Offseason Thread

[Vermont Green]

I am reserving judgement on Simons.  It is a problem in the playoffs if a core rotation player is weak defensively.  But that doesn't mean he can't help the team.  As to Lillard in place of Simons or in addition to Simons, I think one or the other and I would rather have Lillard for a couple of seasons at $6M per than Simons at 4 years and $125M or whatever he might get (that is about what Poole and Herro got).  I can't see having both.  If we are able to sign Lillard, then it makes it an easier decision to trade Simons (at the deadline).

But I am not ready to rule out either Lillard or Simons due to defense.  Curry is not exactly an all defensive player.  Neither is Mitchell or Brunson.  There can be a place for players like this on very good teams, up to a point.  If Sam Hauser can play sufficient defense, I see no reason that Simons can't (admittedly on smaller players).

Is Simons a worse defender than Pritchard? Genuine question. I have the same reservations about PP based on his performance in past playoff series.

Fair question.  I have not seen enough of Simons to say either way.  Most seem to be pretty down on Simons' defense, for what that is worth.  Pritchard is scrappy on defense, but has many of the same limitations otherwise that Simons has.  Maybe Simons can be more of that too if he just tries or needs to in order to get minutes (or a big contract).

As I have said, I have not given up on him.  There have been too many cases where I think I know what BOS is getting in a trade and then once the player is here, I am surprised one way or the other.  If this was a couple of seasons ago, my impression was that Simons was an up and coming player, right there with Tyler Herro or Jordan Poole.  Then he kind of disappeared.  Poole looked pretty good on GSW and then pretty bad on WAS.  So my expectation is that Simons will be a better player on BOS than he was on POR.  Hopefully enough better that he generates some decent trade interest.

[Goldstar88]

I remain a bit confused as to why Simons isn?t flat out considered more valuable than Jrue.  Is it about the remaining time and money on their contracts?  I?d rather Simons on an expiring than three more years of Jrue and 130M.  But just for pure skill, Simons is a better player.  That?s of course an opinion based on the belief that Jrue took a downturn in 2024-25 and I expect it to continue in the same direction in the coming years.  Not only did he decline offensively but he wasn?t as effective defensively either. Obviously he?s still more talented than Simons defensively and in terms of leadership - but the 26 year old is a very good offensive guard.  I didn?t see much of him over the years but the few games I saw him I thought he was pretty impressive. Though I have to admit that I?m more readily aware of offensive talent than defensive talent. He can shoot, pass, create.  I?m surprised there isn?t a market for him now and will be more surprised if there isn?t one at the deadline.  And I would not be surprised if some here won?t want to give him up when they picture adding JT to the existing lineup. 

I?m wrong frequently so it won?t surprise me if I?m wrong again - but I expect Simons will look like a Jrue upgrade next year.

They remind me of the 2011 Dallas Mavericks.

Anfernee Simons = Jason Terry
Jrue Holiday = Jason Kidd

Jrue / Kidd being the ultimate glue guy / do all the little things in every phase of the game. A Simons / J Terry being a very talented offensive player / dodgy defender.

People can debate which guy was more valuable to the 2011 Mavs. I would go with Kidd myself but I believe most people would chose Jason Terry over Kidd. Terry was certainly the 2nd best scorer on the team behind Dirk.

2-way players are more valuable. Come playoff time those good offense, poor defense player will get hunted especially small guards.  Players like Simons need to be 1st or 2nd option offensively to make up for their poor defense[/b] and the other 4 players need to good defenders.

Completely agree with this. With that said, do you want Damian Lillard on the team?

For $6 million or so per year?

I can?t see him signing with the Celtics for $6M/year. Even if he did, he?s going to be a 3rd option behind Tatum and Brown. He?d be unplayable with Pritchard on the court. Hard to win in the postseason with small guards playing big minutes.

[Neurotic Guy]

I remain a bit confused as to why Simons isn?t flat out considered more valuable than Jrue.  Is it about the remaining time and money on their contracts?  I?d rather Simons on an expiring than three more years of Jrue and 130M.  But just for pure skill, Simons is a better player.  That?s of course an opinion based on the belief that Jrue took a downturn in 2024-25 and I expect it to continue in the same direction in the coming years.  Not only did he decline offensively but he wasn?t as effective defensively either. Obviously he?s still more talented than Simons defensively and in terms of leadership - but the 26 year old is a very good offensive guard.  I didn?t see much of him over the years but the few games I saw him I thought he was pretty impressive. Though I have to admit that I?m more readily aware of offensive talent than defensive talent. He can shoot, pass, create.  I?m surprised there isn?t a market for him now and will be more surprised if there isn?t one at the deadline.  And I would not be surprised if some here won?t want to give him up when they picture adding JT to the existing lineup. 

I?m wrong frequently so it won?t surprise me if I?m wrong again - but I expect Simons will look like a Jrue upgrade next year.

They remind me of the 2011 Dallas Mavericks.

Anfernee Simons = Jason Terry
Jrue Holiday = Jason Kidd

Jrue / Kidd being the ultimate glue guy / do all the little things in every phase of the game. A Simons / J Terry being a very talented offensive player / dodgy defender.

