I'm so confused. Tanking isn't the answer according to the OP of the thread that's now been locked. This thread makes a good case (thus far) about free agency not being the answer either. So what is a GM supposed to do? How do you take a team like the Cs from what we are now to a contender?
In the Celtics particular situation, its too late to tank and blowing it up isn't really realistic.
Celtics are in a position to continue a slow rebuild. We just went thru year 2 of it. Basically, don't overpay third tier talent in free agency and, in the meantime, continue to take on assets in the forms of draft picks and more cap friendly deals (i.e. youth & shorter term deals). Try & work your magic with these assets via the trade market when the right opportunity is there to strike. Keep your cap flexibility and also try to address needs in free agency.
Tanking isn't the magic potion but free agency really isn't either.