Best move : bench upgrade ?

[BE-Celtic]

Hi everyone ! (Long time no see )

Given the performance against Toronto so far (2-0 lead as I write these lines), I'm really starting to think that the Celtics currently have what it takes in their starting 5 (+Marcus Smart when Hayward is healthy) for a deep championship run. The Center position might be weak but I think we have a very good price/quality ratio.

From my point of view, the bench is gonna be the weakness this year and the years to come for the Celtics

Considering that, wouldn't the best interseason move, be to recruit some cheap and experienced free agents who could just bring scoring (and some D) from the bench ? I feel like the C's could sometimes benefit a lot from a "Lou Williams" type of player, who can catch fire and bring 15/20 points to keep the team afloat while the starters are resting.

What do you think ? I see names like Davis Bertans being on the list, for example...

[gouki88]

I feel like considering our cap situation it'll be hard to nab a free agent of any note. However, I think we could find our needs addressed in the draft.

We could either find some good players capable of immediate impact like Kira Lewis and Precious Achiuwa, who I think will be capable on both ends from the get go in the NBA. I think Lewis and Achiuwa or Reed would replace Wanamaker and Ojeleye with ease. Would be comfortable seeing them go if we could nab those guys in the draft.

We could also pursue a trade for some veteran. Something like Kanter, VP and either #14 or #26 + #30 for someone like Derrick Rose? Not sure what's available out there

[Jvalin]

I see names like Davis Bertans being on the list, for example...

We cannot afford Bertans. The absolute most we can offer him is the non-taxpayer MLE (assuming we dump a ton of money first). It seems certain that he'll find better offers on the open market. Not to mention, the Wizards were reluctant to trade him at the deadline. Rumor has it that Danny offered them multiple picks. Chances are that the Wizards will do their best in order to re-sign Bertans.

Personally speaking, I like our bench. I don't think we should add yet another scorer to this team. At least one of Kemba, Brown, Hayward, Tatum is always on the court to be the go-to guy. We also have Kanter + Edwards off the bench who are both offensive oriented players. Having said that, we could have a use for a shooter. There are plenty of interesting options in the draft: Saddiq Bey, Aaron Nesmith, Devin Vassell, Isaiah Joe, Sam Merrill to name a few.

[NKY fan]

Just thinking out loud:
Should we try to nab someone that Spurs discovered and are holding down by not playing them much?
There are quite a few instances where they would not resign and or give away a youngish role player just for that player to become top 10-15 player at their position ... see Bertans , Baynes etc

[JBcat]

Last offseason we had to make enough cap room in order to sign Walker which resulted in only having the ability of the MLE to sign Kanter.

The MLE will be our means mostly to add to the bench in the coming years as we are over the cap and at least in the near future I’m not too worried as we have a solid base.  We may retain Kanter this offseason and use the MLE again for another bench scorer.  When Walker and Hayward start to fade/not on the team anymore then I’ll worry more,  and I have long term hope Langford can develop into a scorer, and let’s see what we can get with 14th pick this year.

[stes]

I hope we try to get Baynes back with the MLE (Ibaka would be perfect, but he will get much more $$ in the open market). Maybe the cap decrease will bring the amnesty back and we could bring back Horford after he gets waived? Maybe we can find some nice, tall 3&D prospect in the draft.
But I would like for the C's to try to bring somebody with a larger contract and shorten the bench a little bit. Derrick Rose is one possibility, but how about Tomas Satoransky? A long playmaker, can defend multiple positions, nice 3y contract, might not be in the Bulls long-term plans. They should be allocating assets, so maybe a 1rd round pick and Edwards along with Kanter and VP (to make the money work) could get it done? Or is he bad?

[wdleehi]

I think a cheap 3 point shooter.   Someone who can just come off the bench and hit a few in a row who may have to be hidden on defense a little bit.   

If Kanter does not opt out, I think the C position is fine.   I expect Thies to improve slightly.   I expect a big jump for Williams.   And Kanter is useful against non-pick and roll teams.   


As for the swing position off the bench, I hope Langford takes that spot. 

[johnnygreen]

Am I the only person who thought the idea of this thread was related to Gordon Hayward, in relation to this years playoffs? With the way the team is currently playing with Smart in the starting lineup, would it make sense to slowly bring Hayward back by having him come off the bench, when his ankle is good to go? He would provide a great scoring punch off the bench, and help make scoring easier for the other guys too.