People can debate which guy was more valuable to the 2011 Mavs. I would go with Kidd myself but I believe most people would chose Jason Terry over Kidd. Terry was certainly the 2nd best scorer on the team behind Dirk.

2-way players are more valuable. Come playoff time those good offense, poor defense player will get hunted especially small guards.  Players like Simons need to be 1st or 2nd option offensively to make up for their poor defense[/b] and the other 4 players need to good defenders.

Completely agree with this. With that said, do you want Damian Lillard on the team?

For $6 million or so per year?

I can?t see him signing with the Celtics for $6M/year. Even if he did, he?s going to be a 3rd option behind Tatum and Brown. He?d be unplayable with Pritchard on the court. Hard to win in the postseason with small guards playing big minutes.

Yet it appears that Brad can see it and depending on what you believe, Damien sees it too. I think if there was absolutely nothing to this we would know that by now.  That doesn?t mean I think it?s going to happen but it appears to be something they are thinking about. 

And I think you know that if DL is here for low $$ in 26-27 the roster will not be exactly as it is right now. 

[tazzmaniac]

Paul George underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, the Philadelphia 76ers announced Monday. The team said it plans to re-evaluate the 15-year veteran before the start of training camp.

Typical Sixers news.  Don't understand why the delay in having the surgery.  Could have done it a couple months ago and be re-evaluating George now. 

Edit: 

Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George underwent a successful arthroscopic procedure on his left knee Monday to treat an injury suffered during a recent workout, a team official tells ESPN. George will now begin a rehab program and be re-evaluated prior to start of training camp.

So a new injury to a player who was already coming off an injury.  Again typical Sixers news. 

[radiohead]

https://x.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1944849141613650360

Where is Al really headed? Atlanta would be a really nice place for him. Come back to the team that drafted him and try to get a ring there. KP would also be his teammate. Just no Lakers or Bucks please.

[Who]

https://x.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1944849141613650360

Where is Al really headed? Atlanta would be a really nice place for him. Come back to the team that drafted him and try to get a ring there. KP would also be his teammate. Just no Lakers or Bucks please.

I got excited when I first heard of Al possibly going back to Atlanta but there isn't a big enough role there for him. They have Jalen Johnson starting at PF (Tatum's role on BOS), Porzingis at center (Zinger's role), and Okongwu as 6th man / main backup big man (Horford's role). So Horford would be the 4th big after those guys take 90 or so minutes a game. Sort of like Kornet's role on the 2023-24 Celtics.

It is not enough of a role for a player that still has a lot to offer. I would rather see Horford go somewhere else where he can play more. Shame because it would have been nice to see him go back there and finish his career where it all started. But I'd rather see him play elsewhere than ride the bench in Atlanta.

[radiohead]

https://x.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1944849141613650360

Where is Al really headed? Atlanta would be a really nice place for him. Come back to the team that drafted him and try to get a ring there. KP would also be his teammate. Just no Lakers or Bucks please.

I got excited when I first heard of Al possibly going back to Atlanta but there isn't a big enough role there for him. They have Jalen Johnson starting at PF (Tatum's role on BOS), Porzingis at center (Zinger's role), and Okongwu as 6th man / main backup big man (Horford's role). So Horford would be the 4th big after those guys take 90 or so minutes a game. Sort of like Kornet's role on the 2023-24 Celtics.

It is not enough of a role for a player that still has a lot to offer. I would rather see Horford go somewhere else where he can play more. Shame because it would have been nice to see him go back there and finish his career where it all started. But I'd rather see him play elsewhere than ride the bench in Atlanta.

At this point in his career i think teams are wary of promising him a consistent role, given the fact that he will sit out those back to backs.

[Who]

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama expects to play this coming season and has been fully cleared after dealing with deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder for the past few months, he told the French newspaper L'Equipe in remarks published Monday.

A person familiar with the situation later told The Associated Press that the Spurs have indeed received word that Wembanyama has been cleared to resume play and, barring anything unforeseen, will be able to fully participate in training camp when it opens this fall. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not revealed that detail publicly.

It has been expected that the team anticipated Wembanyama would be able to start this coming season, though there was no official word until now.

"I'm officially cleared to return ... I'll finally be able to play a bit of basketball again," Wembanyama told the French sports daily.

[boscel33]

Don't think he'll be missed, but, Drew Peterson to the Hornets.



https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/celtics-free-agent-signs-with-charlotte-hornets/ar-AA1IChbr?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=0e822de83e8f48f08b1ad893f1d67dc6&ei=15

[Vermont Green]

Don't think he'll be missed, but, Drew Peterson to the Hornets.



https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/celtics-free-agent-signs-with-charlotte-hornets/ar-AA1IChbr?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=0e822de83e8f48f08b1ad893f1d67dc6&ei=15

Peterson will be 26 in November.  Glad to see he got another 2-way so that he can hang around the edges of the NBA for another season, but he is running out of real estate.

