Celtics 2025-26 Regular Season Discussion

[Celtics2021]

I'm becoming more and more convinced Simons is gonna get traded at the deadline. He's just a frustrating player and I don't even think the team knows his best role here.

Whether it's some sort of a salary dump or maybe using him as salary to acquire a big man, he's gonna get dealt. I'd prefer the latter

I think he will not, mostly because it will be very hard to find a team that wants him and can make salaries work (especially if the Celtics would like to reduce salary and take on little to no future salary).  Not impossible, of course, but there are so many teams right against the apron or cap that there is very little wiggle room with multiple prospective partners, in addition to our own constraints.

He has not shown to be a good fit, which is not terribly surprising.  Maybe in another month he will have his role more figured out.  When he plays with confidence he looks good, but much of the time he does not seem to know his role.

[slamtheking]

I'm becoming more and more convinced Simons is gonna get traded at the deadline. He's just a frustrating player and I don't even think the team knows his best role here.

Whether it's some sort of a salary dump or maybe using him as salary to acquire a big man, he's gonna get dealt. I'd prefer the latter

I think he will not, mostly because it will be very hard to find a team that wants him and can make salaries work (especially if the Celtics would like to reduce salary and take on little to no future salary).  Not impossible, of course, but there are so many teams right against the apron or cap that there is very little wiggle room with multiple prospective partners, in addition to our own constraints.

He has not shown to be a good fit, which is not terribly surprising.  Maybe in another month he will have his role more figured out.  When he plays with confidence he looks good, but much of the time he does not seem to know his role.

I think it's something that has to happen.  The most likely scenario is Brad moves him (if not more players with him) to a team that wants a scorer and can afford to lose a rotation-quality big.  Slip that big into the KP FTE so that salary slot is not lost in the offseason while generating a new FTE from moving Simons salary that will last for another year after the deal.

the other 2 options are:
1. just let the deal expire which would be a stupid waste of his salary slot.  sure the contract is off the books but that wouldn't leave a similar sized financial opening to bring someone else in. 
2. resign him.  while he's not a garbage player, he's not fitting what Joe's running.  some of that's on him trying to learn and his lack of defensive skills and some of that's on Joe for not figuring out how to make the most of his personnel.  He's unlikely to accept a pay cut and he'd certainly not showing he's worth a raise so far so the C's would be basically signing him as a future, overpaid trade chip to be salary filler in a future deal. 

[Darth_Yoda]

I'm becoming more and more convinced Simons is gonna get traded at the deadline. He's just a frustrating player and I don't even think the team knows his best role here.

Whether it's some sort of a salary dump or maybe using him as salary to acquire a big man, he's gonna get dealt. I'd prefer the latter

I think he will not, mostly because it will be very hard to find a team that wants him and can make salaries work (especially if the Celtics would like to reduce salary and take on little to no future salary).  Not impossible, of course, but there are so many teams right against the apron or cap that there is very little wiggle room with multiple prospective partners, in addition to our own constraints.

He has not shown to be a good fit, which is not terribly surprising.  Maybe in another month he will have his role more figured out.  When he plays with confidence he looks good, but much of the time he does not seem to know his role.

I think it's something that has to happen.  The most likely scenario is Brad moves him (if not more players with him) to a team that wants a scorer and can afford to lose a rotation-quality big.  Slip that big into the KP FTE so that salary slot is not lost in the offseason while generating a new FTE from moving Simons salary that will last for another year after the deal.

the other 2 options are:
1. just let the deal expire which would be a stupid waste of his salary slot.  sure the contract is off the books but that wouldn't leave a similar sized financial opening to bring someone else in. 
2. resign him.  while he's not a garbage player, he's not fitting what Joe's running.  some of that's on him trying to learn and his lack of defensive skills and some of that's on Joe for not figuring out how to make the most of his personnel.  He's unlikely to accept a pay cut and he'd certainly not showing he's worth a raise so far so the C's would be basically signing him as a future, overpaid trade chip to be salary filler in a future deal.

