Cracking the top 8, the back end of the Celtics bench

[TomRicardo]

In an offseason where Tatum will sign an max extension and the Celtics will probably extend White and at the very least pick up Hauser's option leaving the rotation intact.

What about the rest of the team?

Springer and Walsh are under contract.

Queta has a Team option the Celtics will probably pick up. They have first round pick.

That leaves Brissett on a player option, Tillman with Bird rights, Kornet with Bird Rights, Davidson and Peterson as RFA nd Svi as Free Agent.

Who stays? Who extends? Who has a chance to break in to the regular season rotation (Kornet was proabably that 9th spot and Brissett/Tillman were 10 in regular season/Playoffs). Do you pick up a minimum like Gordon Hayward?

 

[RorschachsMask]

I’m in celebration mode, and love this team too much.

I want everyone back.

 

[Saints Rest]

That first rounder could be an interesting pick to find someone who could upgrade that 9-12

 

[NomarsFool]

Part of me would like to see a Gordon Hayward redemption story, but it's hard for me to see him wanting to come somewhere where he has so little chance of getting playing time.

 

[Euclis20]

Bring back whoever to round out the regular season depth, but it seems unlikely that any guards or forwards not already on the roster will break into the playoff rotation anytime soon. If Tatum/Hauser/White are all extended, that would mean the guard and forward rotation is basically set for the near future. That 3rd center and 9th man spot are open, and more important that usual because the two guys in front of him are old and/or very injury prone, AND are only signed for 1 and 2 years, respectively.

Ideally that guy would be Tillman. When healthy, he looks a LOT like Horford on defense, and then pray his 3 point shot develops to the point where he can't be left alone on the other end. If he can't get healthy and his shot doesn't improve, I don't see how he's a longterm fit.

Kornet seems like a useful guy for the regular season (and he played almost 1000 minutes this year), but it's noteworthy that even with KP out and/or injured, Kornet didn't see a single meaningful minute in the finals. Can he be had for the minimum? If so he'll be back. I agree that Queta probably gets picked up, and if either Kornet or Tillman leave, he'll get a shot.

I'd love to see Brissett back as the 10th man and energy wing, but they won't spend money on him, he seems as good a candidate as to try to find a real deal somewhere else.

Tatum and Holiday have a really busy summer (after a full season and delightfully packed spring), I'm wondering if Springer and Walsh are the beneficiaries of Boston attempting to give Tatum/Holiday some rest early in the year.

 

[NomarsFool]

Some member of the media needs to ask Kornet about 3P shooting, for us fans' sakes. I'm sure the Celtics have talked to him about it, so I'd like to hear from Kornet what the issue is because obviously, if he worked on that to become just 80% of what KP can do from 3, that would change things a lot.

 

[Euclis20]

As an aside, if I'm Hauser there's no way I sign a below market extension right now. The way he played over the last 2 seasons and in the finals, I see the Grant Williams deal (4/53) as the floor for him. His situation is different from White, who could also get more on the open market if he waits 12 months. By this time next year, White will have made almost $80M as a pro - signing for 4/160 vs 4/120 just won't change his life all that much. Hauser will have made about $6M by the time he hits free agency, him passing up tens of millions of dollars would be incredible.

Some member of the media needs to ask Kornet about 3P shooting, for us fans' sakes. I'm sure the Celtics have talked to him about it, so I'd like to hear from Kornet what the issue is because obviously, if he worked on that to become just 80% of what KP can do from 3, that would change things a lot.

80% of KP from 3 isn't a possibility, but if he shoots similar to early in his career, I don't think that works, either. Big men that can hit 33% on wide open 3s just aren't that valuable, IMO. Teams will leave them alone and live with the results, and if he's not stretching the floor and drawing defenders away to create open driving lanes, it's just not worth what you give up (33% on wide open 3s is not worth pulling Kornet away from the basket for lob dunks, screens near the basket and offensive rebounds). Does anyone think we were running a real 5-out offense when Daniel Theis was at center? Its the same discussion Mavs fans are having about Derek Lively (him giving up some of his rim-running and offensive rebound game to spot up in the corner would be a disaster, unless he can hit close to 40% on wide open 3s), and similar to what has been discussed here in the past with Timelord, and whether or not he could convert his occasionally decent mid-range shot into a feasible 3 point threat.

