Hal14 wrote:https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/09/05/sports/celtics-kristaps-porzingis-roster/
"The Celtics still have one empty roster spot and a two-way-contract opening after signing veteran wing Svi Mykhailiuk last week. According to a league source, there are no imminent plans to fill the opening, and the team may wait to see which other players become available as cuts are made around the NBA during the preseason. They may target some extra frontcourt help, but also could simply seek a good developmental piece regardless of position.
The Celtics would likely welcome a return by veteran big man Blake Griffin, who played well last year and was a strong locker room presence, but for now that appears unlikely as Griffin considers his future, the source said."
Interesting. So Blake is likely not coming back. We could seek front court help and could seek a development piece. I did hear some rumors earlier in the offseason that Blake was considering retirement..
The Garuba fans on here might get their wish..idk who else is out there for a young development piece who could be worthy of signing to a standard roster spot besides Garuba. Perhaps Marko Simonovic?
Perhaps someone like JRE or Poku gets cut by OKC..
Updated list of available free agents:
That list has names that were regular NBA contributors within the last two years. A few of them we were even clamoring for. These guys must be wondering what the heck happened, maybe they realize that their paychecks are going to the Jaylen Brown's and cheaper rookie contract and G-Leaguers.
As the Celtics are currently constructed, my first choice would the young big with potential, Garuba. Second, Blake if wanted to come back.
After that, it's depth at positions that are already pretty deep. Winslow would be nice -- he wouldn't even be on this list if he could hit the 3. Georg Hill is interesting as vet presence and ball handler insurance.
Davis, Stavens, Diallo, Warren, and the Green's all should find new homes, but maybe there are not enough playoff caliber teams that have the cap room.
It would be a real knee-slapper if, after all this, Brad ends up signing Christian Wood. I'm not a big fan, but the talent is obviously there. If he could accept a limited role and sign a value contract for a year, he could turn his career around. Being on a Celtics team deep into the playoffs would get him the exposure he's missed out on in the last few years. He'd definitely fill a need, it's just a matter of will he be happy to be a soldier and hold rank.
But, Wood will probably go to Lakers, or jump on the Miami boat once the Lillard trade is done. For the Celtics, could move up into that Garuba/Griffin tier for need at back up big.
At 28 years old, has he matured enough? And is he hungry enough for a ring -- willing to make the sacrifice? If so, he could put the Celtics over the top this year as favorites.
