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Boston Celtics: What’s next for Danny Ainge and the C’s?

By Nicholas Gonzalez

May 21, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half in game three of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 21, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half in game three of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Celtics declined to make a big move at the 2017 NBA Draft, but will free agency approaching they’ll have plenty of options. What’s next?

The Boston Celtics had a good run during the 2016-17 NBA season but, as expected, were bounced by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

So, what’s next?

The Cavs shellacked Boston, it’s plain and simple. Boston stole an away game, but that was off the back of a nonchalant LeBron and career day for Marcus Smart. And it still took an Avery Bradley buzzer beater to win. The thing is, though, the latter isn’t that big of a deal. No one besides radical Celtics fans expected them to beat the Cavs, or even take more than a game.

The Celtics had a successful season through and through.

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It’s pretty well known that Boston is loaded for the future. With money to spend and a myriad of draft assets, the questions is what will they do with they?

And they have a couple options.

Adding a player like Jayson Tatum and potentially a big-name free agent such as Gordon Hayward or Blake Griffin is quite the offseason for the reigning No. 1 seed in the East. No matter how overmatched they looked against Cleveland in the ECF, there’s no doubt that they’re going to be better next year.

Problem is, is it enough?

No matter how you slice it, dynasties are most often built through the draft, not free agency. Boston had the No. 1 pick, but swapped it for a future first-rounder and Jayson Tatum. Now, they have the potential for two top 5 picks in next year’s NBA Draft (Brooklyn’s and LA’s).

Those are some good assets in picks alone, on top of Ante Zizic and Guerschon Yabusele who will both likely be on the Celtics by next season. Within the next two years, Boston will have the potential to add five premier rookies. That’s impressive.

By the 2018-19 Season, Boston would have a team guaranteed to look at least like this at the bare minimum (barring a major trade):

  • Jayson Tatum (By then, 20)
  • Ante Zizic (By then, 22)
  • Guerschon Yabusele (By then, 23)
  • Marcus Smart (By Then, 24)
  • Jaylen Brown (By then, 22)
  • Jae Crowder (By then, 27)
  • Al Horford (By then, 32)
  • At least one, potentially two, 2018 Top 7 Lottery Pick (18-21 Years Old, most likely)

The Boston Celtics will also have the option and cap space to re-sign and bring back Avery Bradley, Isaiah Thomas, Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Zeller. All of them will most likely not be brought back, but still, something to note.

The Celtics also have some immediate things they could do in the next few months. Gordon Hayward is an upcoming free agent, and  reportedly has serious interest in signing with the Celtics.

If anyone can pry him out of Utah, it’ll almost definitely be his old coach, Brad Stevens.

Boston can also move some assets for another star. With Jimmy Butler already moved, the two big names that come to mind are Kristaps Porzingis and Paul George, who are both reportedly on the trade block.

No matter what happens, Boston is seemingly in a tough spot.

After the 2017-18 season, both Avery Bradley and Isaiah Thomas will be free agents, and no matter what your viewpoint on them is, the stats provide evidence they are max contract players. Avery Bradley is more of a safer bet to bring back. He is a defensive superstar who has a great jump shot and is so versatile on both ends.

The big questions lie with Thomas.

Isaiah Thomas is a fan favorite no doubt, and because Boston elected NOT to take Markelle Fultz (the point guard) then perhaps the Celtics tipped their hand in extending him a big offer next summer? Still, handing over a max contract to a 5-foot-9 point guard with limited defensive capabilities is a huge gamble.

Must Read: NBA Free Agency: Where will the 5 all-stars will land this summer?

All in all, the Boston Celtics are in a very good spot to be consistent contenders and hopefully winners over the next decade. Dynasties are built from the ground up, and Boston is in currently the best spot in the NBA to succeed. The Boston Celtics are almost ready to take the NBA by storm.

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