[footey]

Am I the only person who thought the idea of this thread was related to Gordon Hayward? With the way the team is currently playing with Smart in the starting lineup, would it make sense to slowly bring Hayward back by having him come off the bench, when his ankle is good to go? He would provide a great scoring punch off the bench, and help make scoring easier for the other guys too.

If Gordon returns in the playoffs (I'm skeptical he will given grade 3 sprain), I agree with you that he very well may come off the bench, especially given the rust and soreness.   

[KeepBigAl]

Agreed....With 3 20 pt scorers -  Kemba/Jason/Jaylen - you don't need Hayward's offense in the starting lineup.  Start Smart and let Gordon be the 6th man.  He'll have the ball in his hands more often and maybe Brad can coach him into a more aggressive mindset being the #1 man off the bench.

[wdleehi]

I don't think it matters as much as we make it out with Hayward starting.   If he can go his full time, put him back in.   It works great for the team. 


Smart has been great off the bench all year.   Shouldn't be an issue if he goes back.   He is still going to get his minutes. 

[BE-Celtic]

Am I the only person who thought the idea of this thread was related to Gordon Hayward, in relation to this years playoffs? With the way the team is currently playing with Smart in the starting lineup, would it make sense to slowly bring Hayward back by having him come off the bench, when his ankle is good to go? He would provide a great scoring punch off the bench, and help make scoring easier for the other guys too.

The idea was actually already in my mind before the injury, my opinion being that the C's have a great starting five and a shallow bench. This became more true since Hayward's injury "forced" Smart in the starting five. But the idea of having Hayward as a 6th man sounds nice to me. The question is : would he agree ? Not sure about it...

[johnnygreen]

Am I the only person who thought the idea of this thread was related to Gordon Hayward, in relation to this years playoffs? With the way the team is currently playing with Smart in the starting lineup, would it make sense to slowly bring Hayward back by having him come off the bench, when his ankle is good to go? He would provide a great scoring punch off the bench, and help make scoring easier for the other guys too.

The idea was actually already in my mind before the injury, my opinion being that the C's have a great starting five and a shallow bench. This became more true since Hayward's injury "forced" Smart in the starting five. But the idea of having Hayward as a 6th man sounds nice to me. The question is : would he agree ? Not sure about it...

If the Celtics continue to roll with Smart in the starting lineup, I don't think Hayward would have an issue coming off the bench in these playoffs. As long as he contributes to winning a title this season, I don't see an issue. However, he should be the starter again next season. For me, this is strictly a short term idea, as Hayward is far too good to be coming of the bench.

[KGs Knee]

Am I the only person who thought the idea of this thread was related to Gordon Hayward, in relation to this years playoffs? With the way the team is currently playing with Smart in the starting lineup, would it make sense to slowly bring Hayward back by having him come off the bench, when his ankle is good to go? He would provide a great scoring punch off the bench, and help make scoring easier for the other guys too.

The idea was actually already in my mind before the injury, my opinion being that the C's have a great starting five and a shallow bench. This became more true since Hayward's injury "forced" Smart in the starting five. But the idea of having Hayward as a 6th man sounds nice to me. The question is : would he agree ? Not sure about it...

If the Celtics continue to roll with Smart in the starting lineup, I don't think Hayward would have an issue coming off the bench in these playoffs. As long as he contributes to winning a title this season, I don't see an issue. However, he should be the starter again next season. For me, this is strictly a short term idea, as Hayward is far too good to be coming of the bench.

IDK.....Hayward's more well rounded offensive game and deteriorating defensive abilities seem to make him a prime candidate for 6th man.

If he stays in Boston I think moving him to the bench on a more permanent basis would be best for the team.  We have plenty of scoring between Tatum, Brown, and Walker, having a guy like Smart to do the dirty work provides a nice balance.

[liam]

I would grab some older, over 21, year-old players from the draft. Desmond Bane is my draft binkie this year. He has an NBA skill, shooting, right out of the gait. He has a high motor and he's a good defender. Bane already has a mature NBA body and could play bench minutes off the bat. There are some good solid role players in this draft and they could help The Celtics shore up the bench.