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Celtics should be patient, play the long game

By Michael Saenz

Apr 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens (C) during the second half against the Chicago Bulls in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Boston defeats Chicago 104-95. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens (C) during the second half against the Chicago Bulls in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Boston defeats Chicago 104-95. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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In order to properly complete the successful championship rebuild, the Boston Celtics should be patient and play the long game this summer

This summer all eyes will be on Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics. From the NBA Draft, where they hold the No. 1 overall pick (thanks to the Brooklyn Nets), to NBA Free Agency, the Celtics hold all the keys to the 2017 NBA offseason.

Boston has the assets, the top pick in the NBA Draft and all the cap space that one would want this summer. Although, the Celtics should not rush to put the finishing touches on their historically quick rebuild.

Instead, they should be patient and play the long game when it comes to combating LeBron James and the mythical Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors.

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Don’t be fooled. The Celtics aren’t a Jimmy Butler, Gordon Hayward and/or Paul George away from competing on the highest level. Does a core of Isaiah Thomas, Butler or George and Hayward beat LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love? Probably not. It would be close, and by all means would make the Eastern Conference playoffs all the more enticing, but you still would have to give the Cavs the nod.

Which is why, if you’re the Celtics, you don’t burn all your assets on something that wouldn’t even be a sure bet.

Instead, play the long game and see what happens.

What’s the long game? It’s actually pretty simple. It’s essentially not trading this year’s No. 1 overall pick (Markelle Fultz) and next year’s Brooklyn pick (which also could very well end up being another top 3 pick) for pseudo superstars.

No offense to Butler and George, but I don’t think anyone would argue that they’re at least one step below the likes of Kevin Durant, LeBron and Stephen Curry. There’s a distinct gap between them, too.

That’s the first step. Don’t give up the Brooklyn picks, no matter how attractive the thought of Jimmy Butler or Paul George may be.

Secondly, a decision has to be made on Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley, all of whom will be free agents after next season.

The Celtics have to identify who stays and who goes, and likely who gets max, or close to max, money and who doesn’t.  And if the team elects to sign Gordon Hayward to a max contract this summer, it makes it all the more complicated.

In a nutshell, the Celtics have to figure out who the “core” really is. In the long game, it should be Fultz, next year’s likely top 3 pick, Jaylen Brown and possibly Hayward (via free agency) or Avery Bradley.

Boston should ride the Thomas train as far as it can go, which is looking more and more like the Conference Finals, while letting him walk in free agency after next season. The same could be said about Marcus Smart. He’s been great for the Celtics off the bench, but he’s not a special or generational talent, either.

Bradley is a valuable defender and knockdown shooter. The Celtics should do everything they can to keep him on the roster. If they can afford him, he stays. Jae Crowder is on an excellent contract, which will pay him roughly $22 million over the next three years, so there’s no question that the Celtics should keep him as long as possible.

If Boston plays the long game, their window could be extended another half decade, at least

Al Horford is under contract for the next three seasons, so he’ll be part of the immediate future, and that’s fine. Hopefully, that contract doesn’t comes out looking too bad (he’s due $76 million over the next three years).

Boston is in a great position right now, and have been given a winning lottery ticket. That doesn’t mean they have to cash it in and spend all of its earnings tomorrow.

The Celtics shouldn’t think of their championship window in terms of the next 2-4 years – burning through its assets for a Jimmy Butler or possibly one year of Paul George would be the epitome of just that. That would be a mistake. If Boston plays the long game, their window could be extended another half decade (on top of the next 2-4 years), at least.

Must Read: In Game 1 Of The ECF, We Learned That The Celtics Are No Match For The Cavs

So, yes, the Boston Celtics are coming. Hopefully, and for the sake of completing the rebuild properly, not as soon as many expect them to.

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