I held out hope Dallas would offer Gafford and filler for Simons to float them until Kyrie returned....but now with Nico fired I doubt it will happen.

[Celtics2021]

I'm becoming more and more convinced Simons is gonna get traded at the deadline. He's just a frustrating player and I don't even think the team knows his best role here.

Whether it's some sort of a salary dump or maybe using him as salary to acquire a big man, he's gonna get dealt. I'd prefer the latter

I think he will not, mostly because it will be very hard to find a team that wants him and can make salaries work (especially if the Celtics would like to reduce salary and take on little to no future salary).  Not impossible, of course, but there are so many teams right against the apron or cap that there is very little wiggle room with multiple prospective partners, in addition to our own constraints.

He has not shown to be a good fit, which is not terribly surprising.  Maybe in another month he will have his role more figured out.  When he plays with confidence he looks good, but much of the time he does not seem to know his role.

I think it's something that has to happen.  The most likely scenario is Brad moves him (if not more players with him) to a team that wants a scorer and can afford to lose a rotation-quality big.  Slip that big into the KP FTE so that salary slot is not lost in the offseason while generating a new FTE from moving Simons salary that will last for another year after the deal.

the other 2 options are:
1. just let the deal expire which would be a stupid waste of his salary slot.  sure the contract is off the books but that wouldn't leave a similar sized financial opening to bring someone else in. 
2. resign him.  while he's not a garbage player, he's not fitting what Joe's running.  some of that's on him trying to learn and his lack of defensive skills and some of that's on Joe for not figuring out how to make the most of his personnel.  He's unlikely to accept a pay cut and he'd certainly not showing he's worth a raise so far so the C's would be basically signing him as a future, overpaid trade chip to be salary filler in a future deal.

Letting the deal expire is not a big loss in this case.  We have a $23 million TPE from Porzingis, and we will be able to either preserve Simons slot or use the TPE, but not both.  Especially as it is unlikely we would trade Simons for someone of nearly equal salary.

[Vermont Green]

So they are 8-7.  Good chance to go 9-7 and maybe 10-7.

What?s your guess on their record if JT were playing?

Well, if JT were playing, we'd also probably still have Horford. And possibly one of Holiday or Zinger? But even if not, having JT and Al would make a huge difference for this team, especially the frontcourt.

The thing is that Horford is currently injured, putting up 5/4 with 34% shooting.  Those are Garza numbers.  He may turn it around and make a different in the playoffs, but so far he is not doing much.  Holiday is also injured although put up decent numbers so far.  Holiday and Horford are nearing the end.  But definitely, BOS is a whole different team if they have Tatum and one of the others.  I think just having a healthy Tatum, plus any decent big, makes BOS a contender for the finals.

As to what to do this season, I still see a 0.500'ish team.  They could be better than that based on the development of some players.  The team is not tanking per se, but they are "developing" a lot of players.  Walsh, Minott, Hugo, and even Scheierman are getting minutes most every night.

My preferred strategy is to trade Simons and the pick at the deadline for a good player.  A player that can start for the team in 2026-27 and make a difference.  Then tanking or not doesn't even need to be debated.  Maybe with a trade like that BOS can move up the standings and get some playoff games.

[Jiri Welsch]

Really don't think it?s wise to trade this year's pick.

[Vermont Green]

Really don't think it's wise to trade this year's pick.

Why?  People are already complaining that BOS isn't tanking enough and the pick won't have all that much value if BOS is a 0.500'ish team, which is where this appears to be headed, if not better (worse in terms of the pick odds).  What I am suggesting is to only trade the pick if the return is a legit starting big.  That will make the 2025-26 team even better, but the primary goal is to bolster 2026-27.  Is the, say, 12th or 15th pick going to help the 2026-27 team?  I don't see it.

