The Celtics didn’t win the NBA title this season, but even making it to the Finals represents an encouraging proof of concept for the franchise, Ethan Fuller of BasketballNews.com writes. Boston adjusted by trading Dennis Schroder away and starting Marcus Smart at point guard, choosing to play a bigger, defensive-minded lineup of Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford and Robert Williams III.
“Nobody even had us being here, let alone in the playoffs,” Smart said after the Finals defeat, according to Fuller. “It definitely is tough. But it’s definitely one of those things we’ve been through hell to get here, and you take that. You know what I’m saying? We’ve got to use that.”
Boston sported one of the best defensive groups in recent memory this season. The Celtics struggled to take care of the ball at times, including when they committed 22 turnovers in Game 6 to end the series, but proved they can contend going forward.
Here’s more from around the East:
- Yossi Gozlan of HoopsHype previews the Celtics‘ offseason, which will likely include guaranteeing Al Horford‘s salary. Horford, who was pivotal to Boston’s success this season, will make $26.5MM next season (only $19.5MM is currently guaranteed) if the team chooses to retain him, which is expected to happen.
- Zach Braziller of the New York Post examines why Ochai Agbaji could be an appealing draft pick for the Knicks. Braziller believes Agbaji could fit well alongside RJ Barrett, as the 6’5″ guard averaged 18.8 points and 5.1 rebounds with Kansas last season. The Knicks own the No. 11 pick in the draft and finished just 37-45 last season.
- Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald covers several Heat-related notes in his latest mailbag, including whether trading for Hawks star John Collins makes sense. Collins can fit alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo in the Heat’s frontcourt, but it would require surrendering future assets. Those assets could be used to acquire a star at a different position if they become available — such as Bradley Beal or Donovan Mitchell. Miami received strong production from P.J. Tucker at power forward last season.
There have already been reports that Boston is going to guarantee Horford’s contract.
Agree, Horford is worth every cent BOS pays him!
IMO
Beal doesn’t have much value
Herro, Lowry, Vincent and 2023 First for Beal
Wizards say no?
Miami sez nfw
You are one provocative but clueless bot
link to hoopsrumors.com
Bad day for Alex at HR. THE Chaing piece was mentioned already, second repeat today. And it did not give that much info. So that stuff must come from somewhere else. All Chaing said was probably not happening.
Yes I’m good with Agbaji ……. Starting SG
Celtics are pretty much stuck. The only trade piece is Theis, and likely the only available PG that might give them some locker room leadership is Rondo. Having the 53rd pick in the draft won’t garner much.
The lack of depth will make it tough to come out of the east (never mind even if they do, healthier) next season.
Knicks should offer Robinson + Kemba and Dallas 1st to get the Hornets 15th pick select Duren + Agbaji/Tyty/Davis…