'Let's Go Celtics! Let's Go Celtics! Let's Go Celtics!'
The sound of the remaining Celtics fans at The New Garden in Boston cheering on their beaten squad was one that will echo in our memories for years to come. It showed our dedication to a team that gave us it's all and then gave 100% more. It was a Thank You to the aging core of the team with expiring contracts and a reminder to the younger core that there's more of this to come provided that they continue to play with the heart this crew did.
The wrap-up is simple: Bummer. We lost. The Hear won, the Bostrich got us, LeBron looked dominant and our guys gassed out and didn't hit big shots. The big question now is, what's our team going to look like next season?
Ray Allen is almost certain to go. He's been replaced by Avery Bradley. Granted, Ray Allen would provide valuable chemistry and a sniper for a three-point shooter. But, other than that, Avery Bradley has supplanted as a defender and a capable offensive fast-break tool. And he's really young and has an inexpensive contract. Ray Allen deserves a payout from whoever will offer it to him and it won't be us. KG on the other hand is a different story. KG 'changed the culture' in the Boston locker room by holding everyone from Paul Pierce to the caterer accountable (thanks to the guys at WEEI for that line). And, it's clear he some miles left on his wheels and some knowledge to share with the young guys. More importantly, perhaps, is that there are nearly no big men available this off season.
So here's what I'm thinking.
Starting Lineup:
PG - Rajon Rondo
SG - Avery Bradley
SF - Paul Pierce/Jeff Green
PF - Brandon Bass/Jeff Green
C - KG
Bench:
PG - Keyon Dooling, E'Twaun Moore
SG - Free Agent Pickup, Draft Pick, E'Twaun Moore
SF - Jeff Green, Draft Pick
PF - JaJuan Johnson, Draft Pick
C - Greg Stiemsma, Draft Pick
I think KG comes back for a discount because he truly loves this city and wants to win another HERE. I think Brandon Bass exercises his player option for 4 million dollars and stays here because he realizes that while he is talented, he won't get the money he's looking for to relocate. I think Jeff Green is signed, and around $5 million, because he hasn't played much in the past year and a half and Boston has shown they want him around. Keyon Dooling and Greg Stiemsma are must-resign bench players to me. Greg has some talent and I'm interested in seeing if we can develop him. Keyon Dooling is an experience back-court presence of the bench that we'll need. As for the draft picks, I'm most interested in Fab Melo and Moe Harkless. I don't think Austin Rivers will be around at 20, sorry dreamers. Fab Melo is a Center with a lot of potential. Perhaps enough potential to play some serious minutes behind Garnett and Stiemsma. (And just imagine what the tutoring of KG could do for a guy like him). Moe Harkless is an obvious talented player AND he's a SF prospect for the future. We need to draft a nearly-ready-to-go SF prospect because Paul doesn't have much tread left in his tires from carrying the team all those years. At the tail end of the first round, it's hard to find ready-to-go talent that will actually pan out, but it looks like this years draft holds a lot of talent.
As for potential free agent pickups, I think that Kirk Heinrich, Gerald Green and Delonte West will be on the Celtics radar. Delonte has been here twice now. They like the guy... If the price is right, he'll end up here.
For big men, Ersan Ilyasova has talent and is young and a cheap Ryan Hollins are possibilities.
There's quite a few bench guards available this upcoming free agency period; but, there's very little to choose from when it comes to talented big men. So, the Celtics would be best to find a guy for the future with enough talent to play right out of the gates, like Fab Melo, in the draft.
Regardless, even with the NBA Finals yet to start, I am excited for next season and the 2013 Celtics.
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