It wouldn't surprise me to see Al, Jrue, and KP gone after this year, although, they don't have a big to replace KP or Al. That's on Brad for bad drafting! Rather than taking Baylor, Kyle Filipowski was there for the taking and he should have! Without KP and Al, Luke is probably your starting C!
I would hate to see KP gone.
He's a high risk with the injury history, but he's the first legitimate 7-footer we've had in years who can actually protect the rim and score in the paint, and there have been so many nights where having that presence has completely changed the game. The fact that he has practically unlimited shooting range only adds to that.
Plus he's just such a good guy, clearly loves being in Boston, and his positive vibes seem to be contagious. I think his impact is very difficult to replace.
I think people underestimate Jrue's impact as well. He's made huge offensive sacrifices on this team in the name of winning, and he's done that willingly. On any other team he would have a > 20% usage rate and would be seen as one of the better point guards in the league, but because he's in Boston on such a deep roster people have largely forgotten he exists. Make no mistake though - he was CRUCIAL in the Celtics championship run last season. His ability to score inside the paint, spread the floor and switch 3-4 positions defensively are hugely impactful, and he's also a great leader off the court who has won rings on multiple teams.
I do understand that salary wise the team may not have a choice and may HAVE to get rid of someone...but it would still be sad to see Jrue (or even moreso, Porzingis) go.
I feel like if anything it's probably Al and Jrue who would be most likely to go, as they are probably the more replaceable.
