Analyzing the Roster (2014-2015)

[Phantom255x]

Here are our locks for each position (13):
Rondo - Smart  (PG)
Bradley - Young - Thornton (SG)
Sullinger - Olynyk - Bass (PF)
Green - Wallace (SF)
Zeller - Faverani- J. Anthony (C)

Here are the players who may/may not make the roster (6)
Pressey (PG)
Babb - Bogans (SG)
Chris Johnson - Mike Moser (SF)
Iverson (C)

My Take: I think the Celtics won't keep Babb or Bogans, as they already have a solid SG trio. I think Pressey makes it in because he is cheap and he can provide a spark off the bench, and can sub minutes in case Rondo or Smart get injured or are inconsistent in a game, and this likely makes 14 locks in the roster, which means the Celtics could have to choose between Iverson/Moser/Johnson for the 15th spot. I think the Celtics could lean towards Moser/Johnson as they need depth at SF (sorry Iverson). It's a hard choice but if Moser plays like he did SL, I think he has a better shot than Johnson of making the last roster spot.

Another Intriguing possibility: The Celtics could try and get Jason Smith from the Pelicans and add him to the roster. Smith could provide depth to the roster, he can rebound and block shots, and score efficiently. He also has a good jump shot, which he can also hit efficienltly. We can get him for cheap too. If we do get Smith, then he probably gets in at the 15th roster position. Another thing overlooked is Smith can play the forward position. The Pelicans tried that a bit throughout the season but decided not to utilize him as a forward. If he could, then that could provide more depth at the forward position as well. And 2015 FA, we get one of Robin Lopez/Marc Gasol/DeAndre Jordan, let go of J. Anthony, and have a solid trio which would include Zeller/Smith.

Overall: I say the Celtics roster has 13 locks, although assuming Pressey's contract becomes guaranteed after today, which seems likely, then 14, and with one roster spot left, Babb and Bogans chances are probably 99% gone. It likely means the final roster spot goes to either Iverson/Moser/Johnson, or if Jason Smith signs via MLE, then Jason Smith gets the final roster spot.

Anything I might be missing here or anything I may have overlooked? Thoughts?

[Lucky17]

Bogans' fully unguaranteed contract is still a significant trade chip. I would prefer the Celtics not simply toss it away without exploring all avenues. [I am not sure what the Humphries' S&T does for the club's bottom line, so if luxury tax issues are now in play, then I'll reluctantly say goodbye to Bogans, thankful that there will still be a decent sized TPE added to the arsenal.]

I believe the Pelicans renounced Smith's rights in order to complete the Asik trade. If so, he's an unrestricted FA. Frankly, I'm not sure about the fit. Zeller, Olynyk, and Sullinger all stretch the floor; I'd prefer a more defensive-minded big who simply cleans the glass.

[Phantom255x]

Bogans' fully unguaranteed contract is still a significant trade chip. I would prefer the Celtics not simply toss it away without exploring all avenues. [I am not sure what the Humphries' S&T does for the club's bottom line, so if luxury tax issues are now in play, then I'll reluctantly say goodbye to Bogans, thankful that there will still be a decent sized TPE added to the arsenal.]

I believe the Pelicans renounced Smith's rights in order to complete the Asik trade. If so, he's an unrestricted FA. Frankly, I'm not sure about the fit. Zeller, Olynyk, and Sullinger all stretch the floor; I'd prefer a more defensive-minded big who simply cleans the glass.

True. I think we can go to Chicago or Houston (teams looking to alleviate cap space) and give Bogans and potentially get an asset from it or a pick or two. Also, Jason Smith may not be the best option compared to Monroe but with a 2015 FA class full of great defensive-minded centers, it doesn't hurt to think maybe utilize Smith as a forward/center and Zeller (C) for offense and Faverani and a big name FA for defense. Just my thoughts. We do have the MLE to use and we can get Smith 2-3M/yr. Alexis Ajinca is another option too, he plays solid defense. A trade would likely need to be involved though. But ajinca is also cheap (cheaper than Smith actually)

[SHAQATTACK]

I see nearly every team equal or better than the Celtics .....losing Hump is going to cost us in wins.

I m sure they will play hard and with pride.....but unless a couple young guys break out into stars .....
It will be ugly I'm afraid
I see a very miserable year looming ahead ....as far as wins are concerned

Not to say the action won 'to be intense with guys like Rondo and Smart ...

I'm fully expecting Celtics as. Top 5 lock in the lottery , with Lakers sharing those honors.

Celtics are loading up for a huge break out 2015 -2016

Wallace will finally be gone .....grit you teeth

Could be a really ruff ride this year.

[saltlover]

Bogans' fully unguaranteed contract is still a significant trade chip. I would prefer the Celtics not simply toss it away without exploring all avenues. [I am not sure what the Humphries' S&T does for the club's bottom line, so if luxury tax issues are now in play, then I'll reluctantly say goodbye to Bogans, thankful that there will still be a decent sized TPE added to the arsenal.]

I believe the Pelicans renounced Smith's rights in order to complete the Asik trade. If so, he's an unrestricted FA. Frankly, I'm not sure about the fit. Zeller, Olynyk, and Sullinger all stretch the floor; I'd prefer a more defensive-minded big who simply cleans the glass.

As it currently stands, Bogans puts the Celtics into luxury tax territory by a couple million.  He'll be gone before the tip-off opening night, one way or the other.

[Phantom255x]

I see nearly every team equal or better than the Celtics .....losing Hump is going to cost us in wins.

I m sure they will play hard and with pride.....but unless a couple young guys break out into stars .....
It will be ugly I'm afraid
I see a very miserable year looming ahead ....as far as wins are concerned

Not to say the action won 'to be intense with guys like Rondo and Smart ...

I'm fully expecting Celtics as. Top 5 lock in the lottery , with Lakers sharing those honors.

Celtics are loading up for a huge break out 2015 -2016

Wallace will finally be gone .....grit you teeth

Could be a really ruff ride this year.

I can take one more year of losing games and going for lottery, but it better be only one more year. The celtics better pounce on FA next year as well as make an attempt to get Love at the trade deadline in February. Then we will be contenders

I do think our roster is good enough for a 6-8 seed in the East, but if we lose games (as many people here expect) then I guess it's fine as long as its just one more year.