Price Boston Celtics would have to pay for former college Defensive Player of the Year speculated on
The price the Boston Celtics would have to pay for a former college Defensive Player of the Year was speculated on by one analyst.
The price the Boston Celtics would have to pay for Jevon Carter was speculated on by CelticsBlog’s Ben Dupont — who ultimately settled on mere draft compensation being the sent the way of the Eastern Conference cellar-dwelling Chicago Bulls.
“I’m guessing about the pick compensation (second-round picks are very much valued at variable levels), but the price should be somewhere in the one-to-three second-rounder range for Carter, a career 39% shooter from three-point range who defends exceptionally well for his size and can handle the ball a little,” Dupon wrote.
“Carter has excelled in a limited role throughout his career, but this year he plays less than 15 minutes a night in the Bulls’ crowded backcourt. Plus, his $6.1 million salary slides right into Boston’s $6.3 million trade exception (created in a Grant Williams sign-and-trade with Dallas). Carter isn’t nearly as versatile as Caruso on either end of the floor, but could probably be had for no rotation pieces or meaningful picks.”
Jevon Carter not the kind of needle-moving trade Boston Celtics should consider with Bulls
With all of the aggressive moves Brad Stevens has made to boost Boston’s roster enough to hang Banner 18 at the TD Garden in 2024, it wouldn’t make much sense to go after the safe target Chicago is likely to dangle. Getting the Celtics over the top now, not preserving future assets, is the only way Stevens is going to ensure his spot at the helm of Boston’s front office for the long haul.
The Celtics should be more interested in swapping out Payton Pritchard for either Alex Caruso or Andre Drummond. Caruso fits the Cs roster like a glove in Pritchard’s stead, while Drummond is a hedge if Kristaps Porzingis’s health continues to be a concern.
With Jrue Holiday in a contract year, why get cold feet now, Brad? Make sure this title is won, and the work could then focus on keeping the pieces that broke through the glass ceiling.
Boston Celtics prompted to trade Payton Pritchard for Bulls vets on trade block
Boston Celtics prompted to trade Payton Pritchard for Bulls vets on trade block
ClutchPoints’ Mike Cruz believes the Boston Celtics must consider a trade for Payton Pritchard during the 2023-24 season — and that several Chicago Bulls vets, guard Alex Caruso and center Andre Drummond, are the ideal targets in a swap.
“There are veteran players on relatively cheap deals the Celtics can target in a trade using Pritchard as the main piece,” Cruz prefaced before saying, “One of the more highly-coveted role players in the NBA right now is Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso. As one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, Caruso would be a terrific bench upgrade in Boston’s backcourt rotation.
“Boston can also target Bulls reserve big man Andre Drummond to address its lack of depth up front. Kristaps Porzingis is already currently nursing an injury right now and isn’t particularly the most durable player out there. Al Horford is also 37-years-old and needs his rest days throughout the grueling 82-game season. As such, Drummond would provide the Celtics some sort of big man insurance.”
Payton Pritchard not playing poorly enough to warrant trade from Boston Celtics
This isn’t the first time Pritchard has been linked to Caruso. That is an idea that will be difficult to pull off, with other teams like the Los Angeles Lakers likely to be in the mix for the 2020 bubble champion, but one worthy of thought nonetheless.
An idea that isn’t worth of much thought is the idea that Pritchard is a must-trade after struggling to start the 2023-24 season. Pritchard has posted double-digit scoring totals in three of his last five games and slowly has his 3-point conversion rate creeping back up toward 40%.
Boston shouldn’t be trying to completely erase the Danny Ainge era, even if key figures of its late stages like Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III were sent away in the offseason. Pritchard, Ainge’s last first-round selection, has earned a chance to be the second unit’s primary ball-handler until there is a more proven option acquired by the front office; whether it be in a deal that keeps Pritchard in Boston or not.
Analyst completely out on Boston Celtics pursuing trade for former MVP
Analyst completely out on Boston Celtics pursuing trade for former MVP
MassLive’s Brian Robb wouldn’t so much as entertain the idea of the Boston Celtics adding Russell Westbrook in the December 1 edition of his Celtics Mailbag — doubting the former MVP’s ability to contribute to a winning team in an answer to a reader’s question about trading for No. 0.
“I respect the idea but I’m out on the Russell Westbrook business,” Robb deadpanned. “To begin, I don’t foresee a scenario where the Clippers trade him in the first place. He signed with them for the veteran’s minimum last season and he re-signed at that price over the summer. Given that he’s been a good soldier out there amid changes, it’s hard to see them moving him somewhere without his approval. If they want to move in a different direction, they would probably just cut him outright.
MassLive’s Brian Robb wouldn’t so much as entertain the idea of the Boston Celtics adding Russell Westbrook in the December 1 edition of his Celtics Mailbag — doubting the former MVP’s ability to contribute to a winning team in an answer to a reader’s question about trading for No. 0.
“I respect the idea but I’m out on the Russell Westbrook business,” Robb deadpanned. “To begin, I don’t foresee a scenario where the Clippers trade him in the first place. He signed with them for the veteran’s minimum last season and he re-signed at that price over the summer. Given that he’s been a good soldier out there amid changes, it’s hard to see them moving him somewhere without his approval. If they want to move in a different direction, they would probably just cut him outright.
Boston has a bench near the bottom of the league’s scoring rankings, and is reliant on hot shooting nights from the likes of Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser to make up for the lack of easy bucket-getting from anyone outside of Al Horford.
