The Window is Closed...When will it open?

[Sully7]

I've read the numerous discussions on Rondo and more importantly the future of the Celtics, but no matter what discussion we are having it seems what is most significant is when we think we can contend again.  If we are more then 3 years away then Rondo will be in his 30's and at best the open window will be short.  Does chasing mid-level stars like Josh Smith and Al Jefferson give us an opportunity or slow down the process? 

[rondoallaturca]

Realistically, I think we could contend with a 2-year plan. I don't think chasing guys like Smith and Jefferson is right, because they'd cast us into dreaded NBA purgatory, but I DO think we should be looking to retool through trades and free agency.

[PhoSita]

I think we're at least 3-4 years away from having a nice young core similar to what the Pacers have now.  So then add another year or two to get a supporting cast in place and for that young core to cut their teeth in the playoffs.

I'd say 5 or 6 years from now we'll have a nice young team that can challenge some of the big guys.  Possibly a move or three away from being more than that.

In Danny I trust.

[Sully7]

If we are really 4 or more away doesn't it seem like time to move Rondo is this year or next.  If he's in his 30's when we are making playoff runs again won't that make are window shorter then it should be?  I like Rondo a lot....one of my favorites, but I think we should be chasing 20-24 year-olds.

[LGC88]

Danny's is preparing for a big 3 asap. Could be during the 2014 draft and the free agency. If he can't, then it will be for 2015. So I'm saying 2 years max and we can contend.

[tarheelsxxiii]

Any estimation is going to be based on pure speculation. I understand it's fun to anticipate and be excited about the future. But what bloggers are expecting DA to do is something he hasn't done before.

[PhoSita]

If we are really 4 or more away doesn't it seem like time to move Rondo is this year or next.  If he's in his 30's when we are making playoff runs again won't that make are window shorter then it should be?  I like Rondo a lot....one of my favorites, but I think we should be chasing 20-24 year-olds.

Yep, that's precisely my reasoning.

Rondo is a nice player but he won't be in his prime anymore when this team is ready to go deep in the playoffs again.

[Neurotic Guy]

If we are really 4 or more away doesn't it seem like time to move Rondo is this year or next.  If he's in his 30's when we are making playoff runs again won't that make are window shorter then it should be?  I like Rondo a lot....one of my favorites, but I think we should be chasing 20-24 year-olds.

Yep, that's precisely my reasoning.

Rondo is a nice player but he won't be in his prime anymore when this team is ready to go deep in the playoffs again.

I think the key point is that trading Rondo right now is possible, but not urgent.  He is here for 2 more years on a favorable contract and should (hopefully) increase his value when he gets back on the floor.  Danny is developing options.  I think he'll be patient and wait for the right moments/right deals as they arise. 

[rondoallaturca]

If we are really 4 or more away doesn't it seem like time to move Rondo is this year or next.  If he's in his 30's when we are making playoff runs again won't that make are window shorter then it should be?  I like Rondo a lot....one of my favorites, but I think we should be chasing 20-24 year-olds.

Yep, that's precisely my reasoning.

Rondo is a nice player but he won't be in his prime anymore when this team is ready to go deep in the playoffs again.

I think the key point is that trading Rondo right now is possible, but not urgent.  He is here for 2 more years on a favorable contract and should (hopefully) increase his value when he gets back on the floor.  Danny is developing options.  I think he'll be patient and wait for the right moments/right deals as they arise.

Great post. It's not an absolute certainty that this team is a long way to go before contending again. If Ainge finds the right deals he likes, retooling is certainly possible (even preferable) and it would make sense to keep Rondo. If Ainge doesn't find the right deals, he's prepared the team for a flat out rebuild with all the assets he's collected. That's when you start considering trading Rondo. The constant is staying patient and being smart.

[BudweiserCeltic]

It opens tomorrow with some fresh wind blowing.

[D.o.s.]

I give it two years.

Mostly because I don't expect Miami's team to be able to compete at the same level in two years, and beyond them the East is wide open.

[Phil125]

Josh Smith compete really??  I wouldn't touch him with a 10 foot poll right now.  Unless you love being the 8th seed.

[LarBrd33]

4 years at the earliest.  Possibly longer if ainge gets unlucky.  We are well positioned to rebuild and ainge is a proven GM who has been through this before.  If we land wiggins, we could he a champion by. 2018-19.  Lots of options.

[PhoSita]

If we are really 4 or more away doesn't it seem like time to move Rondo is this year or next.  If he's in his 30's when we are making playoff runs again won't that make are window shorter then it should be?  I like Rondo a lot....one of my favorites, but I think we should be chasing 20-24 year-olds.

Yep, that's precisely my reasoning.

Rondo is a nice player but he won't be in his prime anymore when this team is ready to go deep in the playoffs again.

I think the key point is that trading Rondo right now is possible, but not urgent.  He is here for 2 more years on a favorable contract and should (hopefully) increase his value when he gets back on the floor.  Danny is developing options.  I think he'll be patient and wait for the right moments/right deals as they arise.

Yeah, I've said before and I'll say again, you never sell low on a guy when you're rebuilding (or in general).

Unless somebody is willing to give us full price for Rondo (i.e. what they'd give for him healthy), I'd wait until Rondo has played for a while and re-established his trade value.  Once Rondo has done that, though, he should be fully on the block.

[LooseCannon]

The Celtics have enough pieces so that they might be in the conversation if a star unexpectedly becomes available in 2014.  Perhaps someone like a Gasol brother.  I can see how the team might be a contender in 2014-2015 if a bunch of things go right.