Which center should we sign?

[Roy H.]

  I understand we don't want to just waste these spots but these moves are not going to impact the season all that much.

It's hard to say.  I mean, based upon the "our starting PF is our backup C" theory, Theis was our third center last year.  Did his addition impact the season?  Based upon his play in the first round against Brooklyn, I think he was essential.

Essentially, we've traded Nesmith and Theis for Brogdon and Gallinari.  That's a very large upgrade in terms of talent / reliability.  But, we've still done nothing to address one of the bigger problems with the team last year:  having 5 to 7 guys who weren't playable nightly (depending on whether you count 2-way players).

Seemingly the easiest task this entire off-season was upgrading the end of our bench.  Last season, we had Kornet, Hauser, Fitts, Stauskas and Morgan filling out the roster, with Ryan and Thomas on 2-ways.  That's got to be the worst 11th - 17th rotation in the NBA.  Unfortunately, we've replaced that rotation with Kornet, Hauser, _______, _______, _______, with _______ and Davison on 2-ways.

Also, here's the Tomase article:  https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/red-sox/red-sox-lost-these-games-february-and-march-when-they-built-imperfect-roster

The Red Sox debate is a separate thread but as to the Celtics Roster, as you said, Theis and Nesmith were the 9th and 10th guys last season and we replaced them with Gallinari and Brogdon.  Brogdon becomes the 6th man upgrading over White, Gallinari the 7th, upgrading over Grant.  Our 8th and 9th slots upgrade due to White and Grant sliding down and Pritchard becomes the 10th man.

Now I agree that slots 11-15 remain unimproved at this point.  We have Hauser and Kornet who I am fine with plus Davison on a 2-way.  We have a few more slots to fill up.  Last season there were mid season trades and tax implications so the very end of the bench was pretty thin by the end of the season.  We started out with more end of the bench vets (Jabari Parker, Freedom Kanter) but they ended up no more "playable" than the G-Leaguers.

I don't see this as some great missed opportunity or some imperfect roster that is going to become a fatal flaw for the team.  Whether we pick up Dwight Howard or not (for example).  Dwight Howard over some G-League big I have never heard of could make some small difference.  I prefer the vets to the prospects, at least for some of the remaining slots.  A vet big and a vet wing would be nice.  But if we are relying on Dwight Howard in key games or in the playoffs, that is still a problem.

If I thought Dwight Howard would tell the Jays - don’t ever sign with the Lakers - I’d be all in. Unfortunately he’s a 2-time Laker by choice. Not a good sign.

Tangential, but I do wonder what life lessons Howard learned from his trade demands.  In hindsight, would he continue to build in Orlando, or is he happy with how things turned out?

[Vermont Green]

Also, here's the Tomase article:  https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/red-sox/red-sox-lost-these-games-february-and-march-when-they-built-imperfect-roster

As to the article, Tomase's examples are Arroyo and Cordero botching pop ups.  Well, that was before the Yankees botched some pop ups and also had some other defensive misplays.  Tomase starts into it after the Yankees win 2 but then the Sox win the next two.

Arroyo in RF is tough on the eyes but the manager could have put Jackie Bradley out there.  And we do have an injury to a starting outfielder (Kike Hernandez) which impacts the depth some.

First base is a legitimate complaint.  It is the softest spot on the roster.  But even there, after Cordero botched a pop up, Rizzo misplayed a low throw that led to a big inning for the Sox.  Tomase chose to write his piece after two bad games against a really good team.

Sorry, I don't buy it.  The problem with the Sox is injuries to pitchers, starting pitchers mostly.  The roster is not fatally flawed.  It is not perfect but it is pretty darned good.  I don't even buy it relative to the Sox, I am certainly not going to extrapolate this to the Celtics.  And in the end, we salvaged a spit with the best team in the league when we basically started all AAA pitchers (Pivetta not withstanding).