*edit - on Kornet, he had by far the highest offensive rating on the team (157, among rotation players Horford was 2nd at 135). The offense was typically cooking when he played, him sitting in the corner and hitting 35% on wide open 3s is not an improvement.

 

[Koufax]

Davidson will be gone. Peterson might get another 2-way contract. Springer looks promising but needs to work a lot on his offense, so they'll keep him for a year to see what happens? The rest? i have no idea. They are a likeable bunch but teams have a way of shaking things up so I can't imagine they will all be back.

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

KP hopefully will have a nice long rest and recovery from his surgery so that combined with Jrue and JT coming back from the Olympics make me think that Walsh and Tillman (if he signs) and even maybe Springer will get some decent minutes at the beginning of the season.

(Note: Tillman re-signing here and getting a chance to show he can a 3P wouldn't be the worse thing for both sides. He says he "very badly" wants to repeat - see below - so maybe he'll sign with BOS.)

But now that BOS has won a championship, maybe they can use the first 1/2 of the season to try to develop these guys into consistent rotation players. As PHO is finding out, trying to play the "vet minimum" roulette to round out a roster every year is really difficult.

It'll be interesting to see if Brisset picks up his option.

View: https://twitter.com/NoaDalzellNBA/status/1804239619275305071

 

[Reardon's Beard]

We need a list of proven ring chasing veterans.

 

[chilidawg]

We need a list of proven ring chasing veterans.

I'd rather run it back with the guys we have. Sign Hauser and White, sign Tillman and Kornet. Develop Walsh and Springer. 19.

 

[Reardon's Beard]

I'd rather run it back with the guys we have. Sign Hauser and White, sign Tillman and Kornet. Develop Walsh and Springer. 19.

Not opposed to it, but want to see what's out there and who wants a ring and can bring a little more to the table. Especially someone with size and defense to back up KP and Uncle Al.

 

[Ale Xander]

I'd rather run it back with the guys we have. Sign Hauser and White, sign Tillman and Kornet. Develop Walsh and Springer. 19.

Same.

I love Hauser and Tillman (and PP even more but he's signed thankfully). I like Kornet and Springer but can go either way.
I want Svi back since he's Ukrainian
I want Walsh back since he's a Hog

If they can improve on Davidson and the deep bench, that would be great

White is priority #1

 

[JCizzle]

Part of me would like to see a Gordon Hayward redemption story, but it's hard for me to see him wanting to come somewhere where he has so little chance of getting playing time.

Yeah, Hayward's name is interesting for the redemption possibility. Can't say I saw much of him this year, but listening to various podcasts it sounds like he's burnt toast at this point. Sucks for the guy.

 

[nattysez]

Where things get harder is if Boston has more dynastic ambitions. The Celtics won’t sweat salaries while trying to repeat in 2024-25, but after that, two elements of the CBA will punish them with increasing ferocity: the repeater tax and the second apron.

Boston would have two future draft picks frozen if it went over the second apron in both 2024-25 and 2025-26 and would see those picks moved to the end of the first rounds in 2032 and 2033, respectively, if it didn’t get back under the second apron each of the following three years.

Less discussed, but perhaps equally significant, is that Boston would be subject to a punishing repeater penalty in 2025-26. Beginning that year, a team that was $22.5 million over the luxury-tax line would owe an estimated $100 million in tax and repeater penalties, roughly double what the same salary structure would cost Boston in 2024-25 as a non-repeater. All at once now: Yikes.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5569914/2024/06/18/boston-celtics-salary-cap-nba-free-agency/

In light of the article above, I don't think they can extend Hauser. They'll just pick up his option and figure it out in 2025-6.

