Jimmy Butler and Paul George Will Not Be Walking Through That Door.

I'd like to thank Rick Pitino for that headline.Anyways, three o'clock this afternoon came and went without the Celtics making any trades. I am ok with them not moving anybody. The team they have now has been  the second best team in the East, and have never really been fully healthy. I'm not expecting Avery Bradleys hopeful return this Friday to turn them into Cleveland, but his 18 points and 7 rebounds per game can only help. This team is not winning a title this year, or next even, without improving on their rebounding, an obvious deficiency. At some point, this glaring hole needs to be filled. Maybe Al Horford brings his game back down low and returns to being the almost 9 rebounds per game player the Celtics thought they signed. I like Horford and the Celtics are definitely a better team with him, but at some point he has to stop playing outside and become a presence on the glass. If the draft and free agency come and go and the Celtics are still relying on Amir Johnson as their big man, my attitude towards Danny Ainges approach may change.


I like how he didn't make a trade just to make a trade. Jimmy Butler was never really on the market and from what I have read, Paul George has made it clear that unless the Pacers are title contenders soon, he wants to play for the Lakers. So, who was really out there? Andrew Bogut and his old man knees? He has missed like 20 games this year so unless you are only giving up a second round pick, I would stay away. The Cs need to build for not only this year but for the future and if standing pat this year helps them win in 2018, 2019, and 2020 I'm fine with that. I know its cliche, but teams have to be battle tested in the NBA before they have a chance. They need time to gel. You don't blow up a team to sacrifice its future when the future is as bright as Bostons. And yes, people may say the future is now and that they haven't won a playoff series under Brad Stevens and why have all the assets if you don't use them to acquire someone like Boogie Cousins. To them, I say, shut up. They are going to have a high pick in a stacked draft* this year.
(*The only thing I know about college basketball is that I know nothing about college basketball.)

Kidding aside, the Celtics are going to win a playoff series this year. When the next time they win four in a year is is anybodys guess, but Id say its much rather sooner than later. We just have to keep the faith.