[nebist]

On the thinking positive side, I trust Brad’s assessment of what a roster needs from every move he’s made so far. I would be very surprised if he doesn’t think we need a better backup 5 than Kornet. Therefore, since he hasn’t signed one of the vet min options that are readily available, I am interested to see if he can find a creative, cost effective way to use a smaller part of the Fournier TPE, before it expires on the 18th. If he can’t do something with the TPE, I would expect him to sign the best available big left on the market (Dwight Howard as it stands right now IMO).

[Moranis]

You guys are vying over a bunch of scrubs. As long as KD is on the market, we should be aiming for the big fish. If we cannot acquire KD, we should be trying to facilitate a 3-way trade with the aim of landing Bam or Simmons. Personally speaking, I'd rather have Tatum, Brown and Bam over Tatum and KD. But that's just me.

Btw, I fully believe Horford is at his best when playing at the 5 (especially at this stage in his career). All we need is a 3rd string Center. Who cares? I'd be more than happy with a guy like Tony Bradley.

Per cleaningtheglass, Gallinari has played limited minutes at Center throughout his career. I'd expect him to provide cover at Center in case we face an injury crisis. If Nemanja Bjelica transformed into a stretch Center, I don't see why Gallo can't. After all, they are both the same height (6'10'').

How are you getting Bam without giving up Brown?

[Roy H.]

For the Trevion Williams fans:

https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/celtics-trevion-williams-flashes-passing-ability-positivity-nba-summer-league

I wouldn't mind seeing him get the second 2-way.

[Jvalin]

You guys are vying over a bunch of scrubs. As long as KD is on the market, we should be aiming for the big fish. If we cannot acquire KD, we should be trying to facilitate a 3-way trade with the aim of landing Bam or Simmons. Personally speaking, I'd rather have Tatum, Brown and Bam over Tatum and KD. But that's just me.

Btw, I fully believe Horford is at his best when playing at the 5 (especially at this stage in his career). All we need is a 3rd string Center. Who cares? I'd be more than happy with a guy like Tony Bradley.

Per cleaningtheglass, Gallinari has played limited minutes at Center throughout his career. I'd expect him to provide cover at Center in case we face an injury crisis. If Nemanja Bjelica transformed into a stretch Center, I don't see why Gallo can't. After all, they are both the same height (6'10'').

How are you getting Bam without giving up Brown?

See page 17. Imo, Bam is a top 20ish player in the league. I consider him a better player than Brown. By extension, I consider him way better than either Timelord or Horford. If a deal like that is available, I believe we should pull the trigger. I'd happily throw in a second pick as well.

(click on image to enlarge)


KD's preferred destinations are Phoenix and Miami. I would assume the Heat would be willing to sacrifice Bam. Problem is, the Nets are not allowed to acquire Bam because of the Designated Rookie Extension rule. A third team would have to come into play. Enters Boston.

It's possible that the Heat would like us to be the 3rd team cause
a) we can send them a Bam replacement in Timelord
b) we can send Brooklyn a massive expiring in Horford

Tatum - Brown - Bam would be the best young core in the NBA!

[slamtheking]

You guys are vying over a bunch of scrubs. As long as KD is on the market, we should be aiming for the big fish. If we cannot acquire KD, we should be trying to facilitate a 3-way trade with the aim of landing Bam or Simmons. Personally speaking, I'd rather have Tatum, Brown and Bam over Tatum and KD. But that's just me.

Btw, I fully believe Horford is at his best when playing at the 5 (especially at this stage in his career). All we need is a 3rd string Center. Who cares? I'd be more than happy with a guy like Tony Bradley.

Per cleaningtheglass, Gallinari has played limited minutes at Center throughout his career. I'd expect him to provide cover at Center in case we face an injury crisis. If Nemanja Bjelica transformed into a stretch Center, I don't see why Gallo can't. After all, they are both the same height (6'10'').

How are you getting Bam without giving up Brown?

