Although the start of the season has been difficult for the Boston Celtics, they are heading towards the All-Star break with some positive momentum. Boston is putting together a four-game winning streak, pushing his record to 19-17 this season.
Kemba Walker is starting to find his way, which is helping to take some of the pressure off Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum offensively. While it is a good development, the team could use an update around that core if it really wants to become a candidate again at the Eastern Conference.
Boston would love to acquire a player like Nikola Vucevic from Orlando Magic. He would solve many of his problems on the attacking court and give the team another genuine All-Star to complete his core. They could also try to negotiate with Zach LaVine, another All-Star with the Chicago Bulls.
However, rival executives do not expect this to happen. Instead, they expect the Celtics to make a minor move to help complete their squad. Tom Haberstroh, from TrueHoop, gave the scoop.
“For the Celtics, a player like the great reserve of Sacramento, Nemanja Bjelica, can fit in better,” wrote Tom Haberstroh of TrueHoop. “The 1.80m Serbian would fit perfectly like a big, dynamic man who can kick and move the ball. Is he Nikola Vucevic? No, but it would be a lot less expensive. Rivalry executives do not expect Boston basketball operations president Danny Ainge to make a big swing on schedule. An Eastern Conference GM said: ‘This is not Danny’s style.’ The more sensible bet is that Boston makes a small move up front, now that Kemba Walker is recovering. “
Haberstroh is correct in his assessment of Ainge. The general manager of the Celtics took the blame for the team’s shortcomings this season and said Boston has been close in some negotiations. Closing always seems to be the result when it comes to making big deals, as Boston was always at stake when famous players became available through trading, but were never able to close the deal.
As long as Walker, Tatum and Brown are doing this offensively, the Celtics can be competitive in the Eastern Conference. It’s a strong trio, but they’ll need help if they really want a chance to beat the Philadelphia 76ers or the Brooklyn Nets in the playoffs.