The Boston Celtics are a very good basketball team. Many (myself included) have them picked to win the NBA Finals. But that doesn’t mean they are a perfect team without any holes or needs. Today we’ll discuss what needs the team should address at the NBA trade deadline (or perhaps during the buyout period following the deadline). Note that as of December 15, most players that signed as free agents in the offseason can now be traded (thus unofficially marking the start of trade season).
While Brad Stevens hasn’t been shy about making moves to add significant players in the middle of the season, it would be surprising if he moved any of the top 6 to 8 players on the roster. So that likely means he’ll be operating largely on the margins and looking to add depth to the bench.
Which positions do you think need the most support? What skills should they bring to the table that would put the new players ahead of other role players on the current roster?
Do we need another center with a little more experience than Neemias Queta? The current roster has wing options that can either shoot, handle the ball, or defend. The trick is finding someone that can do all three (or at least 2) at a fairly high level. Players that fit that description typically earn more than what the Celtics can afford this low on the roster.
Still, you never know who might shake loose as part of a larger trade or perhaps becoming available after a contract buyout. We have plenty of time to guess at names of players the Celtics might be targeting, but I thought it might be a good exercise to establish just what we’d be looking for first.
So share your thoughts in the comments section as usual. Happy shopping!
