Celtics: Take 'em or leave 'em?
The Boston Celtics have the potential to bring back a very similar roster next season, but recent history suggests that things will look different by the time the team returns to the court in September.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens has pleaded for roster stability and the development of corporate knowledge, but he admits there's the possibility for more change. After all, the Celtics made 11 trades and had 41 total roster players over the course of the season.
"We can hopefully build off the progress that has been made," said Stevens. "And we'll see what our teams look like at that time. One of the things that we've learned is that's fairly unpredictable."
Below, you get to play armchair general manager and pick which players stay and which players go. Our picks below are made with Boston identifying players that will stay at the start of the offseason (hence only a limited number of guys we'd send packing). If the Celtics add star talent at a position, it certainly impacts who stays and who goes, as will competition from incoming draft picks and free-agent signings.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
Jae Crowder
Position: SF
Forsberg: Pay the man! He belongs in green. Take.
Luigi Datome
Position: SF
Forsberg: Don't say arrivederci to fan favorite. Take.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
Brandon Bass
Position: PF
Forsberg: Good soldier, but time to move on. Let him go.
Jonas Jerebko
Position: PF
Forsberg: Good energy guy at right price. Take.
PLAYERS UNDER CONTRACT
Marcus Smart
Position: PG
Forsberg: Star potential with two-way impact. Take.
Isaiah Thomas
Position: PG
Forsberg: Eager to see a full season with IT. Take.
Evan Turner
Position: SG
Forsberg: Versatility makes him valuable asset. Take.
Avery Bradley
Position: PG
Forsberg: Must build after a healthy season. Take.
James Young
Position: SG
Forsberg: Must embrace the desire to improve. Take.
Gerald Wallace
Position: SF
Forsberg: Draft pick enough to move contract? Trade.
Jared Sullinger
Position: PF
Forsberg: Important summer to shape up. Take.
Tyler Zeller
Position: C
Forsberg: Solid backup if C's find rim protector. Take.
Kelly Olynyk
Position: C
Forsberg: Must eliminate hesitation at both ends. Take.
Chris Babb
Position: SG
Forsberg: Trade bait when roster fills up. Let him go.
Phil Pressey
Position: PG
Forsberg: Cheap PG depth unless roster fills. Take.
FRONT OFFICE
Danny Ainge
Position: GM
Forsberg: Hard hat area: Heavy lifting ahead. Keep.
Brad Stevens
Position: Coach
Forsberg: Boston's only true superstar right now. Keep.
- Covered Celtics since 2007
- Emmy award-winning videographer
- Joined ESPNBoston.com in 2009
EDITORS' PICKS
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- Patriots Power Play
- Akiem Hicks' size -- 6-foot-5 and 324 pounds -- and power give the Pats a force between the tackles, but his success depends on how he adjusts to the system.
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