See page 17. Imo, Bam is a top 20ish player in the league. I consider him a better player than Brown. By extension, I consider him way better than either Timelord or Horford. If a deal like that is available, I believe we should pull the trigger. I'd happily throw in a second pick as well.

(click on image to enlarge)


KD's preferred destinations are Phoenix and Miami. I would assume the Heat would be willing to sacrifice Bam. Problem is, the Nets are not allowed to acquire Bam because of the Designated Rookie Extension rule. A third team would have to come into play. Enters Boston.

It's possible that the Heat would like us to be the 3rd team cause
a) we can send them a Bam replacement in Timelord
b) we can send Brooklyn a massive expiring in Horford

Tatum - Brown - Bam would be the best young core in the NBA!

well, that would just be your opinion.  it's not one I've seen anyone agree with though. 

[tonydelk]

You guys are vying over a bunch of scrubs. As long as KD is on the market, we should be aiming for the big fish. If we cannot acquire KD, we should be trying to facilitate a 3-way trade with the aim of landing Bam or Simmons. Personally speaking, I'd rather have Tatum, Brown and Bam over Tatum and KD. But that's just me.

Btw, I fully believe Horford is at his best when playing at the 5 (especially at this stage in his career). All we need is a 3rd string Center. Who cares? I'd be more than happy with a guy like Tony Bradley.

Per cleaningtheglass, Gallinari has played limited minutes at Center throughout his career. I'd expect him to provide cover at Center in case we face an injury crisis. If Nemanja Bjelica transformed into a stretch Center, I don't see why Gallo can't. After all, they are both the same height (6'10'').

How are you getting Bam without giving up Brown?

See page 17. Imo, Bam is a top 20ish player in the league. I consider him a better player than Brown. By extension, I consider him way better than either Timelord or Horford. If a deal like that is available, I believe we should pull the trigger. I'd happily throw in a second pick as well.

(click on image to enlarge)


KD's preferred destinations are Phoenix and Miami. I would assume the Heat would be willing to sacrifice Bam. Problem is, the Nets are not allowed to acquire Bam because of the Designated Rookie Extension rule. A third team would have to come into play. Enters Boston.

It's possible that the Heat would like us to be the 3rd team cause
a) we can send them a Bam replacement in Timelord
b) we can send Brooklyn a massive expiring in Horford

Tatum - Brown - Bam would be the best young core in the NBA!

Even if they would trade Bam Riley would never trade Bam to the Celtics.  I know he and Ainge hated each other but I think Riley's disdain extended to the whole Celtic franchise and there is no way the C's are getting Bam for a bunch of meh 1st round picks and Al.

[Moranis]

You guys are vying over a bunch of scrubs. As long as KD is on the market, we should be aiming for the big fish. If we cannot acquire KD, we should be trying to facilitate a 3-way trade with the aim of landing Bam or Simmons. Personally speaking, I'd rather have Tatum, Brown and Bam over Tatum and KD. But that's just me.

Btw, I fully believe Horford is at his best when playing at the 5 (especially at this stage in his career). All we need is a 3rd string Center. Who cares? I'd be more than happy with a guy like Tony Bradley.

Per cleaningtheglass, Gallinari has played limited minutes at Center throughout his career. I'd expect him to provide cover at Center in case we face an injury crisis. If Nemanja Bjelica transformed into a stretch Center, I don't see why Gallo can't. After all, they are both the same height (6'10'').

How are you getting Bam without giving up Brown?

See page 17. Imo, Bam is a top 20ish player in the league. I consider him a better player than Brown. By extension, I consider him way better than either Timelord or Horford. If a deal like that is available, I believe we should pull the trigger. I'd happily throw in a second pick as well.

(click on image to enlarge)


KD's preferred destinations are Phoenix and Miami. I would assume the Heat would be willing to sacrifice Bam. Problem is, the Nets are not allowed to acquire Bam because of the Designated Rookie Extension rule. A third team would have to come into play. Enters Boston.

