With a 3-2 record at the end of their most difficult stretch of the season, the Celtics have returned to Boston for their first encounter with Ime Udoka. Despite a dismal loss on Thursday night, the club is still comfortably ahead of the Bucks in the East, so let’s get into some questions about the squad in this week’s mailbag.
He won’t be the kind of guy they add at this time, in my opinion. Despite having strong offensive results early in his career, he has been in the G-League the entire season, thus it is revealing that no team has taken a chance on him. He is an offensive first person, therefore right now they shouldn’t be adding players of that caliber to fill out the bench.
Do you think Gordon Hayward may return if he is able to negotiate a buyout with Charlotte? He still likes Brad, but he’ll likely wind up in Indiana to finish his career. Salutations, Joel
Would undoubtedly make for an interesting story, but it won’t take place. Hayward is extremely wealthy (over $30 million annually), and he has no intention of giving up his Bird Rights and accepting a buyout if he wants to close one more major transaction. Furthermore, by making him available, the Hornets may likely acquire something valuable in exchange for him on the trade market. He might pursue a contract elsewhere in free agency the next year, but he’ll receive far more money elsewhere than Boston can give (the veteran’s minimum). According to CBA regulations, Boston is not allowed to contract him this season even if he receives a buyout since his salary would have exceeded the mid-level exemption.
With Shams reporting that Kuminga is unhappy in GS, it seems like the possibility for them to move him just opened up. While I’d love to see him in Green, I’m not sure he’d be a great fit culturally behind the Jays if he wants to play more even if he’d fit in the Grant TPE. That said, it seems to me that the team who should really be in on him is Philly, who could offer up some somewhat useful vets (House/Martin) and picks to try to put together something that looks like the D. White trade package the Celtics made with the Spurs. Seems like he’d be the perfect fit for them both short and long term and would get plenty of opportunities as their lead wing. Do you agree? Also, how close would this make the Sixers in your estimation to putting a real challenge to Boston this year (still think the celtics would be favored but would be at least interesting if he took off with more minutes/opportunity)? Thanks, Matt D.
Given the drama with the Warriors, Kuminga is definitely a name to keep an eye on, but as you mentioned, I don’t think Boston should get him. He isn’t coming here to be a bench player if he wants a larger role than what he is currently playing. The 76ers would be a tempting wager for them, but his $7.6 million salary for the upcoming season would reduce any possible max cap space they are supposedly looking for. I don’t think he makes the Sixers a much scarier club, even if the 76ers do try to get him. This season, he hasn’t had a consistent jump shot, which has severely hampered his potential.
Hi Brian,
Why haven’t the C’s developed Tatum into a low post scorer similar to Karl Malone. His body type is very similar, big and powerful! Granted we don’t have anything close to a Stockton for him to P&R with but I think he’d be very good in similar plays. He’s become a much better passer and when the 5′s defender moves over to help he can dish to one of our bigs or a Brown/other slashing through or kick out for a 3 attempt. Of which, why do they continue to be so dependent on the 3 ball and iso plays??? I know the game has changed but classic fundamental ball still is possible. Give Tatum and Brown one whole side of the court to play with. Only good things can happen.
Also in the OKC game, only Tatum was able to shut SGA down in the 4th. But prior to that he had 4 fouls early in the 3rd Q. Why didn’t we go at him? Makes no sense. Thanks, Peter V
With the exception of Thursday’s disaster, it’s difficult to disagree with the stats Tatum is now posting. Although adding more pick-and-roll plays is always a possibility, considering how well the Celtics’ offense has been playing this year, it’s difficult to argue against their philosophy with him. I believe that he was playing shrewdly in the SGA scenario as the Celtics tried to pressure him. Boston may not have done it creatively or sufficiently, but they made their shots, and SGA persevered.
Why did Queta’s playing time drop to nothing after the West Coast swing. He seemed to play well on the trip, rim protection and a few put backs. Maybe his +/- looks bad? —Matt
I think Joe Mazzulla trusts Luke Kornet more defensively at this point. He has more familiarity with the system and is a better passer as well. Queta did well when he got his chances but Kornet’s been terrific within his role so far this year. Queta has done well as a two-way player but not enough to overtake Kornet in the depth chart.
Shams is reporting that The Golden State Warriors are “open for business”. If true could we see Dario Saric in Boston (as he certainly fits in the trade exception)? —Adam A
Saric would be a great extra big option to have as a floor spacer. The problem is the Warriors don’t really have any incentive to move him at this point. They will be trying to win this year no matter what and he’s been a cheap and productive option for them. That means Boston would need to overpay to acquire him with a draft pick and I don’t see them going that route. The hope perhaps for the long term is that Boston can attract cheap proven talent like Saric who are chasing a ring in future offseasons. For now, don’t expect a guy like him to become available to Boston at a reasonable price.
