Sep 25, 2015; Waltham, MA, USA; Boston Celtics GM Danny Ainge (left) and co-owner Wyc Grousbeck, during media day at the Boston Celtic Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Around this time of year we have all made a list of some sort to let our loved ones know what we want for the holidays. Lists can be really long with little ideas or only consist of one bigger item that would make the holiday season more enjoyable.
The Boston Celtics have had a bumpy start to the season, and they definitely want to do everything they can to have a successful year. To get closer to their championship hopes, Boston must be wishing for a few things that could make that dream become reality.
So here is what I think of what a Celtics holiday wish list would look like. This is most likely in the point of view of Danny Ainge and the ownership group.
Oct 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (left) and center Robin Lopez (right) fight for a rebound against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (center) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
5. Rebounding Help
The Celtics definitely want some help with rebounding. This season, Boston ranks 27th in the NBA in rebounding percentage. You could say this is because the Celtics are the shortest team in NBA, or that the team hasn’t fully adjusted to the departure of Jared Sullinger. The guy wasn’t a complete glass cleaner, but he corralled up a lot of misses.
I think to solve this, Boston has to look into the trade market. Each passing day the Nerlens Noel situation in Philadelphia gets uglier and uglier. Noel would be a great fit alongside Horford. Noel’s ability to play center would allow Al Horford to play power forward. This would benefit everyone involved as PF is a much better position for Horford’s skill set.
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Jaylen Brown (California) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number three overall pick to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
4. A Strong Draft Class
I mean, who wouldn’t want this for the holidays. A good draft class would only help the Celtics in their quest for a championship. Last year, the NBA draft was considered a two player draft at the top with Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram. The Celtics found themselves with the number three overall selection, which limited their ability to pull off the major deal they wanted.
I believe that Jaylen Brown will be a fine player in the NBA, but Boston has to be hoping that the prospects coming out this year are as good as advertised. They will most likely have a high pick again this year. A draft class with a lot of star power will cause more and more teams to call up Danny Ainge on draft night.
Nov 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is guarded by Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
3. A Superstar to Become Available
It’s no secret that Danny Ainge and the Celtics want to wheel and deal for a superstar player that will put them over the edge into contention. The only problem is that those types of players aren’t always up for the taking. The Celtics are most certainly wishing for a superstar to become available so they can use those Brooklyn picks the way they want.
Paul George is my dream and I’m sure he is most of your’s too. He is an exceptional all around talent who can shoot the lights out and score from anywhere. Adding George to the current core of Celtics would be a seamless fit. Let’s just hope that Larry Bird decides to do his old team a solid and trade Boston it’s last puzzle piece.
Dec 16, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives the ball past Charlotte Hornets guard Ramon Sessions (7) in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated Charlotte 96-88. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
2. Health
Something the Celtics have had a hard time with this season has been staying healthy. It has been difficult for this team to develop continuity on the floor because key players have been out frequently. Thomas made a loud return after his groin injury against the Hornets, which gave the Celtics a full roster again.
The Celtics are hoping for some sustained health this year. It will be very hard to assess where the team should go if injuries continue to get in the way. I am optimistic that most of the injuries are behind them, and the Celtics will put together a lot of good wins moving forward. But yet again, injuries are unpredictable. That’s why health is a great thing to request for the holidays!
Nov 29, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Sean Kilpatrick (6) reacts after missing a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers with the score tied late during the first overtime quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
1. More Nets Losses
The most important assets the Celtics have are the unprotected first rounders that the Brooklyn Nets kindly gave them back in 2013. Boston obviously wants those assets to have the most value possible, so more Nets losses has to be on the top of their list.
The Celtics will be best positioned to acquire the superstar player they have been longing for if the Brooklyn picks are at the top of the draft. The Nets have looked better this year, so let’s all hope that at some point or another, they completely self destruct.
Boston probably won’t get everything on their list this year. Even if they get a few of them, I’m sure the team and its fans will be very pleased as the Celtics continue their move towards banner 18.
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