It's possible that the Heat would like us to be the 3rd team cause
a) we can send them a Bam replacement in Timelord
b) we can send Brooklyn a massive expiring in Horford

Tatum - Brown - Bam would be the best young core in the NBA!

well, that would just be your opinion.  it's not one I've seen anyone agree with though.

I think Bam is also around 20 and on par with Brown as an overall player as well, which is why I don't think Boston can acquire him without having Brown in the trade.  Rob, Horford, and a 1st is just no where near enough for Bam. 

Before last season started ESPN had Bam at 21st entering the season (and they had him 13th the prior season).  CBS had him at 26.  The Sporting News had him tied with Zion at 20.  SI had him at 22. 

In other words top 20ish, by virtually every major publication that does that sort of ranking and that was before he had the best season of his career last season. Games played was an issue, but even with only playing 56 games he was still on the 2nd Team All Defense (as he has been now 3 straight years) and finished 4th in DPOY (3rd most 1st place votes) and 18th in All NBA Team votes.

[gouki88]

You guys are vying over a bunch of scrubs. As long as KD is on the market, we should be aiming for the big fish. If we cannot acquire KD, we should be trying to facilitate a 3-way trade with the aim of landing Bam or Simmons. Personally speaking, I'd rather have Tatum, Brown and Bam over Tatum and KD. But that's just me.

Btw, I fully believe Horford is at his best when playing at the 5 (especially at this stage in his career). All we need is a 3rd string Center. Who cares? I'd be more than happy with a guy like Tony Bradley.

Per cleaningtheglass, Gallinari has played limited minutes at Center throughout his career. I'd expect him to provide cover at Center in case we face an injury crisis. If Nemanja Bjelica transformed into a stretch Center, I don't see why Gallo can't. After all, they are both the same height (6'10'').

How are you getting Bam without giving up Brown?

See page 17. Imo, Bam is a top 20ish player in the league. I consider him a better player than Brown. By extension, I consider him way better than either Timelord or Horford. If a deal like that is available, I believe we should pull the trigger. I'd happily throw in a second pick as well.

(click on image to enlarge)


KD's preferred destinations are Phoenix and Miami. I would assume the Heat would be willing to sacrifice Bam. Problem is, the Nets are not allowed to acquire Bam because of the Designated Rookie Extension rule. A third team would have to come into play. Enters Boston.

It's possible that the Heat would like us to be the 3rd team cause
a) we can send them a Bam replacement in Timelord
b) we can send Brooklyn a massive expiring in Horford

Tatum - Brown - Bam would be the best young core in the NBA!

Overpay which actually leaves us shallower, and IMO worse in the short-term too.

[Sketch5]

You guys are vying over a bunch of scrubs. As long as KD is on the market, we should be aiming for the big fish. If we cannot acquire KD, we should be trying to facilitate a 3-way trade with the aim of landing Bam or Simmons. Personally speaking, I'd rather have Tatum, Brown and Bam over Tatum and KD. But that's just me.

Btw, I fully believe Horford is at his best when playing at the 5 (especially at this stage in his career). All we need is a 3rd string Center. Who cares? I'd be more than happy with a guy like Tony Bradley.

Per cleaningtheglass, Gallinari has played limited minutes at Center throughout his career. I'd expect him to provide cover at Center in case we face an injury crisis. If Nemanja Bjelica transformed into a stretch Center, I don't see why Gallo can't. After all, they are both the same height (6'10'').

How are you getting Bam without giving up Brown?

See page 17. Imo, Bam is a top 20ish player in the league. I consider him a better player than Brown. By extension, I consider him way better than either Timelord or Horford. If a deal like that is available, I believe we should pull the trigger. I'd happily throw in a second pick as well.