I also suspect they'll try to play with 14 guys as much as possible, using guys on two-ways to fill the 15th spot.

One wild-card consideration -- as mentioned above, their 2032 first-rounder becomes untradeable at the end of the season since they'll definitely be over the second apron (and it moves to the bottom of the round if they are over the second apron again in 2025-6, which is extremely likely). I'm not sure how attractive a package of this year's #1 and the 2032 #1 would be given that they are bottom-of-the-round firsts and the Celtics can't take on any significant salary, but it's worth keeping in mind if there is a distressed asset kicking around.

We need a list of proven ring chasing veterans.

The pickings are pretty slim. I didn't list RFAs:
Eric Gordon
Taurean Prince
Cedi Osman
Markelle Fultz (for the narrative)
Andre Drummond
Goga Bitadze
Naji Marshall
Jonas Valanciunas
Miles Bridges (not a chance)

 

[jose melendez]

KP hopefully will have a nice long rest and recovery from his surgery so that combined with Jrue and JT coming back from the Olympics make me think that Walsh and Tillman (if he signs) and even maybe Springer will get some decent minutes at the beginning of the season.

(Note: Tillman re-signing here and getting a chance to show he can a 3P wouldn't be the worse thing for both sides. He says he "very badly" wants to repeat - see below - so maybe he'll sign with BOS.)

But now that BOS has won a championship, maybe they can use the first 1/2 of the season to try to develop these guys into consistent rotation players. As PHO is finding out, trying to play the "vet minimum" roulette to round out a roster every year is really difficult.

It'll be interesting to see if Brisset picks up his option.

View: https://twitter.com/NoaDalzellNBA/status/1804239619275305071

Tillman is charming.

 

[TripleOT]

Hauser might be too expensive to retain after the upcoming season. He should be able to get a deal in the $10 million a year range.Tillman probably should be able to get a deal above the minimum. Does he take a one year deal to remain on short money, and try to get a multi=year contract after another run at a title? He’s probably looking to play where he can get more minutes, although with the fragility of KP, and Al not playing B2Bs, third big in Boston should see some decent PT over a season.

Kornet deserves an above minimum contract. Boston had a better regular season record when KP didn’t play, and Kornet was a big part of that. Hopefully other teams don’t value him enough for more than a minimum deal.

I bought in early on Pritchard, and despite his offensive struggles in the Finals (again), he has carved out a solid role as the third PG. With Jrue a year older, having a guy behind him that can put up numbers when necessary is a nice luxury. Plus, he’s the first long FG specialist in league history. I’m still in on JDD. I like his athleticism, and he should be more attuned to what is required defensively with the big club. He’s probably better off for his career with a change of scenery.

I think Jordan Walsh can contribute next season, mostly defensively and in transition.

Svi is a bucket, and should be looking for a team where he has a shot to crack their rotation. Brissy is a solid utility guy, but also should be looking for a team where he can get real minutes. Retaining both would be great for the team. I like Drew Peterson as a hedge against Hauser leaving for bigger money after this season. Put him on the sa e development track they had for Sam. Neemy is still a solid development big.

Since the chemistry was so great, I’d try to keep as many back of rotation and development guys as possible. One of Svi, Brissett, Tillman, Quetta will probably move, and that slot can be used for the first round pick, where I’d select a big that hopefully can stretch the floor.

Select Bronny with the 54th pick, to jab the Lakers, and sign him as a two way (whether they like it or not. If they don’t, he can go play for Justin Tatum’s team in Australia).

 

[Eddie Jurak]

First of all, there are going to be plenty of minutes at C for players not named Horford and Porzingis. This past year, KP and Horford combined for 3,430 minutes. Other centers (Kornet, Queta, Tillman) played a total of 1590 minutes. I would take the under on KP/Horford minutes for next eyar. Queta is the only guy guaranteed back, but the Celtics will surely want someone else.

