Source: Celtics not optimistic about landing a star free agent big man

[j804]

After concluding the NBA Draft this week, the Boston Celtics still plan to chase top free-agent big men but are not optimistic about their chances of landing an established frontcourt star, according to sources within the organization.

http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2015/06/sources_boston_celtics_not_opt.html

I know most felt that way already but it's still depressing. I was hoping with Love there was some hope there but guess not. Its looking to be a very disappointing offseason. 

[SparzWizard]

Start offering near max money to Harris and Monroe at this point if that the case.

[Birdman]

NBA teams are not going to let on who they are after...

[PhoSita]

I agree.

When you go through the list of free agents -- Gasol, LMA, Love, Monroe -- and then the list of teams who will be vying for their services -- NY, LA, DAL, SA, POR, BOS -- I don't see the Celtics being at the top of the list for any of the free agents.

[GreenGoggles]

If we don't land one this year with how many there are and all our cap space we can at least put to bed the debate on if we are a destination or not.

Oh, and how much that playoff run helped our attractiveness to free agents.

[BudweiserCeltic]

I agree.

When you go through the list of free agents -- Gasol, LMA, Love, Monroe -- and then the list of teams who will be vying for their services -- NY, LA, DAL, SA, POR, BOS -- I don't see the Celtics being at the top of the list for any of the free agents.

Yep unfortunate, but Knicks and Lakers cleaned up their financials much sooner than expected.

[LarBrd33]

if we fail to make a free agent splash... prepare for a long, long winter.   None of our players have star potential.  We'll be looking to sell off assets and tank.  Book it.  We'll basically at some point need to get to where Philly was three years ago before they landed Noel.

[86MaxwellSmart]

this could all change, if Danny makes a trade before Wed (Cousins).....but yeah, I'm praying for Monroe at this point---or Hibbert......or even Cody Zeller.

[cltc5]

Harris, Monroe, Lopez brother.  One or two of them would be great. 

[BudweiserCeltic]

Despite that report, I still put us as having a good chance at Monroe, in part because I see David Falk and Danny Ainge having a good relationship.

[Rondo9]

I agree.

When you go through the list of free agents -- Gasol, LMA, Love, Monroe -- and then the list of teams who will be vying for their services -- NY, LA, DAL, SA, POR, BOS -- I don't see the Celtics being at the top of the list for any of the free agents.

Yep unfortunate, but Knicks and Lakers cleaned up their financials much sooner than expected.

As long as they're on the list of free agents I'll be happy

[GC003332]

[PhoSita]

if we fail to make a free agent splash... prepare for a long, long winter.   None of our players have star potential.  We'll be looking to sell off assets and tank.  Book it.  We'll basically at some point need to get to where Philly was three years ago before they landed Noel.

I don't think it's quite that dire.  Philly didn't have the assets back then that we have now.  Of course, those assets have limited value, as we saw a couple nights ago, but they still do have value.

But I agree, if the team doesn't improve significantly this summer through FA, I think Danny will look to unload the excess and steer the team downward, having failed to steer them in the opposite direction.  The Celts will not enter next season on track for another 35-40 win finish.

[86MaxwellSmart]

Harris, Monroe, Lopez brother.  One or two of them would be great.

Yeah, Robin and Tobias---that would work....I guess we have go the small improvement route....sucks....but at least we got LOTS of picks---SOMEBODY has to become great.

[CelticSooner]

Finally have cap space to potentially build around an All-star or two. Then pretty much relegated to hope a second tier player(s) wants to come to Boston instead, so he could potentially packaged and traded for an upgrade. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for the C's being a contender within 5 years. The NBA is cruel and requires too much luck.