So this Boston Celtics the playoff round is officially over and we are now off season. This will be very important for the team (always is, right?). Here is an open thread to discuss the future of the team. I’ll highlight a few topics below (but we’ll be sure to cover all of these and more in the next few weeks and months).
coaching
Joe Mazzulla was always put in a position that wasn’t fair. The players and the organization seem to believe in him, but he has always been a rookie and sometimes it really showed this year.
Given the playoffs, the Celtics have to make a decision. Are they cutting the time and looking for a fourth head coach in 3 years? Or are they bringing in an experienced assistant coach (or several?) to provide a more experienced voice on the bench? Does this weaken Joe and create a situation where he looks over his shoulder if the team is struggling early? This needs to be refined.
Jaylen Brown
Like it or not, this is going to be a summer of Jaylen Brown gossip. He made the All NBA Second Team, so he is eligible for a Super Max extension. I will turn to the hat experts on this, but the new CBA makes life very difficult for teams that have a lot of Super Max guys. Is this duo worth the investment knowing that keeping the pieces around will only get harder over the next few years?
If not, there are a whole lot of questions about next steps. Do they buy Jaylen? Will they sign him up for Super Max and then try to sell him later? What does Jaylen think about all this? Is he tired of being in trade talks or does he want his own team to lead? Does he really reject Super Max? There’s a lot to do here.
Grant Williams
As we have discussed in detail, Grant is a restricted free agent this summer. He bet on himself last summer and at first it looked like a great bet. Then he struggled and was on and off the roster all year – playoffs included. He’s clearly a talented player who has value in the league, but is he a fit for Boston yet? What offers will he get elsewhere? What price point will be too expensive for the Celtics? Are signing and exchange options available? Does the team just match every offer to keep him as an asset? Lots to consider.
Others
On the one hand, the Celtics have amassed an impressive collection of talent. On the other hand, it didn’t gel at exactly the right times. So I assume everything is on the table in the future. After making some big decisions about Jaylen Brown and Grant Williams, there are a few choices to be made.
This can mean difficult and emotional decisions for players like Marcus Smart and Robert Williams. This could mean a departure from newcomer and sixth Man of the Year winner Malcolm Brogdon. Danilo Gallinari is likely to be fit again, but he is also a contract that could be rescheduled. Will the team finally move away from Payton Pritchard or open up a spot for him in the rotation?
The thread is open. Discuss below. Just remember to respect and understand that everyone processes losses differently.