I think that if they see Tillman, whose Bird rights they hold, as a potential AL replacement, they will lay out some cash for him. If they don't, maybe they just exercise Queta's option and resign Kornet.

The top 8 will return as the Celtic will exercise Hauser's option. I think Hauser will most likely play out the string and then leave, though. Because of his age, he'll probably get only one shot at a UFA deal in his prime, and only if he doesn't sign a multiyear extension with the Celtics before hitting UFA status. Maybe knowing this they will want someone (Peterson?) to be his understudy.

They have an option on Springer, so if they like him, or if they just want the salary slot, they will bring him back.

Brissett will probably leave in search of playing time.

 

[Justthetippett]

First of all, there are going to be plenty of minutes at C for players not named Horford and Porzingis. This past year, KP and Horford combined for 3,430 minutes. Other centers (Kornet, Queta, Tillman) played a total of 1590 minutes. I would take the under on KP/Horford minutes for next eyar. Queta is the only guy guaranteed back, but the Celtics will surely want someone else.

I think that if they see Tillman, whose Bird rights they hold, as a potential AL replacement, they will lay out some cash for him. If they don't, maybe they just exercise Queta's option and resign Kornet.

The top 8 will return as the Celtic will exercise Hauser's option. I think Hauser will most likely play out the string and then leave, though. Because of his age, he'll probably get only one shot at a UFA deal in his prime, and only if he doesn't sign a multiyear extension with the Celtics before hitting UFA status. Maybe knowing this they will want someone (Peterson?) to be his understudy.

They have an option on Springer, so if they like him, or if they just want the salary slot, they will bring him back.

Brissett will probably leave in search of playing time.

The Cs can afford to wait a year on many of the bench decisions, but POBOBS' strength has been his forward planning and making moves perhaps a tick early rather than late. His big challenge is the bigs because he has to keep Al and KP healthy through 82 regular season games and not have a huge drop off or overburden the Jays. Ideally he trades out of 30, drops a few spots and is still able to pick up a developmental stretch big in the draft. Maybe Kornet and Tillman can work on their outside shot (I'd like to see both back, and it seems that interest is mutual.) There could also be a vet out there, like Batum, who has made a lot of money and wants to be on a good team.

Would be great if Springer does some understudy defensive work with Jrue.

It's going to be a real bummer if Hauser leaves in 2025. I agree that he'll play out the season and try to let the market develop. Then we'll see.

 

[Devizier]

I don’t see a lot of free agents that could crack the roster at F/C and of those that could, maybe only Alex Len in their price range. My assumption (hope) is that the Celtics go back with what they have.

 

[brendan f]

There is no one on their roster named "Davidson."

 

[benhogan]

1. I'm optimistic about Brad extending Hauser. Expecting 1-2yr extension + 1 yr player option which would take him to 29, very much in his prime to go to UFA. Even though Sam is better than Grant, he'll probably get slightly less than GW's per year. Something like 2+1/$30M

2. I'd like both Luke & Tillman to be back, but only expect 1 will stay on the cheap. Queta will be elevated, like what we saw from him as a bench BIG. They will find a youngish, fungible 5 to put on the Maine shuttle on a two-way contract for depth

3. Springer/Walsh back

4. Brad will come up with a gem or two. A team will do a large deal & Boston will be able to steal a remnant.

 

[pjheff]

There is no one on their roster named "Davidson."

And there is soon to be no one on their roster named “Davison.”

 

[TomRicardo]

Select Bronny with the 54th pick, to jab the Lakers, and sign him as a two way (whether they like it or not. If they don’t, he can go play for Justin Tatum’s team in Australia).

I can see a world where Bronny refuses to sign a two way.

 

[jmanny24]

KP hopefully will have a nice long rest and recovery from his surgery so that combined with Jrue and JT coming back from the Olympics make me think that Walsh and Tillman (if he signs) and even maybe Springer will get some decent minutes at the beginning of the season.