In fact, I predict that if BOS still has the pick on draft night, and it does end up in the say 12-15 range, that BOS probably trades back and picks up more future firsts, which will drive everyone crazy.  For me, the best thing is to trade Simons and the pick for a real player.  A starting big.  A known quantity.  I get that if BOS is in the lottery, there is like a 1% chance it turns into a top 3 pick, but even that pick doesn't help the Tatum and Brown window for at least a few years.

[Jiri Welsch]

Really don't think it's wise to trade this year's pick.

Why?  People are already complaining that BOS isn't tanking enough and the pick won't have all that much value if BOS is a 0.500'ish team, which is where this appears to be headed, if not better (worse in terms of the pick odds).  What I am suggesting is to only trade the pick if the return is a legit starting big.  That will make the 2025-26 team even better, but the primary goal is to bolster 2026-27.  Is the, say, 12th or 15th pick going to help the 2026-27 team?  I don't see it.

In fact, I predict that if BOS still has the pick on draft night, and it does end up in the say 12-15 range, that BOS probably trades back and picks up more future firsts, which will drive everyone crazy.  For me, the best thing is to trade Simons and the pick for a real player.  A starting big.  A known quantity.  I get that if BOS is in the lottery, there is like a 1% chance it turns into a top 3 pick, but even that pick doesn't help the Tatum and Brown window for at least a few years.

This is all valid. My thinking is that the Celtics should set themselves up for one more "five year window" with the Jays after this season. And in order to actually compete most of those years, they're going to need some legitimate young and affordable guys to supplement the stars and elevate the roster (the Brandon Bass, Nate Robinson, Big Baby types from the old Big 3 Era).

If somehow Simons + this year's pick can net you a legitimate 3rd star, then obviously you pull the trigger. I just don't see that happening -- so I'm hesitant to get rid of a valuable roster construction piece.

I think this year's pick is a chance to get a solid young guy who could become an affordable rotation piece later on in our second window.

[Vermont Green]

Really don't think it's wise to trade this year's pick.

Why?  People are already complaining that BOS isn't tanking enough and the pick won't have all that much value if BOS is a 0.500'ish team, which is where this appears to be headed, if not better (worse in terms of the pick odds).  What I am suggesting is to only trade the pick if the return is a legit starting big.  That will make the 2025-26 team even better, but the primary goal is to bolster 2026-27.  Is the, say, 12th or 15th pick going to help the 2026-27 team?  I don't see it.

In fact, I predict that if BOS still has the pick on draft night, and it does end up in the say 12-15 range, that BOS probably trades back and picks up more future firsts, which will drive everyone crazy.  For me, the best thing is to trade Simons and the pick for a real player.  A starting big.  A known quantity.  I get that if BOS is in the lottery, there is like a 1% chance it turns into a top 3 pick, but even that pick doesn't help the Tatum and Brown window for at least a few years.

This is all valid. My thinking is that the Celtics should set themselves up for one more "five year window" with the Jays after this season. And in order to actually compete most of those years, they're going to need some legitimate young and affordable guys to supplement the stars and elevate the roster (the Brandon Bass, Nate Robinson, Big Baby types from the old Big 3 Era).

If somehow Simons + this year's pick can net you a legitimate 3rd star, then obviously you pull the trigger. I just don't see that happening -- so I'm hesitant to get rid of a valuable roster construction piece.

I think this year's pick is a chance to get a solid young guy who could become an affordable rotation piece later on in our second window.

I don't disagree on any of this.  This pick could become a rotation piece, sure, also might not.  That is the inherent risk of drafting.

My thinking on trading the pick is to target a 4th or 5th starter.  Our top 3 starters, Tatum, Brown, White, are fine.  I am not sure if in your mind, an affordable rotation piece is a starter or just a bench player.  And maybe there isn't a good deal out there for Simons and the pick, I don't know, but I would shop for that as Plan A.

[slamtheking]

Really don't think it's wise to trade this year's pick.

