , as Wood can play the PF/C position much like the way the team is using Horford. Adding him I think sinks our future picks into the mid 20's. For that reason, in a bidding war, I would have zero issue trading picks. Time to secure high quality vets and get out of the developing youth business.

I can understand people's desires to keep picks, but recent world champs didn't get there by developing youth for a decade or more. They got their through trades for superstars, stars and high quality vets. With what's looking like two excellent home grown superstars(Tatum, Brown) and three extremely solid/important home grown rotation pieces(Smart and Grant and Robert Williams), it's time to get into the acquiring high quality vets business. JRich was a good pickup. Cashing in youth and picks for Wood would be the right move as well, IMHO.

Cashing in picks isn't going to kill the Celtics because their core is so young. This isn't a Laker or Brooklyn issue where the core is much older and the lack of picks will decimate the team in a few years when the old guys wear down or retire.

Wood would be a tremendous get for this team. My primary concern is with priorities. This team has a lot of talent, but it doesn't have the playmaker/tough minded decision maker. There are zero paths to a title without that guy. We need our Dennis Johnson or Chauncey Billups type leader to make this type of talent base deadly.

So that takes precedent over any other upgrades in my mind. There are precious few guys like that around, and almost none that have proven it. Perhaps a Malcolm Brogdon, or a Dejounte Murray or Tyrese Halliburton  might become that type of guy. I would love to add Wood but not if it left us without the assets we need to overpay for a floor general.

While, I don't 100% agree, I think having that guy would help. But I don't think guys like Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry, Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday and Steph Curry, guys that fit that mold, are going to become available any time soon.

Developing Tatum into that guy might have to be the answer for this team, but I am not sure that's in Tatum's basketball DNA. But he is only 23 so maybe in 3-4 years he does become that guy. Time will tell. It could happen. James Harden wasn't that guy at 22-23 years old but clearly is a guy like that now. So it is possible.

I don't see it in Tatum. Unless the C's blow this up, the best option is to look for someone who has the traits and hope they become that guy. Someone not quite there yet. The guys you mentioned are all over 30.

I really don't think we keep Tatum and Brown and have a true superstar running the team. I think it has to be a guy who glues it together rather than a leading scorer type.

I look at how much better Chicago got by adding Lonzo Ball, who isn't close to an all-star level player, and see that as a great way to go. Like DeRozan and Levine, Tatum and Brown are almost good enough but they need to play a certain way to max out. They aren't quite good enough to impose that themselves. A player that unlocks transition pace and movement and provides the right supporting skills is more important than a star.