(Note: Tillman re-signing here and getting a chance to show he can a 3P wouldn't be the worse thing for both sides. He says he "very badly" wants to repeat - see below - so maybe he'll sign with BOS.)

But now that BOS has won a championship, maybe they can use the first 1/2 of the season to try to develop these guys into consistent rotation players. As PHO is finding out, trying to play the "vet minimum" roulette to round out a roster every year is really difficult.

It'll be interesting to see if Brisset picks up his option.

View: https://twitter.com/NoaDalzellNBA/status/1804239619275305071

The bolded is where I am at, use the regular season to keep starters' down while developing Tillman, Queta, Walsh, Springer and #30 (if they make a pick). If they can turn that 8-man rotation into one that is 9 or even 10 playable, why not? Nobody else in the playoffs will be able to do that and depth even in the playoffs should never be frowned upon.

 

[radsoxfan]

I don't think the vet ring chasers are going to be a major part of the plan this offseason. We don't really have minutes for any of the decent options, I'm not sure why anyone would come. Seems like we will just run it back for at least one more year with some version of what we have already. If the roster thins out due to $ issues a year from now, maybe we will go that route.

As far as Gordon Hayward, a potential return might be a nice story, but he's pretty much toast. He couldn't get any time for OKC and another year on that ankle isn't going to do him any more favors. I wonder if he just hangs it up honestly... he's made a ton of money and I'm not sure he's the type to try to hang on as a fringe rotation/ end of the bench guy for some vet minimum type deal. He doesn't need the $ and has a bunch of kids at home.

 

[NomarsFool]

I get the idea of mid season ring chasers (which aren’t as possible as they used to be given the new rules) but do they really exist before the season starts? Yes, the Celtics are the favorites to win the title right now, but what likelihood? So much has to happen for that to happen. I’d guess that most vet players are looking for places where they have a chance to play and increase their chances of another bigger contract. We may think someone like Gordon Hayward is toast, but I’d be willing to bet that he doesn’t think that and he’s looking for one more chance to show he can contribute. All things being equal, I’d think we’d have a better chance of signing someone with few to little options than a team that’s not in the hunt, but I’d also guess that any team not in the hunt probably has more minutes available.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

I don't think the vet ring chasers are going to be a major part of the plan this offseason. We don't really have minutes for any of the decent options, I'm not sure why anyone would come. Seems like we will just run it back for at least one more year with some version of what we have already. If the roster thins out due to $ issues a year from now, maybe we will go that route.

As far as Gordon Hayward, a potential return might be a nice story, but he's pretty much toast. He couldn't get any time for OKC and another year on that ankle isn't going to do him any more favors. I wonder if he just hangs it up honestly... he's made a ton of money and I'm not sure he's the type to try to hang on as a fringe rotation/ end of the bench guy for some vet minimum type deal. He doesn't need the $ and has a bunch of kids at home.

The true ring chasers likely won’t consider Boston as there isn’t a role for them. We will almost surely add veterans to replace at least Brissett and Svi but I’d imagine it would be those of similar levels and not an actual chaser. Hey if we lose Tillman and Kornet there is always Theis or Tristan out there.

 

[Justthetippett]

If Hayward wants another shot at significant playing time he probably needs to adjust his game. He can't do much as a driver these days and he's lost a lot of his quickness on the off ball screens. Spot up, maybe set some picks on the ball, IDK. It would be fun to have him back and I'm pretty sure Joe could get something out of him.

 

[RoDaddy]

Brad will come up with a gem or two.

How about picking Bronny in the 2nd round as a way of possibly getting soon to op-out and become a free agent Lebron? The opt-out is supposedly a formality with Lebron expected to resign with the Lakers but playing on the same team with his son would probably be a huge enticement. And Lebron is very rich (a billionaire) so they could maybe get him cheap for a few years.

