Jayson Tatum’s damage, and the early playoff out, leaves the Boston Celtics in a wierd place. They’re too good (as presently constructed) to tank, however they’re not spectacular sufficient with out their greatest participant to truly contend.
That’s, in some methods, a daunting thought.
Boston has been firmly in contender standing for fairly a while, and with Tatum behind the wheel, they’ve at all times acquired a shot. Even with a extra aggressive restoration timeline, their franchise participant received’t begin on-court work till no less than the All-Star break. The Celtics aren’t going to hurry him again both.
The intense facet to all of that is regardless of the damage, this doesn’t need to be a misplaced season. As an alternative, the uncertainty may truly be a very good factor.
The Celtics have been destined for change whatever the season’s conclusion. It’s clear that the method of ducking the 2nd apron can be a precedence, and it’ll begin this summer season. What I discover encouraging is that the vary of potentialities has grown considerably.
They’ll go for a drastic reset subsequent yr, or be extra strategic and methodical in planning for the next season.
Boston could be sellers within the offseason — or on the deadline — and enter the draft lottery sweepstakes. It might be practically inconceivable to self-destruct to the extent of the NBA’s backside feeders, however information of 39-43 and 34-48 landed the Mavericks and Spurs the number one and a couple of picks this yr. I don’t encourage rigging the draft, however hometown prodigy AJ Dybantsa from Brockton, MA is a projected top-3 choose. I’d be completely happy to look the opposite method this time.
Even with out lottery luck, having a choose wherever within the high 14 is helpful. Whether or not it’s so as to add price managed younger expertise, or supply as a commerce chip to retool, the worth is there.
Realistically, it’s laborious to think about the Celtics new possession giving administration a inexperienced gentle to tank. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White just isn’t the nucleus of a dropping basketball staff, and the correct supplementary strikes might be sufficient for a 3-6 seed within the present Jap Convention.
Both method, Brad Stevens finish of yr presser bolstered that the top purpose should stay the identical. “How will we get ourselves within the combine to compete for championships greatest?,” Stevens stated.
Stevens didn’t decide to a fast timeframe for this, focusing as an alternative on the very best plan of action. In most eventualities, that equates to constructing a roster and infrastructure that is able to go upon Tatum’s return.
A dedication must be made on whether or not or not that may be completed in a single offseason. Happily, having one of many brightest decision-makers in basketball is extraordinarily reassuring at this crossroads.
There are sufficient assets at Stevens’ disposal to reset the payroll whereas developing a staff that maximizes Tatum’s versatility. Whereas Kristaps Porzingis’ and Jrue Vacation’s contracts are the obvious choices to maneuver, Boston needs to be open for enterprise if the correct deal emerges.
The prospect of a giant overhaul isn’t unfamiliar, contemplating Stevens shipped out two fan favorites in Marcus Good and Robert Williams to construct a championship roster. The adjustments will not be as excessive, however I wouldn’t low cost something.
Even when that unpredictability feels disheartening, the franchise’s goal will at all times be aligned: bringing one other championship to Boston is the precedence, no matter what it takes to get there.
Regardless of how completely different this group seems to be subsequent yr, the ‘24 title makes every thing quite a bit simpler to simply accept.