Why?  People are already complaining that BOS isn't tanking enough and the pick won't have all that much value if BOS is a 0.500'ish team, which is where this appears to be headed, if not better (worse in terms of the pick odds).  What I am suggesting is to only trade the pick if the return is a legit starting big.  That will make the 2025-26 team even better, but the primary goal is to bolster 2026-27.  Is the, say, 12th or 15th pick going to help the 2026-27 team?  I don't see it.

In fact, I predict that if BOS still has the pick on draft night, and it does end up in the say 12-15 range, that BOS probably trades back and picks up more future firsts, which will drive everyone crazy.  For me, the best thing is to trade Simons and the pick for a real player.  A starting big.  A known quantity.  I get that if BOS is in the lottery, there is like a 1% chance it turns into a top 3 pick, but even that pick doesn't help the Tatum and Brown window for at least a few years.

This is all valid. My thinking is that the Celtics should set themselves up for one more "five year window" with the Jays after this season. And in order to actually compete most of those years, they're going to need some legitimate young and affordable guys to supplement the stars and elevate the roster (the Brandon Bass, Nate Robinson, Big Baby types from the old Big 3 Era).

If somehow Simons + this year's pick can net you a legitimate 3rd star, then obviously you pull the trigger. I just don't see that happening -- so I'm hesitant to get rid of a valuable roster construction piece.

I think this year's pick is a chance to get a solid young guy who could become an affordable rotation piece later on in our second window.

I don't disagree on any of this.  This pick could become a rotation piece, sure, also might not.  That is the inherent risk of drafting.

My thinking on trading the pick is to target a 4th or 5th starter.  Our top 3 starters, Tatum, Brown, White, are fine.  I am not sure if in your mind, an affordable rotation piece is a starter or just a bench player.  And maybe there isn't a good deal out there for Simons and the pick, I don't know, but I would shop for that as Plan A.

hoping the pick can become that 4th/5th starter is more of an uncertainty than trading for an established player but that pick would be a lot cheaper than that type of vet for the length of their rookie deal.  That pick could turn out to be better or worse than hoped for but this is supposed to be a pretty deep draft in terms of quality prospects.  Personally, I think it's worth keeping the pick considering the better odds this year of getting a good prospect that will cost the team much less than a vet that would still be a crapshoot as to whether they could mesh with the team (ex. Simons is a prime example of a talented player not exactly fitting in).

[Moranis]

I'd absolutely trade this year's pick with Simons if the team got back a legit player for both this year and the future.  Like I'd go get LaMelo Ball as we've discussed in another thread.  Team should not trade this pick for future years or mediocre players

[Phantom255x]

My hope would be to trade Simons + 1-2 future first rounders for either Zubac or Claxton

If Zubac, it'd probably take 2 future firsts, if Claxton maybe just 1. Simons is primarily just for salary filler. And if it's Zubac I would even consider giving up this year's first as part of the package.

I'm high on Zubac if he became available and LAC decided on a rebuild, he's still 28 and is basically averaging 17/10+ consistently including in recent postseasons. Adding him to Tatum, Brown and White to go along with a solid bench would be sweet. Claxton would be Plan B, offers a little less on offense but is a good on the defensive end and is still a solid rebounder.

[Celtics4ever]

I think Nemi has played well for us, thus far.   

Does anyone think Zubac or Claxton is a Joe Mazulla type of big though? 

I know Nemi doesn't shoot the three ball but neither do these guys.  That being said, I like Nemi, and I like both Zubac and Claxton.  Just asking the question.  My preference would be Zubac.  He is a better rim protector, and he can play against bigger guys more easily in addition to being a better rebounder and shooter.

https://craftednba.com/player-traits/rim-defense



A good coach, coaches with the talent his has, not just getting players who only fit in his system.   I think Joe has done that this year. 

[Celtics2021]

I think it would be fine to just get a Neemy-style backup for Neemy.  Quetta is effective enough as a starter, but we need someone who plays similarly as the primary backup.  I would like to try to get Missi from New Orleans; he is behind Zion and Derrick Queen in their rotation, and was drafted by the prior administration.