Although the start of the season was difficult for the Boston Celtics, they are with a positive momentum in the All-Star break. Boston rides in a four-game winning streak, raising the record to 17-17 on the season.
Kemba Walker is finding his form, helping to push off Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum offensively. While this is a good development, the team could use an upgrade around the core if they really want to become candidates in the Eastern Conference again.
Boston would like to get a player like Nikola Vucevic from the Orlando Magic. He would solve so many of their problems in the forecourt and give the team a new All-Star to round out their core. They could also try to make a comeback for Zach LaVine, another All-Star, with the Chicago Bulls.
However, competitive drivers do not expect this to happen. Instead, they expect the Celtics to make a smaller move to help round out their list. Tom Haberstroh of TrueHoop delivered the scoop.
“For the Celtics, a player like the great Nemanja Bjelica from Sacramento can fit in better,” wrote Tom Haberstroh, TrueHoop. Is he Nikola Vucevic? No, but he will be much cheaper. Competitive executives do not expect Boston basketball president Danny Ainge to make a big turn on the deadline. One GM Eastern conference said: That’s not Danny’s style. ‘ The wiser bet is that Boston will take a minor step forward now that Kemba Walker is finishing in shape. ‘
Haberstroh is correct in his assessment of Ainge. The Celtics general manager takes the blame for the team’s shortcomings this season and said Boston has had some deals very close. This always seems to be the case when it comes to big deals, because Boston was always on the go when star players became available via trade, but could never conclude the deal.
As long as Walker, Tatum and Brown do it offensively, the Celtics could be competitive in the Eastern Conference. It’s a strong trio, but they’ll need help if they’ll really have a chance to fend off the playoffs of the Philadelphia 76ers or Brooklyn Nets.