With the Celtics mired in mediocrity with a 13-14 record (roughly one-third of the regular season in the rear-view mirror), something needs to change. That's a 27-game sample, enough to know that this team, as it stands roster-wise and strategy-wise, is not a Title contender.
So what happens going forward? Purposeful tanking didn't work on Philadelphia, and the same goes for Boston. Besides, Beantown fans are spoiled. Even hope for landing a future star in the June draft would not offer enough compensation for sinking into the abyss.
But an argument can be made that - if the Celtics are going to lose more games than they win - play the kids. See what they can accomplish with consistent floor time.
The Suns took care of the Celtics last night, sending them to a 13-14 record.
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) December 11, 2021
@JakeLFischer tells @BGeltzNBA and @SamMitchellNBA why he thinks some big roster changes could be on the way in Boston. pic.twitter.com/uY2usjgT7K
Then, how about a trade. I wrote previously about the question of Dennis Schroder as keeper, trade chip or gone this off-season:
"... the only way I see him (Schroder) being traded prior to the deadline is if the Celtics' season goes south."
Well, guess what? Boston is south of a winning season, and particularly with Jaylen Brown out of action so often recently, things don't look bright for The Green. Schroder and Enes Freedom would both be candidates for a trade prior to the deadline. And frankly, breaking up the Jay team pairing at some point is not out of the question, and it almost certainly would be Brown as the one to go.
Lastly, do the Celtics tough it out and keep going on their current path. I emphatically say, "NO"! There are few rewards in maintaining the status quo. That means no high lottery picks and little chance of going anywhere should Boston make the post-season.
A trade of some type is inevitable - either pre-deadline or in the off-season. There is always a bit of pain involved in such a transaction, but it may be time for Brad Stevens to get out of his comfort zone and make a bold move reminiscent of his predecessor in the front office - a guy by the name of Danny Ainge.
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