Boston Celtics – Grade: B
Additions:
- Kristaps Porzingis
- Jordan Walsh
- Oshae Brissett
- Dalano Banton
Losses:
- Marcus Smart
- Grant Williams
I know the Celtics will miss Marcus Smart as a leader and as a point guard, but Derrick White is very similar to Smart and being able to add Kristaps Porzingis was huge. Boston had needed a star big for awhile, and Porzingis gives them improved size, shooting and scoring from a big. Porzingis is a superior player to Smart, but the Celtics lost a huge talent. They also lost Grant Williams, who I see having a monster season. The two other signings are of little note, and although I love Jordan Walsh, $300 million for Jaylen Brown? He is among or near the 20 biggest stars in the NBA, but has the biggest contract in the league, which is hilarious to me. I would not have given him that money and probably would have simply traded him.
I’m just not a big fan of Boston’s offseason, although Porzingis could be the team’s missing piece.
Signings:
- Kristaps Porzingis – Grade: A
- Oshae Brissett – Grade: B
- Dalano Banton – Grade: B
Trades:
- Grant Williams – Grade: B
- Kristaps Porzingis – Grade: A-
Celtics’ 2023 NBA Draft – Grade: A
- No. 38: Jordan Walsh, SF, Arkansas
I am a big fan of Walsh, who started the 2022 season as a first-round prospect, but remained an excellent second-round value for the Celtics. A monster athlete with elite role player talent, he could play a versatile energy bench role. Walsh was a fantastic pick.