Celtics 2025-2026 Discussion

[bresna]

With the announcement of Luke Kornet signing a 4 year $41 Million dollar contract, it seems like a good time to kick off the topic for the next season.

I'm going to miss Luke. I'm a bit surprised they couldn't match this contract but maybe he wanted to go? The one thing that always bugged me about the way the C's used him was the fact that this team, which constantly bombed away from 3 & allowed Pozingas to launch them with impunity, never set up plays for Luke to take them. He still holds the NCAA record for 3-pointers made by a 7 footer. In his first game with the Knicks in 2017, he became the first player in NBA history to sink three three-pointers and have four blocks in their debut.

 

[aluminum seats]

With the announcement of Luke Kornet signing a 4 year $41 Million dollar contract, it seems like a good time to kick off the topic for the next season.

I'm going to miss Luke. I'm a bit surprised they couldn't match this contract but maybe he wanted to go? The one thing that always bugged me about the way the C's used him was the fact that this team, which constantly bombed away from 3 & allowed Pozingas to launch them with impunity, never set up plays for Luke to take them. He still holds the NCAA record for 3-pointers made by a 7 footer. In his first game with the Knicks in 2017, he became the first player in NBA history to sink three three-pointers and have four blocks in their debut.

Yep, time to turn the page.

 

[aluminum seats]

Celtics sort of feeling like a lottery team right now. Thank God they got 18 last year

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Celtics sort of feeling like a lottery team right now. Thank God they got 18 last year

We have our own 1st round draft pick next year so maybe we get a great pick that can play in 2026/2027 when Tatum is back?

Never forget the Spurs got Duncan and then Robinson was back the next year.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Celtics sort of feeling like a lottery team right now. Thank God they got 18 last year

If they move more big tix players they will be a lottery team.

 

[bresna]

If they move more big tix players they will be a lottery team.

"more"? They only have three left that will be playing next year.

I suppose they could still move Brown, White or Simons but even with them, it's going to be tough next year unless they get some big bodies.

 

[RobertWeathers]

"more"? They only have three left that will be playing next year.

My point is if they move White or JB they are a lottery team.

As is they are a 45-50 win team. The east is weak.

 

[bresna]

My point is if they move White or JB they are a lottery team.

As is they are a 45-50 win team. The east is weak.

Unless they get someone who can offset the other teams' bigs, teams like New York (with CAT), the Bucks (with a healthy Giannis) or even Philly (with Embiid, the giant question mark) will thump them down low and kill them on the boards. 2 of the Cs top 3 rebounders are not playing here next year (Tatum & KP) and the 3rd (Horford) is unlikely to come back.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Unless they get someone who can offset the other teams' bigs, teams like New York (with CAT), the Bucks (with a healthy Giannis) or even Philly (with Embiid, the giant question mark) will thump them down low and kill them on the boards. 2 of the Cs top 3 rebounders are not playing here next year (Tatum & KP) and the 3rd (Horford) is unlikely to come back.

OK...? As currently constituted that doesn't make them a lottery team.

Based on everyone you mentioned....the east is weak.

 

[bresna]

My recollection of last year is that when the Cs got beat on the boards, they almost always lost. They might seem to live or die by the 3, but in reality, when they're clanging the shots and not rebounding, that's when they die by the 3.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

My recollection of last year is that when the Cs got beat on the boards, they almost always lost. They might seem to live or die by the 3, but in reality, when they're clanging the shots and not rebounding, that's when they die by the 3.

I agree that the lack of bigs is very concerning, but I think there must be another shoe to drop. Hauser for a big? Maybe they are waiting for the Horford resolution before pluggin in another big?

 

[aluminum seats]

My point is if they move White or JB they are a lottery team.

As is they are a 45-50 win team. The east is weak.

I would bet a large sum of money against this iteration of the team winning 50 games. But there are more changes to come I’m sure

 

[bresna]

I was really hoping for Kornet to re-sign. It was really about the only way they could sign a seasoned vet with the size to plug up the middle and rebound. Plus, I'm going to miss his energy and the straight-up fun he brought to the game. I don't think Horford has much gas left in the tank. He was starting to get beat down low as the season progressed.

The cap restrictions on the Cs severely limits what they can do in free agency. They couldn't even be in play for a guy like 37 year old Brook Lopez, who managed to get $18 Million for two years from the Clippers. They're stuck shopping for vet minimum deals like they did with Luka Garza and Josh Minott. Garza can't seem to defend and Minott is probably Davison's replacement in Portland.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I would bet a large sum of money against this iteration of the team winning 50 games. But there are more changes to come I’m sure

My position is the east is ****. 50 wins this year is 40 when the conference is strong.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I agree that the lack of bigs is very concerning, but I think there must be another shoe to drop. Hauser for a big? Maybe they are waiting for the Horford resolution before pluggin in another big?

At present they are $4.5m below the cap but $15m over the luxury tax and face repeater penalties if they don't move a big salary. I would need to look but I don't think moving just Hauser is enough.

I think Brad is moving White.

 

[jimnance]

At present they are $4.5m below the cap but $15m over the luxury tax and face repeater penalties if they don't move a big salary. I would need to look but I don't think moving just Hauser is enough.

I think Brad is moving White.

God, let's hope not. I think losing DW hurts the team worse than losing JB.
And I like JB. But let's be real.
They're both glue guys with different strengths. We need em both

 

[aluminum seats]

I think Brad is moving White.

If that happens they are 100% lottery bound

 

[jimnance]

If that happens they are 100% lottery bound

Or close to it which would be worse.

 

[RobertWeathers]

God, let's hope not. I think losing DW hurts the team worse than losing JB.
And I like JB. But let's be real.
They're both glue guys with different strengths. We need em both

Not sure I agree JB < White but it would be soul crushing if White was moved.

Talent preveils though .....and it's JD over White

 

[RobertWeathers]

If that happens they are 100% lottery bound

I tend to agree