The Boston Celtics made a puzzling move this summer. They traded franchise cornerstone Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. This swap opened up a can of worms for the team. While Brad Stevens helped steer the ship with veterans like Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley Jr., the big picture looks messy. The league isn’t standing still, and Boston might have just slowed its own engine.
The Rivals Are Loading Up
Look at the rest of the Eastern Conference and the panic sets in. Philly seemingly became the hottest destination of the offseason after Boston sent Brown to the Sixers. Dean Wade, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Anfernee Simons all joined Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey.
Oh, and LeBron James decided to join the mix too. That is a massive roster overhaul for a rival team.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was acquired by the Miami Heat, who beat out Boston in the race for him. That move later prompted the Brown trade itself. Although the Heat lack financial flexibility to improve the roster around Giannis and Bam Adebayo, they constantly overachieve under coach Erik Spoelstra. They can’t be taken lightly. Veterans were obtained by the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. Kawhi Leonard was pursued all-in by the Toronto Raptors as well. Last season, the Indiana Pacers made their push by giving up a haul for Ivica Zubac.
Winning Now or Waiting Later?
Why didn’t Boston make big moves to win now, given that several teams did? Why favor “optionality” over a proven superstar like Giannis? Fans have been asking this fair question all offseason. The Celtics signed veterans and locked in extensions for Ron Harper Jr., Jordan Walsh, and Neemias Queta. They also drafted Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell. These were all hits in a vacuum.
But the league doesn’t play in a vacuum. The reigning champions, the New York Knicks, are bringing back nearly the same roster that won it all. Mitchell Robinson is the main change, as he was replaced with Andre Drummond. In short, the Eastern Conference became a whole lot better and a whole lot more competitive. CelticsBlog indicates the team appears “conditioned to accept that now is not as important as the future”.
That mindset might be the team’s biggest problem right now. Only one team brings home the Larry O’Brien trophy each year. If the Celtics keep waiting for the future while the Heat and Sixers stack stars today, the window might close before they are ready. The trade for Paul George and picks could be a small win, but it feels like a half-step when rivals are taking giant leaps. Fans want a ring, not a plan for next year.
