Crowder's comments following the loss to the Magic have me thinking today about what the Celts might be like if they added just a couple of above average starters to their core group and limited the rotation to just 8 or 9 guys.
Way I figure it, the best players on the Celts right now are Bradley, Thomas, and Sullinger, with Crowder, Smart, and Olynyk as versatile supporting players who occasionally have a big game.
So let's say the Celts added two above average starters next summer in free agency, one on the wing and one down low.
How about: Nic Batum and Hassan Whiteside.
So your starting lineup is:
Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Nic Batum, Jared Sullinger, and Hassan Whiteside.
Your bench is Smart, Crowder, Olynyk.
Then you've probably got a few young guys like Hunter, Rozier, and Mickey to give you spot minutes.
How good could that team be?
I think it's an interesting question, because it's not so implausible that Ainge could acquire just a couple of good but not stupendous pieces.
If those pieces are the right ones -- guys that shore up the major weaknesses in the rotation without creating new ones -- it could crystallize the gameplan for this team somewhat. But would it be worth it? Or is it all just re-arranging deck chairs until the next big star comes to town?