We’re running a weekly mailbag during the Celtics season. If you have questions about the Celtics or NBA, email brobb@masslive.com or tweet @briantrobb
So who are realistic trade targets for Boston via the Fournier TPE? They need a veteran scorer off the bench. — Chris C
The Celtics have a $17.1 million trade exception to use until next summer but I wouldn’t expect them to put it to use this season. The team is already into the luxury tax and I don’t envision Brad Stevens adding significantly to the tax bill for a middle of the road squad and that’s what this team has been so far. The Celtics will likely make a couple trades this season but I would expect salary matching for those rather than add a $15 million deal to the payroll without dumping money.
As far as possible names for a veteran scorer, guys like Thaddeus Young and Terrence Ross should be readily available as their teams continue to rebuild. Otherwise, mediocre teams looking to shake things up (Indiana, Memphis) could be in the market to move some veterans on expiring deals (Kyle Anderson, Jeremy Lamb) if they look to build more for the future rather than this current season.
What’s the deal with Coach Udoka not playing Prichard. He’s not getting any scoring from Langford or Nesmith. Seems like coach has a personal issue with Prichard. We know the kid can play and score — Ed B
Pritchard certainly has not gotten a lot of leash this season after a strong rookie year and I think it comes down to a couple of factors, none of which are personal. First, Boston got a upgrade in the backcourt with Dennis Schroder and it’s been tough to play Pritchard and Schroder from a defensive standpoint due to their size limitations. Additionally, Pritchard has been flat out awful to begin the year when he as played. It’s tough to justify playing a guy more when he’s shooting just 22 percent from the field and 24 percent from 3-point range in 13 games. The former Oregon product is better than those numbers but as Udoka is searching for wins, it’s tough to give Pritchard enough court time to play through the slump (which may be related to a broken nose). However, with Boston in dire need of more offense, Pritchard (in theory) should be a guy that can help on that front.
Are there different lineup configurations you’d like the Celtics to try off the bench, to see if they can get more scoring, while still having good defense? Any trade targets that are disgruntled, or that could be better used by the Cs that you think that they should call about? — Eddy FB
At this point, I’d probably look to see if some of the younger shooters in theory (Payton Pritchard, Aaron Nesmith) can hold their own while out there with three or four starters at times. We know that starting group can defend well and so they would be able to hide some liabilities each of those guys have on that end of the floor. However, Pritchard or Nesmith should provide some reliable spacing that defenses would have to respect. Both have gotten off to slow shooting starts but they have stronger track records from the perimeter than anyone else coming off the bench. That’s a look I’d try to mix in since the bench heavy units have not fared well with those duos.
As far as disgruntled trade targets go, there’s no one out there that stands out as of yet. We know they called on Ben Simmons but that’s not happening unless the price drops. Marvin Bagley is likely available but wouldn’t really solve any problems for Boston (bigs haven’t been an issue). Keeping an eye on veterans with teams that have gotten off to a miserable start (Pelicans, Rockets) is probably what I’m doing if I’m exploring making an early move as Brad Stevens.
Brobb, Granted we haven’t had Jaylen for half the season but do you think Ime needs to take a look at splitting up the double bigs? The defense is among league best but the offense leaves much to be desired. If they did, who would you put in with the starters and why is it Romeo! As always, love the content. — Thanks, Tim
It’s something that Udoka may consider if neither Marcus Smart (26 percent) or Al Horford (27.8 percent) in the next few weeks. However, that group has only played five games together all season due to various injuries and ailments and they have a +8.5 net rating in those 51 minute together. The offensive numbers (102.9 points per 100 possessions) are poor within that group but there is no sure things right now that will open the floor more offensively for this group.
Romeo Langford (45 percent from 3) would certainly be a potential option but he’s certainly someone who won’t be adding much firepower to that group beyond hitting an open 3. The guess here is once Brown gets back into the lineup this weekend, that original starting five gets a longer run (another 10 games) for a proper evaluation. If they do mix it up eventually, inserting a wing that is shooting the 3 consistently would be my best bet in place of one of the bigs.
I’d like to ask you to assess the ball handling capabilities of Tatum, Brown and Smart. I feel the Celts’ primary issue is turnovers, primarily the live-ball variety. They seem to be fueling the opposition’s offense at an appalling rate. Are there any stats to compare their ability to drive to the hoop as it relates to giveaways? I’d say all 3 of those guys still have to be less reckless, stay within their skill sets and allow the game to come to them. In other words, they need a point guard to accent Schroder, a true PG. — Ken L
The Celtics have had a turnover problem at points during the season, particularly in the opening few weeks. However, the team has started to level out in this area recently as they rank 15th overall in turnover rate. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s turnover numbers pretty much fall in line with their career averages despite their increased responsibility this year. Those guys have had low turnover rates their whole career so while they could improve their ball handling, they aren’t giving the ball away much. The team’s biggest problem has been with their point guards in this department as Smart and Dennis Schroder have been turnover prone, which has been the case for most of their careers. However, as a team, missed shots is a far bigger issue than miscues for this group at the moment.
Please send any questions about the Celtics or NBA for a future mailbag to brobb@masslive.com or tweet @briantrobb
Ad Choices