 

[Ferm Sheller]

How about picking Bronny in the 2nd round as a way of possibly getting soon to op-out and become a free agent Lebron? The opt-out is supposedly a formality with Lebron expected to resign with the Lakers but playing on the same team with his son would probably be a huge enticement. And Lebron is very rich (a billionaire) so they could maybe get him cheap for a few years.

I'm not as dialed in on the Celtics as many are here (I'm a bit of a bandwagon fan, TBH, after having been a diehard in the 80s), but the Celtics just won the championship and are in fine position to compete for more, so I don't understand the allure of Bronny-LeBron. Wouldn't that just be a circus sideshow that the "big six" might resent and be distracted by?

 

[benhogan]

How about picking Bronny in the 2nd round as a way of possibly getting soon to op-out and become a free agent Lebron? The opt-out is supposedly a formality with Lebron expected to resign with the Lakers but playing on the same team with his son would probably be a huge enticement. And Lebron is very rich (a billionaire) so they could maybe get him cheap for a few years.

Ha. Brad/the 2024 C's thrive with little drama. They really shouldn't change their culture. Bron is great & all but the C's team-ball has dusted LB's cache.

The Bron Circus is built for the Lake Show, Miami, The Land, Morey Sixers, Ishba Suns, Ballmer's Clippers, MAVs, Steph & Co, etc with one of those teams likely playing the Bronny card.

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

How about picking Bronny in the 2nd round as a way of possibly getting soon to op-out and become a free agent Lebron? The opt-out is supposedly a formality with Lebron expected to resign with the Lakers but playing on the same team with his son would probably be a huge enticement. And Lebron is very rich (a billionaire) so they could maybe get him cheap for a few years.

I don’t think Bronny makes it that far as other teams will hope to pull off the same deal with LBJ before the Cs get there. Maybe with the 30th pick?

 

[mcpickl]

This is the easiest offseason in Celtics history.

Having their entire top 8 under control, and Walsh/Springer/Queta as prospects/depth, there is so little to do.

The way I look at team building. I think you need a 9 man rotation of

3 guards where any 2 can play together (Jrue, White, Pritchard) that's checked off
3 wings where all 3 can play together (Tatum, Brown, Hauser) that's checked off
3 bigs where any 2 can play together (KP, Al) need a 3rd guy there, and since KP and Al can play center, and with a center, can be anyone

I think they'd like a guy that can shoot it, but could also play small ball 5. Fishing in the possible minimum market, I'd be calling Dario Saric the second free agency opens and hope he doesn't get higher offers or better role elsewhere.

I'd guess they offer White the maximum that they can. I think White would sign it, but not really sure. Close call for him I think.

I'm assuming Oshae will opt out today, I'd offer him another 1+1 at the minimum if he wants it. I'm guessing he'll find more money/better role elsewhere

I'd offer Kornet and Tillman the same 1+1 at the minimum as well. I'd guess Tillman leaves and Kornet maybe stays.

Goodbye Svi, see you opening night to get your ring.

Springer probably needs to take a pretty big jump to still be on this roster at his salary, but he'll probably get until the trade deadline to show something.

The two most interesting items for me this offseason is what the Celtics do with #30. I think it's very likely they trade out of that for multiple 2nds, probably at least one future one, if just to appease Wyc and his wallet. If they keep that late 2nd rounder, that'll almost surely be a Euro stash or a guy that agrees to a 2 way.

Most interesting to me, is what they do with Hauser. If they let him play out his option year, I think he's surely gone next off-season. But will they try to work out an agreement with him now, decline his option so he gets paid a year early, and take a bit of a discount on what he thinks he can get next summer as a UFA? I think this will be a tell on how deep into the tax Wyc is willing to go for this team. I'd be working on nothing else but trying to get a deal done with Hauser before his option date on Saturday.

 

[bankshot1]

I don't get the real appeal of kidnapping Bronny.

