Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
The caveat here is that the Celts could still wind up making a high lottery run if one or more trades become available that would weaken them in the short term for greater gain down the line. But, with the deal for David Lee and signing of Amir Johnson, it’s clear the club is no longer averse to moves that could win them an extra handful of games and still leave them shy of true title contendership.
It remains our belief that if you pumped Danny Ainge full of sodium pentothal he’d admit that he would have preferred a shot in the lottery to the inevitable first round fly-swat by Cleveland last season. Clearly he was wishing last June that his first pick was high enough to get Justise Winslow on his own, instead of offering Charlotte multiple picks and at least two of his own children (Austin dodged a bullet on that one) for the right to move up.
But now it is time to more purposefully turn a corner.
Herald – Bulpett: Celtics set to make winning a bigger priority
We know that while purgatory exists, it’s not a catch-all to describe every NBA franchise between contention and the lottery. It’s specific. Purgatory is a team that’s just OK but with no real prospects of getting better. It’s a team with a bunch of players signed to long contracts, giving everything they’ve got to maybe reach the second round. It’s hopeless. And two years later, right here in the middle, the Celtics are not hopeless. They’re a good team with quality players, and better people, all signed to sensible contracts. They’re a great head coach who will only get better. They’re a front office with full support of ownership, equipped with more assets than anyone in the NBA, all sorts of flexibility and some of the smartest people in the business pulling the strings. Sure, they might not be good enough to win a title. But guess what? It’s been three years. They’re just not there yet along with about 26 other teams. Sure, they might not be bad enough to slip into the lottery but guess what? The Nets and Mavs might be. The Celtics might make the playoffs and still end up with two lottery picks.
CSNNE – The Celtics are back but what has changed?
Ever since the dark day that Pierce and Garnett were traded to Brooklyn, Celtics fans have been torn: should the team be dismantled and allowed to sink to the bottom for the chance to get a high lottery pick? Or should they try to remain competitive even if it means slowing down the rebuild?
Not an easy choice. No one wants to follow a team like Philadelphia, which charges NBA prices while fielding D-League talent. That’s emotionally draining and frustrating – especially if the lotto balls fail to drop your way. We’ve sure seen that happen here.
Then again, no one wants another 22-year title drought. Clinching a low playoff seed feels great at the time, but that’s forgotten rapidly when your season ends just four games later and your draft position is shot to hell. (Right, Jay?)
The good news is: there’s no more choice to be made. These two articles together make the case that Celtics fans should be all in to win this year. The talent is there to have a pretty successful season in the East. If any marquee players become available during the season, Ainge can try to further improve the roster.
This is all possible because that Pierce/Garnett trade is now ready to pay off big time. Brooklyn is shaping up to be terrible, and the Celtics have their unprotected draft pick. So we are positioned to potentially have an improved, winning, fun team to root for day to day, and still get a very high draft choice at the end. Throw in the bonus of protected first-rounders from Dallas and Minnesota, and it’s feasible that Boston will make the playoffs again AND wind up with three lottery picks.
If the Celtics happen not to play up to expectations (doubtful, with Brad Stevens at the helm), they would miss the playoffs but win a consolation prize of a possible fourth lottery pick.
It’s time to win. Embrace that.
On Page 2: The Celtics according to John
This is a really interesting season for the Boston Celtics. Fresh off an improbable – and for some fans, unforgivable – playoff run, the Celtics are looking at what might be a quicker-than-anticipated rebuild.
Think of this Celtics team as a hurricane brewing in the Atlantic Ocean. They are at that early stage where the meteorologist tells us, “It’s trying to get its act together, and if it does, it could develop into a big storm.”
Sheridan Hoops – Five Things To Watch: Boston Celtics
Don’t miss these insights from Red’s Army’s own John Karalis. Number 5 will surprise you!
And, finally: These Celtics are coachable
Celtics took 82 shots in preseason opener. Only 9 were from midrange (16-23 feet). Team executing big point of emphasis from Stevens well.
— Brian Robb (@CelticsHub) October 6, 2015
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Clearly, Olimpia Milano was no match for Boston yesterday (their coach said otherwise), but this statistic is less about the level of competition and more about Boston’s mindset. Just as an example, we’ve often heard, “The Celtics will be a running team this year.” Then before you know it, they’re walking the ball up.
That’s not an apples-to-apples comparison to the current plan, but the point is the coach wants what he wants, and the players need to fulfill that mission. They did so regarding shot selection in their first opportunity. Let’s watch for this during the next game, and the next, and see if this strategy truly takes hold.
The Rest of the Links:
Herald – Celtics ease into preseason
Globe – Celtics coast to exhibition win in Italy
Celtics.com – C’s Were a Well-Oiled Machine in Preseason Opener
MassLive – David Lee stands out as Boston Celtics roll Olimpia Milano in preseason opener, 124-91 | Boston Celtics takeaways: R.J. Hunter sees early action, Jared Sullinger the 5th big man on the court
CSNNE – Stars, studs and duds: Lee makes impressive Celtics debut
NBA.com – Celtics-Milano video highlights
Worcester Telegram – Boston Celtics roll in first exhibition in Europe
ESPN Boston – Call him ‘Floor General Lee’
MassLive – Perry Jones will miss Boston Celtics preseason game Thursday after death in family
CBS Boston – What To Watch For As Celtics Begin Preseason
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