Off-Season Game Plan: Celtics
Even though the Boston Celtics endured a 33-49 season, there is some reason for optimism. For one thing, they have a premier go-to-guy in Paul Pierce who is playing at the absolute peak of his abilities.
Secondly, the Celtics have stockpiled some promising young talent on the roster. Kendrick Perkins, Al Jefferson, Gerald Green and Delonte West -- all 23 or under -- could be considered the future core of the Celtics.
The trick for the Celtics will be to find the right balance between veterans and youth as they try to get back into the playoffs while Pierce is still a game-altering force. For his part, Pierce knows what he'd like to see, telling the Boston Herald, "I think we've pretty much got our young core together. It'd be good maybe to bring in another veteran to go with what we've got.
"I think we've got a lot of valuable things we can use this summer to help the team. If we keep getting younger, I don't think we’re going to get better."
At the same time, GM Danny Ainge is reluctant to deal any of his young players unless he lands a proven performer that still has some tread left on the tires, so to speak.
If the Celtics are interested in landing a big ticket veteran, they might be able to package one of their youngsters, their first round draft pick and Raef LaFrentz to get discussions started. Nuggets outcast Kenyon Martin, for example, could be worth a look.
A more likely scenario, however, would have the Celtics bringing in a veteran point guard to back up the improving West. Via free agency, Darrell Armstrong or Jacque Vaughn might fit the bill, though a trade for someone the calibre of Charlotte's Brevin Knight (maybe for the 7th pick?) would make even more sense if the Celtics are actually shooting to be a competitive team in 2006-2007.
GM/COACH
Danny Ainge/Doc Rivers
CENTERS
Returning: Kendrick Perkins, Raef LaFrentz, Dwayne Jones. Free Agents: Michael Olowokandi (UFA)
FORWARDS
Returning: Al Jefferson, Wally Szczerbiak, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Brian Scalabrine. Free Agents: None
GUARDS
Returning: Delonte West, Paul Pierce, Orien Greene, Tony Allen, Dan Dickau. Free Agents: None
DRAFT
7th - Randy Foye, Brandon Roy, Marcus Williams, Shelden Williams
FREE AGENCY
Payroll: $56M
TRADE MARKET
LaFrentz (3 years, $35M remaining)
