Jessica Camerato of Basketball Insiders is optimistic about Jared Sullinger and Tyler Zeller heading into the 2015/16 season. Both players are eligible for rookie scale extensions and they both have between now and November 2nd to come to terms with the Celtics. It may not be wise to extend Sullinger now due to health concerns, Will Joseph of Hoops Rumors opined in his extension candidate piece. Zeller, who I examined as an extension candidate last week, is more likely to reach an agreement with the team.
Here’s more from Boston:
- David Lee is the team’s best new addition, Camerato opines in the same piece. Lee is entering the final season of his current deal, which will pay him slightly under $15.5MM, and Camerato believes the big man will elevate his game and emerge as a contributor for Boston.
- A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com examines the Celtics‘ roster and wonders who could be the most improved. Blakely names Marcus Smart, Kelly Olynyk and James Young as likely candidates and believes the progress of Smart is the most important for the team as it will go far in determining how good Boston will be next season.
If Marcus Smart is the most improved Celtic, that would be an excellent sign for the franchise’s long-term picture. He has more potential than anyone else there.
Celtics strategy, keep adding mid-level talent to a mid-level team. Sixers strategy, blow it all up to get top five picks. It’ll be interesting where the two teams will be in two years.
Celtics have noone who scares the opposition on offense or defense. Added RJ Hunter, Terry Rozier, Jordan Mickey, Amir Johnson, David Lee. Meh.
Joseph Young #43 looked as good as Rozier in Summer League. Toronnto got better by replacing Johnson with Demarre Carroll.
Ainge is that guy in your fantasy league offering four dudes for your young up and coming stud as if you don’t know how good he is, ahem, Justise Winslow. You don’t respond because he’s got a comeback about how good each of his players are.
Marcus Smart is a bully. Avery Bradley is a terrific defender, and Isaiah Thomas does Isaiah Thomas things. They’ll make the playoffs. Get bounced first or second round.