If the Celtics make the Finals....

[JohnBoy65]

First off: I know it's unlikely, I know we have a tough task ahead in the Cavs. I am not saying when we make the finals, I am saying if........

Anyway, if this team makes the finals does that put a wrench in Danny's plans on how to build the team going forward? Does that make it more likely to make the Brooklyn pick or less? Do we just use our cap space to try and add a max FA without losing too much? If the Celts do make it we have to keep and extend everyone right?


P.S Please don't reply with 'It doesn't matter we aren't making the finals.' That comment has no value here.

[pearljammer10]

We're in the same position we are in now whether we make the finals or not. That is a rebuilding team, with the chances of the best pick in the draft, and a great opportunity to use our cap space this summer.

If we make it to the finals its because we played the series of our lives, not because we are currently constructed better than the Cavs. The game plan stays the same.

[Green-18]

First off: I know it's unlikely, I know we have a tough task ahead in the Cavs. I am not saying when we make the finals, I am saying if........

Anyway, if this team makes the finals does that put a wrench in Danny's plans on how to build the team going forward? Does that make it more likely to make the Brooklyn pick or less? Do we just use our cap space to try and add a max FA without losing too much? If the Celts do make it we have to keep and extend everyone right?


P.S Please don't reply with 'It doesn't matter we aren't making the finals.' That comment has no value here.

I think it all depends on the context of how we get there and how we perform against Golden State.  If somehow we beat a healthy Cavs team then it definitely opens up the possibility of trading for a top tier player.  Personally I would still prefer us to use our pick and sign a player like Hayward.  If this team is good enough to make the Finals then it's an absolute testament to Brad Stevens and his ability to squeeze the most out of every player on the team.  Let's keep all of our flexibility going forward and trust that coach Stevens can develop guys like Jaylen into future All-Stars.  It's very easy to be patient as a fan right now!

[cousytoheinsohn]

What's this if stuff?

[obnoxiousmime]

If the Celtics make the finals it will mean one thing has changed, and that is this team can beat the best team in the East. Conventional wisdom is that the Cavs and LeBron still have at least a couple years of dominance left, maybe more while LeBron is still in his prime. Beating them would change that thinking.

Secondly, how they perform against the Warriors would influence them. If they've shown they can beat a healthy Cavs team, the smart move would be to make moves that enhance their ability to match up with the Warriors. The Cavs are who they are, their ability to drastically improve their team the next couple years is limited.

Having said that, I don't think it changes Ainge's thinking that much. When they signed Horford, they were clearly intending on making a run within that 4-year window. Also, they have cap space that will be eaten up by Thomas and/or Bradley next season so they were always going to have to strike this offseason. Otherwise, they lose that space for nothing. If Hayward can't be convinced to join, I can see them being more open to dealing the BKN pick (and perhaps Jaylen Brown) if it's not #1 overall for a star like Paul George, but of course that depends on him actually being available.

We're not going to beat the Cavs but it's an interesting question nonetheless. Still, I don't think it means Ainge makes a drastic move (something like overpaying in a deal for a star) that he wouldn't make otherwise.

Probably the only time Ainge made a risky "win-now" trade was the fifth overall pick for Ray Allen. Yes, it ended up being worth it but only because Green ended up disappointing and they also got Garnett. It's not clear whether Ainge knew Green was going to be bad because he dealt for the guy a few years later. It's also not clear whether Ainge had a wink-wink deal with McHale and/or Garnett when he dealt for Allen. The trade for Allen doesn't make as much sense without Garnett coming here.

[Green-18]

If the Celtics make the finals it will mean one thing has changed, and that is this team can beat the best team in the East. Conventional wisdom is that the Cavs and LeBron still have at least a couple years of dominance left, maybe more while LeBron is still in his prime. Beating them would change that thinking.

Secondly, how they perform against the Warriors would influence them. If they've shown they can beat a healthy Cavs team, the smart move would be to make moves that enhance their ability to match up with the Warriors. The Cavs are who they are, their ability to drastically improve their team the next couple years is limited.

Having said that, I don't think it changes Ainge's thinking that much. When they signed Horford, they were clearly intending on making a run within that 4-year window. Also, they have cap space that will be eaten up by Thomas and/or Bradley next season so they were always going to have to strike this offseason. Otherwise, they lose that space for nothing. If Hayward can't be convinced to join, I can see them being more open to dealing the BKN pick (and perhaps Jaylen Brown) if it's not #1 overall for a star like Paul George, but of course that depends on him actually being available.

We're not going to beat the Cavs but it's an interesting question nonetheless. Still, I don't think it means Ainge makes a drastic move (something like overpaying in a deal for a star) that he wouldn't make otherwise.

Probably the only time Ainge made a risky "win-now" trade was the fifth overall pick for Ray Allen. Yes, it ended up being worth it but only because Green ended up disappointing and they also got Garnett. It's not clear whether Ainge knew Green was going to be bad because he dealt for the guy a few years later. It's also not clear whether Ainge had a wink-wink deal with McHale and/or Garnett when he dealt for Allen. The trade for Allen doesn't make as much sense without Garnett coming here.

All great points!  To me Paul George is the only realistic player that would be worth moving significant assets for if we strike out in free agency.  Of course this also depends on his willingness to sign an extension before we make the trade.  Honestly I think Danny will remain patient regardless of the finish this season.  As I mentioned before, if we make the finals then it truly is a reflection of coach Stevens.  I am more in favor of being competitive for the next decade as opposed to trading assets for a quick strike over the next 3 or 4 years.  I love the the idea of Jaylen Brown developing into an All-Star along with this years draft pick.

[spikelovetheCelts]

Faith and Game 1 crowd. If we keep on keeping on. Lebron has had some bad games in our building. I Believe we will win game 1.

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

We're in the same position we are in now whether we make the finals or not. That is a rebuilding team, with the chances of the best pick in the draft, and a great opportunity to use our cap space this summer.

If we make it to the finals its because we played the series of our lives, not because we are currently constructed better than the Cavs. The game plan stays the same.

agreed. we shall still add or subtract to make this team better either with draft picks, trades or free agents. gameplan stays the same. we want to be relevant for a long time.