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Monday, July 27, 2015

Random Thoughts as the Celtics Make Another Move

 Just when we thought the Celtics were done making moves and were about to announce the Lee trade and Crowder signing, they surprise everyone by making another trade.  This time they bring in another guard for a heavily protected second round pick and get a legit no strings attached second round pick along with the lesser known Dragic brother, Zoran.



The Heat got Zoran along with brother Goran in a trade from the Suns at the same time that the Celtics got Isaiah Thomas from them. Zoran didn't get much playing time last season with either team. He averaged 1.0 point in 2.2 minutes per game in Phoenix but played in only 6 games there. In Miami, he played in 10 games, averaging 2.2 points over 6.2 minutes per game. That would extent to 13.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists over 36 minutes.

Zoran played well in Summer League for Miami, averaging 12.2 points, 3,8 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He is a 6'5" guard who is quick, like his older brother Goran, but will probably not reach the same level of play as Goran. He played 9 years in Europe before attempting to break into the NBA. During the 2013-2014 season, he averaged 10.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 43% shooting for Unicaja Malaga of the Spanish ACB.

That's two trades where the Celtics brought in intriguing players for a legit second round pick in exchange for a heavily protected second round pick. The first was the Perry Jones trade from OKC and now this one with Dragic. In both cases, the team making the trade sent cash to pay the players' salaries. According to Adam Himmelsbach on Twitter, the Heat agreed to pay Zoran Dragic's salary next season and the Celtics intend to waive him. Adam also added this, which would be very funny if it wasn't so true.
This will make trading camp very interesting if they keep Dragic around to evaluate in camp before waiving. This chart was published by Kevin O'Connor on Twitter.
 
This is helpful in that it separates players into the 3 classes that Brad Stevens views on his team.  With the addition of Dragic, that gives the Celtics 17 guaranteed contracts.  They also have 2 additional players with training camp invites, most likely to be able to add them to the Red Claws for the season.

 Jones and Dragic can be cut without much of a financial hit since their salaries are being paid by their former teams.  But, it might be smart to keep them around until camp to give them a look-see and evaluate what they might do in Brad Stevens' system.  Both can run and it seems would fit into the Celtics' system.  If there are 17 guaranteed contracts going into camp,  the competition would being out the best in everyone.  I kind of like that idea. 

In other Celtics news today,  The Celtics made the David Lee trade official.  I have always liked Lee, going back to his NY days.  He hustles and plays hard all the time.  The Celtics will miss Gerald Wallace's veteran leadership and presence, but they get that back and more with Lee, who was an all star as recently as 3 seasons ago.  With Gerald, we had a veteran locker room presence but with Lee we have a veteran locker room presence who can still play at a high level.   As was expected, Chris Babb and his non guaranteed contract was also sent to Golden State to complete the deal. 

At 3 PM ET CSNNE will stream live the press conference to introduce their off season acquisitions.  You can catch it steaming live here.   You can also watch a replay of the press conference tonight at 8:00 PM ET on Comcast Sportsnet on TV.  

If you haven't already read Lee's Summer Quandaries, do yourself a favor and catch up with them.  Some good thoughts on the Celtics and this upcoming season.  As the slow season wears on, they will be an oasis to spend some quality time in. 

I'll end with a chuckle from the Lakers press conference introducing Brandon Bass, Lou Williams, and Roy Hibbert. The players were asked if any of them had heard from Kobe and the silence speaks volumes. 

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2 comments:

  1. Lee Lauderdale3:15 PM

    Pat Riley "tried" to get Danny to go for a 2016 2nd rounder, but Ainge held out for a 2020--nah, we got enough 16 seconds. Can't wait for the inevitable bitching over another "bad" Ainge trade. In fact I've already seen one comment complaining--when will Danny ever make a good trade? #$%^& Sorry, my mother taught me never to argue with a fool, somebody might not be able to tell the difference :>O

    While I loved Gerald's mentoring the youth--one recently said that if you didn't play good defense you pretty much got cursed out by Wallace, I was much less impressed when he popped off to the media. That public carping can sour the chemistry very rapidly. Don't know if Lee will provide similar "tough love" but he at least can still play and provides a rather large expiring if Danny needs to make a deadline move (Lee for salary matching and youth/picks for value).

    I don't see them keeping Zoran since he is already 26. While he might be useful in camp if Smart is not ready to go Oct. 1st, I think Ainge will waive him to allow a better opportunity to catch on elsewhere--Danny has been excellent about trying to handle departures so as to best serve the outgoing.

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  2. FLCeltsFan9:58 AM

    I hadn't seen the info on Riley wanting to send a 2016 pick. I believe we have at least 4 seconds in 2016 so that makes sense. I think between Amir and Lee we will have plenty of veteran mentoring on the team.

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