The Celtics have, for years, largely ignored adding any over-the-hill veterans who can still contibute in limited minutes, though they did give Blake Griffin a chance during the 2022-23 season. That signing yielded positive results on the floor in spot-starts, and especially off of it due to Griffin having been there and done that, and having much to share with the younger guys in the locker room.
Denying Westbrook even consideration shouldn’t be the Boston Celtics front office’s attitude come the trade deadline in the event the Los Angeles Clippers are selling off their win-now pieces.
Al Horford holding down the fort for Boston Celtics in Kristaps Porzingis’ absence
Al Horford holding down the fort for Boston Celtics in Kristaps Porzingis’ absence
Father Time’s arch-nemesis plays for the Boston Celtics, and his name is Al Horford. Beantown’s beloved big man blessed TD Garden with a signature performance against the Philadelphia 76ers.
In a 125-119 home win, Horford dropped a season-high 20 points on just nine shots. The Dominican veteran shot 7-of-9 from the field and 2-of-4 from three, and he added six rebounds, two blocks, and a steal.
Horford’s pair of rejections came at a crucial point early in the fourth quarter when he stuffed Tobias Harris twice in two seconds. His emphatic swats brought a rowdy Boston crowd to its feet, helping the C’s gain some much-needed momentum.
In the words of Celtics writer Taylor Snow, “Al Horford is an absolute monster.” At 37 years old, Horford continues to defy time as his game ages like a fine wine. His well-rounded skill set perfectly complements Boston’s stars, and the five-time All-Star has maintained his status as one of the best defenders in the NBA.
This season, Big Al has held opponents to 40.0% shooting when defending them. Among qualifying players who individually defend double-digit field goal attempts each night, Horford ranks second in defensive field goal percentage only behind Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Horford guards 13.5 shot attempts per game and only allows 5.4 makes per game.
Star center Kristaps Porzingis has now missed three games in a row with a left calf strain, and Horford has made the most of his opportunity to run Boston’s frontcourt. Serving as the team’s defensive anchor in the paint, the Godfather has also played brilliant offensive basketball as the lone Celtics big man.
In three contests without the 7-foot-3 Porzingis, Horford has increased both his scoring and rebounding numbers by a substantial margin. Horford has averaged 14.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over his last three outings. He has also notched 1.3 steals per game and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 64% from the field and 40% from three.
According to Celtics reporter Bobby Manning, head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Horford when asked about his ability to play as a starter and a bench player this season.
Simply put, Horford has done it all for the Celtics in Porzingis’ absence. His team-high +45 plus-minus over the last three games comes as no surprise. From sublime shot-blocking to supreme sharpshooting, Horford has activated “beast mode” without his Latvian teammate in action.
After the 76ers win, Horford spoke to Abby Chin of NBC Sports Boston about the simple keys to his steady consistency.
As expected, Horford kept it lowkey when discussing his individual play. The locker-room leader cares most about the success of his teammates and how the Celtics can continue to compete and improve. For a player with an All-NBA and All-Defensive pedigree, Horford carries himself with a refreshing humility that never seems to take away from his confidence.
Superstar Jayson Tatum was ejected in a bizarre turn of events at the end of the third quarter, leaving the Celtics without their go-to guy for the rest of the contest. In his on-court interview, Horford commended his teammates for their grit and hustle in the face of adversity.
The Celtics have won all three games since Horford filled in for Porzingis, and they will look to build on their modest win streak moving forward. Tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the best record in the NBA, Boston has gone 15-4 to start the season. The C’s are also a perfect 9-0 at home with the league’s best net rating.
With a full weekend of rest, Porzingis may return for Boston’s upcoming In-Season Tournament Quarterfinal against the Indiana Pacers. If Porzingis still needs time to recover, the Celtics will start Father Time’s worst nightmare at center once again.
Can the Boston Celtics players match the mentality of Joe Mazzulla?
Can the Boston Celtics players match the mentality of Joe Mazzulla?
Over the years, the Boston Celtics have developed a reputation around the NBA for being soft. People look at Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown and think that they are soft. Although it may be unfair, Tatum and Brown have chosen to lead the Celtics softly. The Jays could look to adopt the new mentality from head coach Joe Mazzulla, who has become more aggressive and tough during games.
The C’s In-Season Tournament game against the Chicago Bulls highlighted a different side of Mazzulla. One that is unwilling to back down from an opponent or a situation. Despite being up almost 30 points, Mazzulla chose to foul Bulls center Andre Drummond to protect the point differential. Although the Bulls and their head coach Billy Donovan took offense, Mazzulla did not seem to care, and he let them know.
The decision from Mazzulla felt like a revelation for the Celtics in that it showed real toughness and grit. Mazzulla stuck up for his team and their desire to advance in the In-Season Tournament, and he did so in a passionate/aggressive way.
The Celtics players, specifically, Tatum and Brown, can learn from this because they need to get tougher. Mazzulla is paving the way for the Celtics to become an unlikeable team across the NBA, which would be great.
Look at the latest dominant teams in NBA history, like the Golden State Warriors, who embraced the villain role, and it gave them an edge. I think the Celtics could benefit from playing with an edge more.
Boston Celtics must follow Joe Mazzulla’s lead to truly thrive
Moving forward, the Celtics should continue to flex their muscles and follow the lead of Mazzulla. The Celtics have to get the soft label off their backs and being more aggressive and vocal is the way to do it.
Whether or not the Celtics win Banner 18 could be determined by how aggressive they are and their overall mindset.