If we think drafting Bronny would lead to dad joining him on the Celts, FUCK THAT. I do not want LBJ anywhere near the Celts and trying to make it his team or snagging some jewelry

The fantasy appeal to adding Bronny is

1-watching dad cheer for the Celts (if) Bronny breaks his Celts cherry.
2-trading him for a future #1 to one of the potential LBJ suitors

 

[TomRicardo]

The Case for Bronny

First off he should never ever went to USC. The team was a disaster that used him to get and poorly coach a bunch of recruits.

He is a super athletic player with basketball IQ who has never been coached correctly because of who his father is. In a constant effort to not to upset King James yet having talent surround Broony because of his dad, he has become deferential to more talented played which on its own is a NBA skill for someone like Bronny. Two years in the G League and being on NBA bench will probably do Bronny better than a college especially the shit show which USC. The worst thing to happen to Bronny would be to get to the Lakers if he is serious about a NBA career.

 

[Euclis20]

Bronny's agent has been pretty clear that they don't want him going to a team that wants him on a 2-way deal. I agree that that's probably not great for his career, but Boston should be staying away from him. Boston picking him with the intent not to play him but just to leverage his dad is funny to joke about, but in real life, that would be a terrible look for the Celtics. If the Celtics have basically recovered from any reputational damage among players incurred during the Isaiah Thomas/Kyrie Irving/Anthony Davis years, a surefire way to bring that back would be to essentially hold Lebron's kid hostage. That will go over terribly with most of the league, for very little benefit (since he isn't coming here, and we just won a title without him).

Bronny will be someone else's problem.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

Even if all TRIc says were true, remains case that the player profile for Bronny is a tough one - he's a 6-1 two guard/wing who is going to have to make it primarily via defense and being a connective offensive piece. There's very few (likely zero) guys like that in the NBA playing meaningful minutes. He has not shown he's enough athletically to make that work (he's a good athlete, not a spectacular one), while he has a plus wingspan it's not freakish enough to project a ton of defensive versatility, he hasn't shown a 3 pt shot, and he's not an on-ball creator. If he were the 6-3/6-4 previously described and kept the plus wingspan you're starting to get to where you can defend three positions. But he isn't that.

Lots could happen, and I fully agree he had a terrible situation at USC (plus, his health issues). So as mid-late second round picks go generally, sure, someone will take a shot. But I hope it isn't the Celtics - he's a distraction (not his fault) and I can't name the NBA player whose profile looks at all like Bronny and mattered - can anyone else?

Jaden Springer is actually the closest comp I can think of....but he's 6-4 rather than 6-1 and has a better vertical (41.5 vs 41). Matissa Thybulle is another of that profile (6-4/6-5 defensive specialist)...but 7 foot wingspan with similar vertical to Springer or Bronny. Those guys are why those couple inches really matter---and neither has made it depsite having better physical profile. Maybe the optimistic read is Fred VanVleet, though he's a much better shooter and ballhandler. Others may come up with a good comp? And comps aren't everything, but if you can't find one you really have to believe in the guy, imo. Anyway, those to me just illustrate the challenge for the Bronny profile, acknowledging that basketball smarts still may enable him to find a way.

 

[bankshot1]

I can't see Brad playing the role of Ned Stark and taking Bronny as his ward for a larger purpose.

As I recall things went south quick as Ned lost his hand and head, Theon betrayed House Stark, and Theon lost, well lets just say it didn't turn out not well for him either.

The deal would Reek. (sorry had to).

We pay the iron price for kingdoms, not the gold.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

No big surprise; Keith Smith reports Oshae will turn down his player option and be a UFA

https://x.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1804991148811005961

 

[Eddie Jurak]

No big surprise; Keith Smith reports Oshae will turn down his player option and be a UFA

https://x.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1804991148811005961

If I were him, I'd be looking for a place where I could get playing time.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

Agreed - in a world where Hauser's D failed, or his shot was more inconsistent, Oshae might have played a real rotation role. But that isn't how it played out, and he surely will get more PT and money elsewhere now.