(click on image to enlarge)


KD's preferred destinations are Phoenix and Miami. I would assume the Heat would be willing to sacrifice Bam. Problem is, the Nets are not allowed to acquire Bam because of the Designated Rookie Extension rule. A third team would have to come into play. Enters Boston.

It's possible that the Heat would like us to be the 3rd team cause
a) we can send them a Bam replacement in Timelord
b) we can send Brooklyn a massive expiring in Horford

Tatum - Brown - Bam would be the best young core in the NBA!

Overpay which actually leaves us shallower, and IMO worse in the short-term too.

Yeah, we're already having issues finding a back up, now we would be short one big. So we'd have to find two more. Bam is a nice player, but you don't help Miami get that much better and you get worse, especially since Rob gave Bam fits when healthy, why would we give Miami that much of a leg up on us helping them get Rob and Durant.

Rob works great with the team, you really need to find Al's replacement for the future. 

[Who]

You guys are vying over a bunch of scrubs. As long as KD is on the market, we should be aiming for the big fish. If we cannot acquire KD, we should be trying to facilitate a 3-way trade with the aim of landing Bam or Simmons. Personally speaking, I'd rather have Tatum, Brown and Bam over Tatum and KD. But that's just me.

Btw, I fully believe Horford is at his best when playing at the 5 (especially at this stage in his career). All we need is a 3rd string Center. Who cares? I'd be more than happy with a guy like Tony Bradley.

Per cleaningtheglass, Gallinari has played limited minutes at Center throughout his career. I'd expect him to provide cover at Center in case we face an injury crisis. If Nemanja Bjelica transformed into a stretch Center, I don't see why Gallo can't. After all, they are both the same height (6'10'').

How are you getting Bam without giving up Brown?

See page 17. Imo, Bam is a top 20ish player in the league. I consider him a better player than Brown. By extension, I consider him way better than either Timelord or Horford. If a deal like that is available, I believe we should pull the trigger. I'd happily throw in a second pick as well.

(click on image to enlarge)


KD's preferred destinations are Phoenix and Miami. I would assume the Heat would be willing to sacrifice Bam. Problem is, the Nets are not allowed to acquire Bam because of the Designated Rookie Extension rule. A third team would have to come into play. Enters Boston.

It's possible that the Heat would like us to be the 3rd team cause
a) we can send them a Bam replacement in Timelord
b) we can send Brooklyn a massive expiring in Horford

Tatum - Brown - Bam would be the best young core in the NBA!

Overpay which actually leaves us shallower, and IMO worse in the short-term too.

Disagree on the overpay. Agree on the worse in the short term.

I still do the deal despite getting worse in the short term because Bam, Jaylen and Tatum is a title contender year in year out for the next 7-10 years.

Well worth taking an immediate step backwards to open that long window of title contention.

[Roy H.]

I'm leaning toward Whiteside at this point.  He does everything Howard can, but better.

Cousins is the best offensive player, but the turnovers and technicals can be ugly, and the defense is spotty.

Plus, Cousy once wanted to send three first rounders for him, haha.

[perks-a-beast]

I'm leaning toward Whiteside at this point.  He does everything Howard can, but better.

Cousins is the best offensive player, but the turnovers and technicals can be ugly, and the defense is spotty.

Plus, Cousy once wanted to send three first rounders for him, haha.

Whiteside is probably the best option right now, but I would view the signing as a band aid solution to the backup center spot, and would hope Brad would upgrade via trade during the season.

[Roy H.]

I'm leaning toward Whiteside at this point.  He does everything Howard can, but better.

Cousins is the best offensive player, but the turnovers and technicals can be ugly, and the defense is spotty.

Plus, Cousy once wanted to send three first rounders for him, haha.

Whiteside is probably the best option right now, but I would view the signing as a band aid solution to the backup center spot, and would hope Brad would upgrade via trade during the season.

Honestly, I don't think we need more than a band-aid.  We just need somebody competent to rebound and play defense.

What type of backup center would you be looking for via trade?