I think it’s safe to say that was the most bonkers NBA trade deadline of all time.
I mean, seriously, the Rockets got Cody Zeller and the Wizards got Reggie Jackson. Absolute chaos. But for real, and Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis swap, Jimmy Butler to the Warriors and De’Aaron Fox the Spurs – and that’s just a few of the blockbusters.
Time to bust out the flashcards before it all sinks in and feels right. Here’s how what went down affects the Celtics:
1) Jaden Springer will be missed.
Let’s start with the one move the Celtics made. I personally think Jaden Springer has value as a pesky and active defender.
I could see him coming in and guarding Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell or Tyrese Haliburton in spurts in the playoffs. Is he going to hold them scoreless? Probably not. But he can make life difficult for them and get in their face.
Alas, it’s a financially savvy move, and one that’s probably for the best big picture. Torrey Craig was a good pickup, and it will be interesting to see what happens from here. I’ve learned not to question Brad Stevens, but I do think Springer will be missed.
2) Poor Marcus Smart.
Marcus Smart has had a tough stretch. He was so tantalizingly close to winning a championship with the Celtics, then he ends up on the Grizzlies and misses a lot of games and now he’s on…the Wizards.
Yes, those Wizards. Harry Potter and his Gryffindor quidditch teammates may have earned more wins than the Wizards will this year. You can’t help but feel for Smart. The guy is factually one of the most competitive Celtics of all-time. All he wants is a ring, but he’s getting progressively further away.
The NBA is all about timing and fit, and he’s had some bad luck from that standpoint.
3) Did the Lakers and Mavericks both become less of a threat to the Celtics?
I don’t know about you, but (forget Thursday night’s game) I personally think the Lakers and Mavericks are both less intimidating now than they were last week from a Celtics perspective (yeah, yeah, Caleb Martin, whatever you say).
I’m not a big Luka guy, but I personally don’t think you should ever give away a superstar in his prime unless you have a dang good reason (maybe they did). Yes, he’s a liability defensively, etc. etc., but the man can ball. Davis will help protect the rim, but from a talent standpoint, the Celtics still have a definitive edge if they meet in the Finals again.
As for the Lakers, Mark Williams was a nice pickup, but I still think they’re lacking defensively and will miss Davis’ post presence. The LeBron James-Davis combo was a tough one for the Celtics, and I think Los Angeles will miss Davis’ versatility. That’s just my opinion. You’re entitled to your own.
4) What the Buck?
I understand Khris Middleton is getting up there and is injury prone, but if I need to win one game to save the planet, there’s absolutely no way I’m taking Kyle Kuzma over Middleton.
No disrespect to Kuzma, who has a ring, can get a bucket and is an underrated defender, but I think the Bucks got worse.
5) De’Andre Hunter on the Cavs is a quality fit.
I was wondering whether the Cavs would make a move. I think this one is smart in a lot of ways, and I think it gives them a slightly better chance to beat the Celtics.
I’d still take the Celtics in 6, but I think Hunter’s length, athleticism and defensive prowess would bode will in a potential series against Boston. They did what a team that’s close to championship-level should do – get rid of some solid players and picks in exchange for a very good one to try and take that extremely difficult next step.
Cleveland got better. Boston still has the edge.
6) Jimmy Butler and Steph is kind of wild.
This might be the one I’m most intrigued to see play out.
If it works, it may actually be legendary. Pairing Butler’s defensive instincts with Curry’s offensive brilliance could be beautiful. But, Butler is rarely healthy these days, and they still don’t have a lot of shooting, so it may not matter in the end.
I don’t think the Warriors are Finals good, but it would be a whole lot of fun to see the Celtics get a crack at redemption.
7) The Spurs are coming.
Good for the Spurs for really going for it. We’ve never seen a player like Victor Wembanyama before, and it’s just a matter of time before he gets a ring.
Adding Fox, one of the most underrated players in the league, puts them significantly closer. I wouldn’t be surprised to see San Antonio make some noise this year, and I think it’s more likely than not the Spurs will win a championship within the next five seasons. On the entertainment meter, it would be about an 11/10 watching the Celtics face the Spurs at the end of a Warriors-like dynasty for Boston.
8) Too bad Theis was waived.
I got a bit of an adrenaline rush when I saw Daniel Theis was going to the Thunder, then I was a bit disappointed when he was released.
Theis just gives off good vibes, and I still think he’s one of the more underrated Celtics of the last 10-15 years. He’s excellent in the pick and roll, has great footwork and fouls a lot less than referees think.
We’ll see where he ends up, but it would be nice to see him sign with a contender.
9) Don’t sleep on Delon Wright.
You know those random players you really like for no reason? Delon Wright is on my list. I feel like he’s the ideal backup point guard for a contender and will complement Cameron Payne well. I’d take him over Payne, but I doubt he’ll leapfrog him on the depth chart.
I personally think the Knicks have the best chance against the Celtics in the East. My pick is Celtics in 7, but I feel like New York matches up better than any other team. I think this moves the Knicks slightly closer.
10) Dennis Schröder is on the move again.
On the flip side, Dennis Schröder is one of my least favorite players to watch. He’s a skilled basketball player, and I’m sure he’s a great guy, but the 20 seconds of dribbling and fadeaway long two just doesn’t do it for me.
I have a hunch the Celtics and Pistons are going to meet in the playoffs and Detroit is going to give Boston a series before the Celtics find a way. See you then, Dennis.
So yes, as you can tell, I think the Celtics are going to make it back to the Finals and have a great chance to repeat. But no, I don’t think it’s going to be easy.