I am pretty happy with the current BOS 2-ways:

Max Shulga  (23)
Miles Norris  (25)
Amari Williams  (23)

None of them are real young.  They will all likely see time on the team filling in for injured players.

[Roy H.]

Don't think he'll be missed, but, Drew Peterson to the Hornets.



https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/celtics-free-agent-signs-with-charlotte-hornets/ar-AA1IChbr?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=0e822de83e8f48f08b1ad893f1d67dc6&ei=15

Peterson will be 26 in November.  Glad to see he got another 2-way so that he can hang around the edges of the NBA for another season, but he is running out of real estate.

I am pretty happy with the current BOS 2-ways:

Max Shulga  (23)
Miles Norris  (25)
Amari Williams  (23)

None of them are real young.  They will all likely see time on the team filling in for injured players.

I liked having Peterson on a two-way deal, because he was a guy that could at least play as an emergency fill-in without embarrassing himself.

I'm less sure about any of the other three.

[Goldstar88]

Not good enough for the Celtics bench this year? 

Oshae Brissett signs two-year deal in Israel

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv has officially announced the signing of Canadian former NBA forward Oshae Brissett. The 27-year-old Brissett signed a two-year deal with Maccabi, following a professional career spent entirely in the NBA and the G League.  via BasketNews

[Vermont Green]

Don't think he'll be missed, but, Drew Peterson to the Hornets.



https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/celtics-free-agent-signs-with-charlotte-hornets/ar-AA1IChbr?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=0e822de83e8f48f08b1ad893f1d67dc6&ei=15

Peterson will be 26 in November.  Glad to see he got another 2-way so that he can hang around the edges of the NBA for another season, but he is running out of real estate.

I am pretty happy with the current BOS 2-ways:

Max Shulga  (23)
Miles Norris  (25)
Amari Williams  (23)

None of them are real young.  They will all likely see time on the team filling in for injured players.

I liked having Peterson on a two-way deal, because he was a guy that could at least play as an emergency fill-in without embarrassing himself.

I'm less sure about any of the other three.

With Peterson, it is fully established that he will be nothing more than a 2-way guy, ever.  I just don't see it.  At least with the 3 guys BOS signed, there is still some ceiling.    The vast majority of 2-way players never amount to anything, there is at least some hope with these 3 guys, there is no hope for Peterson, from what I have seen.

[Who]

Don't think he'll be missed, but, Drew Peterson to the Hornets.



https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/celtics-free-agent-signs-with-charlotte-hornets/ar-AA1IChbr?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=0e822de83e8f48f08b1ad893f1d67dc6&ei=15

Peterson will be 26 in November.  Glad to see he got another 2-way so that he can hang around the edges of the NBA for another season, but he is running out of real estate.

I am pretty happy with the current BOS 2-ways:

Max Shulga  (23)
Miles Norris  (25)
Amari Williams  (23)

None of them are real young.  They will all likely see time on the team filling in for injured players.

I liked having Peterson on a two-way deal, because he was a guy that could at least play as an emergency fill-in without embarrassing himself.

I'm less sure about any of the other three.

With Peterson, it is fully established that he will be nothing more than a 2-way guy, ever.  I just don't see it.  At least with the 3 guys BOS signed, there is still some ceiling.    The vast majority of 2-way players never amount to anything, there is at least some hope with these 3 guys, there is no hope for Peterson, from what I have seen.

I was reading an article on two-way contracts the other day when I was looking for G-League success stories. A guy did a study on all two way contracts up to the start 2024 season. He found that 12% of two-way contracts became rotation caliber players in the NBA. That sounds high to me but I had trouble seeing his google spreadsheet document.

Anyway, 88% failure rate. 12% success rate. 1 in 8.

------------------------

Here is the link:

https://borisberic.substack.com/p/nba-two-way-deal-contract-research

[Roy H.]

Don't think he'll be missed, but, Drew Peterson to the Hornets.



https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/celtics-free-agent-signs-with-charlotte-hornets/ar-AA1IChbr?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=0e822de83e8f48f08b1ad893f1d67dc6&ei=15

Peterson will be 26 in November.  Glad to see he got another 2-way so that he can hang around the edges of the NBA for another season, but he is running out of real estate.

I am pretty happy with the current BOS 2-ways:

Max Shulga  (23)
Miles Norris  (25)
Amari Williams  (23)

None of them are real young.  They will all likely see time on the team filling in for injured players.

I liked having Peterson on a two-way deal, because he was a guy that could at least play as an emergency fill-in without embarrassing himself.

I'm less sure about any of the other three.

With Peterson, it is fully established that he will be nothing more than a 2-way guy, ever.  I just don't see it.  At least with the 3 guys BOS signed, there is still some ceiling.    The vast majority of 2-way players never amount to anything, there is at least some hope with these 3 guys, there is no hope for Peterson, from what I have seen.

It depends on what "no hope" means.  Peterson has an NBA skill, and he can contribute as a 12th man or so. 

The others have yet to prove that they have any NBA skills.  Hopefully they do, and they'll get the chance to show them.