Long-time Celtic fan. Long-time lurker. First-time poster.
The Celtics are learning how to play the game the right way under Stevens, but even if they continue to develop, I think Sully, Olynyk, and Zeller can only be average defensively. They simply get outclassed by any big men they face (except when Zeller completely shut down Cousins a few weeks ago). Their interior defense needs to continue to develop, but it just won't ever be great. All of that being said, it's pretty obvious they need a big man who can compete defensively and athletically at a high level. If possible, that big man should also be skilled offensively.
If the Celtics are really patient, they could draft a center in this year's draft. However, common wisdom says that big men take longer to develop than guards. Even if we got one of the top tier big men, he may not be a starting caliber player until the end of his rookie contract, which would be 2018 at the earliest.
Getting a player like Lopez is a bit of a homerun swing, but I think his value is at an all-time low. I mean, the Thunder almost got him for Perkins' expiring contract and Jeremy Lamb. The Celtics have so many assets right now that they could trade. Honestly, they wouldn't have to break the bank for him. More on my trade ideas in a second.
Brooke Lopez is an all-star caliber center when healthy. He is a very good rim protector and decent at defending the pick-and-roll. He has the size and good athleticism to match up with the biggest NBA centers. His rebounding is his weakest point, but the Celtics rebound decently well as a team. He is skilled offensively, a great finisher in the lane, and might soon have range out to the three point line. On top of all of this, he only has two years left on his contract, which means we aren't tied to a guy long-term if he does continue to have injuries. All of this is contingent on a satisfactory physical. He has been decently healthy so far this season and he was very healthy for the first three years of his career.
Like I said earlier, the Nets were in advanced discussion with the Thunder for Perkins and Lamb. However, the going rate for a skilled starting NBA center was just set with the Cavs trade for Mozgov. It is going to cost us two late first round picks, plus expirings, and possibly a prospect. Here are a few options.
1. Nets-Celtics-Hornets
Nets receive Stephenson, Bass, 2015 first round pick (from clippers), and 2016 first round pick (from cavs)
Celtics receive Lopez
Hornets receive Thorton, and future second rounders
2. Nets-Celtics-Blazers
Nets receive Robinson, McCullom, Kaman, 2015 first round pick (from clippers), and 2016 first round pick (from cavs)
Celtics receive Lopez
Blazers receive Thorton and Bass
3. Nets-Celtics (Cannot happen until Feb 19)
Nets receive Prince, Bass, 2015 first round pick (from clippers), and 2016 first round pick (from cavs)
Celtics receive Lopez and Teletovic
All we give away is late first round pics and expiring contracts that had no future on our team. We keep our lottery-bound first round picks and young prospects, and we get two years to see if Lopez can stay healthy and fit well in our system.
