Bol Bol might not play for the Celtics this season, but the newly-acquired power forward could have a future with the team, writes Souichi Terada of MassLive. The three-team trade that sent Bol and PJ Dozier from Denver to Boston was finalized today just before coach Ime Udoka’s pre-game meeting with reporters, giving him a chance to discuss how the organization views Bol.
“He’s an intriguing young player,” Udoka said. “I’ve seen him quite a bit at Oregon before he got hurt there playing with Payton (Pritchard). Know about him, intriguing guy who can do a lot of things obviously and he’s a guy that’s a restricted free agent, so we can retain his rights and get a good look at him over the next few months.”
The Nuggets were seeking a taker for the 7’2″ Bol, who seemed headed to Detroit last week before the Pistons reneged on a trade due to medical reasons. Bol had surgery on his right foot Tuesday and is expected to miss eight-to-12 weeks weeks, so the best-case scenario would have him return during the final month of the regular season.
There’s more from Boston:
- The Celtics parted with Juancho Hernangomez in the trade, mainly for financial reasons as the team tries to get below the luxury tax threshold. Although Hernangomez wasn’t able to earn a spot in the rotation after being acquired in an offseason deal, Udoka said he handled the situation professionally, Terada adds. “I love his approach, the work he continued to put in and him being professional in cheering on the guys,” Udoka said. “I think it’s a tough situation and one of the toughest as coaches is finding minutes for everybody and honestly, it was … nothing that he didn’t do.”
- Brad Stevens will approach his first trade deadline as president of basketball operations with several team-friendly contracts that should be easy to move, notes Mark Murphy of The Boston Herald. With the Celtics expected to be among the most active teams at the deadline, there may be some uneasiness in the locker room over the next three weeks, but Josh Richardson tells his younger teammates that it’s nothing to worry about. “I’ve been traded a few times, so you just kind of learn how to live with it at that point,” he said. “It might be scary for some guys who have never been through it, but for us veterans who have been moved we know it’s a business and just try to keep the other guys engaged on what’s important and that’s winning games.”
- With tonight marking his first game in Boston since signing with the Hornets, Gordon Hayward talks to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated about his memories of the city and why he decided to move on.
If the Celtics truly want to shake up their roster, they’d bring back Tacko Fall to pair with Bol Bol. Heck, sign Thon Maker while you’re at it. That would be an absolutely GOATed roster, make it happen Brad!
Not a wise idea. You are falling in love with size over skill. This is common, not your fault, but please shop that idea somewhere else…
It’s sarcasm. I’m merely exploiting the overhyped nature of the games of all three of those bigs, especially while the Celtics are rumored to be re-evaluating the current roster.
Wow, you’re so funny you could have a show on TBS.
I appreciate that. Though I’m sure I could do much better than the current group of jokers they have.
Funny man! Yes, I got the sarcasm. And I remember some on a Celtic site back in 2016 wanted to pick Thon Maker over Jaylen Brown. Whew!
Bol Bol seems to have much more fluidity than Tacko. And has an outside shot too! I hope he strengthens up seriously over the off season!
If Steven’s really want to do something at the trade deadline! Fire the head coach, he cannot coach Brown and Tatum! Trade everyone not named Brown, Tatum or The time lord! Find a really good point guard and a couple of wing shooters! This team is not right, will not be right until they first get rid of the coach!
Seems your complaint about Celts new Coach Udoka is Celtics stars had some input into picking him. Seems you want a dictatorial coach: “You just do what I tell you, that’s it!’ I don’t think that is going to work well in today’s NBA. Remember too, we couldn’t get an experienced coach since owners would have had to pay a ton more.
What has the coach done? Not too quick? Not like I am sure of his success.
Udoka is a disappointment. However the two J’s lobbied for him and Stevens provided.
I knew the Udoka hire was a bad move from day one.
I really don’t think Celts first year Coach Udoka is a disappointment. His two stars he inherited were just scorers, not ball movers. But they are changing. Although we lost, I though last night’s game against the Hornets showed the team is starting to play better together. I’m encouraged. But I agree with some here, & Bob Cousy, we need a Chris Paul type point guard, a guy who can get us good shots in the 4th quarter. Go Celtics!
Seen reports that the Celtics are shopping basically everyone on the roster not named Tatum or Brown. But specifically trying to look into getting rid of Al Horford, Denis Schroder and Josh Richardson for upgrades.
Don’t the greatest idea but wonder if they have looked into John Wall and the Rockets.
What about:
Al Horford, Josh Richardson and Romeo Langford for John Wall, Kevin Porter Jr and a second round pick.
For the Celtics their biggest issue has been a lack of a leader especially on offence with Brown and Tatum struggling without a true point like what they had in Kemba or Kyrie. John Wall is definitely past his prime but he is a great leader, elite passer and can run an offence. Yes it’s a terrible deal to take but your currently 10th in the east and risk not even making the okay in tournament with two all stars on your team….
Not to mention if John Wall doesn’t work out his deal expires next offseason and you’ll be able to spend big in FA try to acquire another star.
You also get Kevin Porter Jr who has had his issues but he’s a really promising and talented player. John Wall and Marcus Smart would be good role models for him and hopefully straighten him out abit.
Celtics could then line up something like
1. Wall. Schroder
2. Porter Jr. Smart
3. Brown. Nesmith
4. Tatum. G Williams
5. R Williams. Enes Freedom
Schroder gets to thrive in that 6th role he’s done well in from the past. Together him and Marcus Smart off the bench would be one of the best defensive backcourts.
They just need a change and be willing to try something cause finishing 10th or below isn’t good enough with that team. Two all stars and not even a playoff spot that’s terrible. Even if you don’t like Wall as a fan it shows the team is willing to try save the season and if it doesn’t work his deal will expire and you can go FA shopping for a star next offseason
All signs point to Bos trying to get more liquid on the ledger not drop a 10lb anchor on it for next year
This would also add money this year and they are trying to cut the 1.5 mill they are currently over the tax line
Think you see Schroeder going to Dallas on their trade exception for a protected 2nd to dip under that line and not much else from Bos
Remember the East is so much stronger than last year! Milwaukee, Philly, Miami, the Nets are as good or better & still up there but Cleveland & Chicago have made great strides. And Charlotte has 5 guys all shooting close to 37% or higher from three.