Elephant in the room: where is our rim protector going to come from

[Jon]

As others have said, we don't need as desperately as some might think given how good we are defensively in other areas.

Ainge has also been quoted as saying he doesn't want to get a rim protector that hurts the team in other facets of the game. There's no point in getting someone who saves a basket or two defensively, but takes the offense entirely out of rhythm by making them essentially play 4 on 5.

[TA9]

I'm a Celtic fan and have largely forgotten what rim protection is.

Haven't heard that word since Perk played center for us way back lol

[PhoSita]

Jon is right that a rim protector, at least in a traditional sense, is not the biggest priority for this roster.

I'd say that an interior presence on offense is more important.  Need the offense to be more balanced and therefore harder to stop.  Biggest thing is to rely less on jumpshots ... and also make relying on jumpshots a better prospect by replacing Turner and Sullinger with guys who can more consistently complete plays.

[jpotter33]

*Cough Horford Cough*

[Evantime34]

While I don't think we need a rim protector, I do think that adding one could improve the team.

I'd like to see us get at least one athletic/long big with the ability to block shots in either free agency or the draft. Skal, Davis and Diallo all could be great fits as long term upside picks. If Ingram ever fills out he could provide rim protection as well.

[PhoSita]

*Cough Horford Cough*

The only issue with Horford is that the Celts are already hapless on the boards. Adding Horford would require finding a very good defensive rebounder to put next to him.

Yes, Sullinger is a good defensive rebounder but pairing him and Horford would only exacerbate the lack of size and length in the interior.

[jpotter33]

*Cough Horford Cough*

The only issue with Horford is that the Celts are already hapless on the boards. Adding Horford would require finding a very good defensive rebounder to put next to him.

Yes, Sullinger is a good defensive rebounder but pairing him and Horford would only exacerbate the lack of size and length in the interior.

Outside of Boogie, I don't think there's anything out there this summer that fills all of our needs at the 5 spot - two-way player, can stretch the floor, protect the rim, rebound, etc. Horford is the next best thing after Cousins at fulfilling that criteria, though I think he only makes sense with another big free agent signing or trade.

I still want Noel on the team. Sure, he's never going to stretch the floor for you, but he's an absolute perfect for defensively for us.

[Alleyoopster]

Going in the opposite direction, wouldn't be surprised if we traded Mickey and acquired a rim protector free agent or another big in the draft. This would free up a roster spot and allow us to keep more picks (provided we don't trade them).

[max215]

Trade Brooklyn pick for Nerlens Noel.

If it falls to 5 or 6, then yes. I could see Philly being very interested if Dunn is there at 5 on draft night.

[cltc5]

Are problems is scoring and there are very few good rim protectors anyway in the NBA that also contribute elsewhere to the team

[LooseCannon]

Paint protection is more important than rim protection.  Defending against the pick and roll is more important than shot blocking.

If the Mavs throw a big contract at Dwight Howard, I would like to snap up Zaza Pachulia on an Amir Johnson-like contract and draft a big who can be brought along slowly behind him, with minutes being a reward for playing correctly, not a guaranteed right that comes with being a first-round pick.

[ThePaintedArea]

Paint protection is more important than rim protection.  Defending against the pick and roll is more important than shot blocking.

The nouveau term "rim protection" is usually understood to mean more than shot-blocking. Your term "paint protection" sounds like the same thing.

If the Mavs throw a big contract at Dwight Howard, I would like to snap up Zaza Pachulia on an Amir Johnson-like contract and draft a big who can be brought along slowly behind him, with minutes being a reward for playing correctly, not a guaranteed right that comes with being a first-round pick.

Like your plan. Part of the mystery of Milwaukee's disappointing decline this year is surely due to inexplicably allowing Zaza to walk.

[Vox_Populi]

Trade Brooklyn pick for Nerlens Noel.

Yes.

I agree with this. The Philly big I actually want.

[Eddie20]

Trade Brooklyn pick for Nerlens Noel.

Yes.

I agree with this. The Philly big I actually want.

Is he better than Amir Johnson? Of course Noel has a sexy name, but what does he actually do better than Johnson? Is that worth trading the Nets pick for?

[ThePaintedArea]

Are problems is scoring and there are very few good rim protectors anyway in the NBA that also contribute elsewhere to the team

A couple of good points here. Re: scoring; Ainge has said that they need a "closer".  They rely on Turner as a secondary shot-creator - but he's not efficient. Butler, on the other hand...

Re: rim protection; yes, you're right that those guys tend to be specialists. But it looks possible that the Celtics already have a "unicorn" in the stable - to borrow Kevin Pelton's term for a rim-protector with an outside shot:  Jordan Mickey is only 21.