What Will the Celtics Look Like Next Season?

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Patrick Sargent, GoLocal Worcester Contributor and FindtheBest

On Sunday afternoon, the season ended for the Boston Celtics following a first round playoff sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Even in the four losses, the Celtics proved to be gritty and never once backed down to the star-studded Cavs. However, it was glaringly obvious that the Celtics lacked their own superstar on the squad.

The C's finished the season in second place and owned the best division record in the Atlantic (12-4). After the All-Star break, the Celtics had the second best record in the NBA (20-11) - behind only the Cavs.

So what will the 2015-2016 Celtics look like?

The Celtics have two first-round draft picks in June's NBA draft, plenty of salary cap room and a lot of movable parts as they attempt to lure better talent to Boston to play under head coach Brad Stevens.

Here's who is on the books next season: Guards Avery Bradley, Isaiah Thomas, and Marcus Smart. Forward Kelly Olynyk has two years remaining on his contract, and Tyler Zeller, Evan Turner and Jared Sullinger are all on the books next season, but will be entering the final year of their contracts.

Gerald Wallace, the highest paid Celtic (with the least amount of playing time) will also be entering his final year and is likely to be traded in the offseason. Phil Pressey and James Young are under contract for next season, but could also find themselves dealt due to their expiring contracts.

Gigi Ditome, Jae Crowder, Jonas Jerebko, and Brandon Bass have all likely seen their days as Celtics come to an end. Crowder and Bass would probably be welcomed back under the right free-agent deal. Crowder and Ditome are restricted free agents, so if the Celtics want them back they will have to match any other offer they receive.

2015-16 Celtics Salary Breakdown | PointAfter

What Free Agents Might Want to Play in Boston?

After watching Kevin Love play for the Cavaliers, the Celtics may be changing their attitude towards going after him in free agency. Although they are professional athetes, there may be bad blood following Sunday's game. Love left the game early with dislocated shoulder he said Olynyk was responsible for - calling it a "bush league" play.

Here are three other options the Celtics might look to in free agency:

1. Greg Monroe - Forward - Monroe would be a great replacement for Brandon Bass. He's young, he's big and he has plenty of potential.

2. Paul Millsap - Forward - It would take a lot for Millsap to leave Atlanta after the great success they've had so far this year. However, the Celtics can afford it and he would be a great veteran presence in the young locker room.

3. DeAndre Jordan - Center- The guy can block shots with the best of them and would be an immediate presence in the middle of the lane. He can also score and averages 15 rebounds per game. After watching the Cavs kill the C's on the boards, Jordan is a no-brainer. If the Celts can lure him away from Los Angeles.

Who Will the Celtics Look to in the Draft?

Free agency could depend greatly on who the Celtics take with their two first-round draft picks in June. The Celtics currently hold the 16th and 28th picks in the first round. They desperately need a swingman that can shoot from beyond the arc and spread the floor out, and a big man that can be physical in the paint.

Here are three possible players that the Celtics could draft if they're still available:

1. Sam Dekker - Wisconsin, Forward - Dekker proved that he can score and perform when the lights are the brightest. He averaged nearly 20 points per game during the NCAA tournament. He should still be available when the Celtics make their 16th pick.

2. Trey Leyles - Kentucky, Forward - This would be a miracle if Leyles is still available at #16. He's only 19 and his potential is through the roof. He's already a great defender and could make an impact immediately next season for the C's.

3. Myles Turner - Texas, Center - He's 6'11" and the Celtics need size. He can spread the floor and hit jumpers from everywhere. Turner might be one of the most underrated players in the country, but his size and athelticism should prove to translate well in the NBA.