Irving, Horford & Hayward didn't work out. Barring a trade-of-the-decade, look for roster tweaks .
How did Kyrie Irving work out for the Boston Celtics? Frankly, not very well. Injuries, team turmoil and no Banner #18! He walked away. Al Horford? It looked like Al just didn't want to be here any more. And when it looked like Gordon Hayward was re-upping with Boston or heading back home to Indiana, he bolted to Charlotte. We can only guess why.
The addition of Kemba Walker has been positive thus far. He's supplies volume scoring - is a willing facilitator - and a great teammate. But now we are looking at some persistent knee issues for Kemba that may limit his production this season.
With the Jay Team, Marcus and Kemba on board, Danny Ainge may see no need for any home-run moves to acquire a superstar, unless (there's always an "unless" with Danny) an Anthony Davis-level star becomes available. NBA stars peak in their mid-to-late 20's, and Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum aren't there yet, and that's great news. And frankly, free agent stars cost big money and no one yet knows where this season is heading, financially and otherwise.
Ainge may be "one cold character", in the words of Kevin McHale, but he isn't stupid. These are uncertain times for the League, and he is being cautious. Getting Tristan Thompson on board may, on the surface, appear to be a minor move, but to me, Thompson just seems to be a great fit alongside the guys that are already in Green. And the first-round draft picks, Aaron Nesmith and Payton Pritchard, may contribute this season if Brad Stevens loosens up a bit relative to playing the young guys.
For Boston, the stars are already onboard. We don't require anymore. Ainge is not quite done with moves to improve his team. Kemba's knee issues and newly-acquired Jeff Teague's age could mean picking up another player that can work the point, but don't look for major deals on the horizon. Unless (there it is again) the deal-of-the-decade surfaces.
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