 

[Senator Donut]

Maybe I'm too optimistic, but Kornet's FT% & stroke screams back-up Center who starts hitting a few 3s.
Dare I say Baynes-ian?
Even if Luke doesn't redevelop a 3-pt appetite, he showed plenty of growth as a classic BIG this past season.

I didn't want to derail the Baylor Scheierman thread to say this, but Kornet's three-point attempts per 100 possessions have decreased every season of his career. He only attempted one three-point field goal in all of 2023-24, despite shooting over 90% from the stripe. At this point, I wonder if it is a lack of confidence or something the Celtics are trying to do. It's hard to imagine asking someone to shoot fewer threes in today's NBA (except maybe Westbrook).

Year	3PA/100
2017-18	12.0
2018-19	11.9
2019-20	9.3
2020-21	8.3
2021-22	2.4
2022-23	0.8
2023-24	0.1

 

[benhogan]

I didn't want to derail the Baylor Scheierman thread to say this, but Kornet's three-point attempts per 100 possessions have decreased every season of his career. He only attempted one three-point field goal in all of 2023-24, despite shooting over 90% from the stripe. At this point, I wonder if it is a lack of confidence or something the Celtics are trying to do. It's hard to imagine asking someone to shoot fewer threes in today's NBA (except maybe Westbrook).

Some folks were understandably grumbling about not adding a Center at #30 with KP health + Horford Age... so not a complete derail.

As far as Luke, he focused on doing all the things a 7'2" giant can do on the basketball court & was highly efficient executing them. He didn't need to launch 3s to add value last season.

Expect he'll get a multi-year deal now & we'll see more encouragement to bring back the 3 with an increased role (AL/KP will be shrink-wrapped for 2024-25)

I feel like you've said this before

Ha, guilty as charged... one of my 10 NBA roster commandments

Thou shalt not overpay for bench BIG men

 

[Devizier]

I didn't want to derail the Baylor Scheierman thread to say this, but Kornet's three-point attempts per 100 possessions have decreased every season of his career. He only attempted one three-point field goal in all of 2023-24, despite shooting over 90% from the stripe.

I think there's a reason. Look at Luke's biggest game (the one where he made seven three pointers with the Knicks in 2018).

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXH6jaNARb4


No one's really challenging him on those threes, and he's slow going up. Compare that to Porzingis (pre-Celtics highlights).

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv8E9_-OCGA

 

[JakeRae]

I think there's a reason. Look at Luke's biggest game (the one where he made seven three pointers with the Knicks in 2018).

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXH6jaNARb4


No one's really challenging him on those threes, and he's slow going up. Compare that to Porzingis (pre-Celtics highlights).

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv8E9_-OCGA

He’s also never been a good shooter from three. He’s 32% for his NBA career. He was also 32% in college. He shot a bit better than that over one 66 game sample (272 attempts) at the beginning of his NBA career, but the larger sample shows he’s just not a good shooter. (He’s also not a 90% FT shooter. He’s an 81% FT shooter that shot 90% last year in 54 attempts.)

He has good shooting mechanics and is a pretty good but not excellent FT shooter. He could probably get to a place where he could shoot 35-36% if ignored like he did with the Knicks. But that’s not really going to move the needle for any team offensively. It’s not even going to get teams to defend his three. He’s simply much more valuable offensively playing as a more traditional center.

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

I didn't want to derail the Baylor Scheierman thread to say this, but Kornet's three-point attempts per 100 possessions have decreased every season of his career. He only attempted one three-point field goal in all of 2023-24, despite shooting over 90% from the stripe. At this point, I wonder if it is a lack of confidence or something the Celtics are trying to do. It's hard to imagine asking someone to shoot fewer threes in today's NBA (except maybe Westbrook).

Year	3PA/100
2017-18	12.0
2018-19	11.9
2019-20	9.3
2020-21	8.3
2021-22	2.4
2022-23	0.8
2023-24	0.1

CJM was saving that for a Game 6 or Game 7 Finals surprise. Shh!