Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
According to a league source, 2nd round pick Demetrius Jackson has finalized a four-year, $5.5 million deal with the Celtics.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) July 26, 2016
That’s an even bigger contract than the one Jordan Mickey signed last year, which was one of the largest ever for a second-rounder at the time. Assuming he gets all of the money, Jackson will essentially get paid almost as if he were a top-20 pick. He was considered a possible first-round selection before draft night, but slid to the Celtics at No. 45.
MassLive – Boston Celtics rumors: Demetrius Jackson finalizes four-year contract
This signing was a bit surprising because 1) no one has been devoting any thought to the future of a mid-second-round pick, and 2) it was for generous money. That begs the question, is Jackson good enough that the Celtics really want to guarantee keeping him, or is this somehow setting up a trade? Most of us are expecting a trade, so it’s easy to jump to conclusions.
Along that line, look at these two tweets from yesterday, which connect some dots, and let your imagination go.
Paul Pierce is planning on returning to the Clippers for the 2016-17 season, his 19th in the NBA, per source.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) July 27, 2016
Gay basically admits he wants out in print and references LAC guy’s stability. Pierce announces he’s coming back. BOS signs a 4th PG. Hmmmmm
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 27, 2016
Realistic? Who knows? But if the Cs are angling for a way to obtain Blake Griffin, with Pierce as the icing on the cake to finish his career in Boston…I’m in.
Related: ESPN Boston – Source: Celtics give 2nd-rounder Demetrius Jackson 4-year, $5.5M contract
On Page 2: On the other hand…
Void of a true saving grace—despite a pair of All-Stars already on their roster—but able to acquire one should that be their absolute primary objective, the Celtics are in a peculiar place. They can probably hatch a blockbuster deal if they want, but doing so would disrupt their cement-solid foundation and abnormally meteoric rebuild.
Boston is obsessed with hanging an 18th banner from the TD Garden’s ceiling, and it’s nearly impossible for them to do so without adding more talent than what’s already there. But that goal should not be confused with the very act of incorporating a superstar into the fold. A trade before this year’s deadline may end up tarnishing their long-term prospects without the necessary short-term progress to make it worthwhile.
[…]
Instead of making a trade, the Celtics should bunker down and sit on their hands. By holding onto the Brooklyn picks and keeping everyone who’s expected to crack their rotation, Boston is already good enough for a deep playoff run, and well-positioned to straddle two timelines at the same time.
What does this mean? Right now the Celtics are already one LeBron James injury from making the NBA Finals. They’re way ahead of schedule and don’t need to sacrifice the future unless the absolute perfect opportunity presents itself.
Real GM – Why The Celtics Should Hunker Down, Not Disrupt Asset Base
This assessment says that Boston is much closer to legitimate contender status than even most green-glasses-wearing fans would dream. The possibility that the Celts might be that good makes me want the season to start yesterday.
Perhaps the best way to look at the Celtics’ future is that they’re set up for success either way – they might get better by acquiring new talent, but they’re also strong enough already that they don’t need to trade. (Although, if they don’t, the fans and media who want to win now are going to get pretty noisy about it.)
Related reminder that the Celtics signed this summer’s second-most sought after free agent: Celtics.com – Al Horford’s Top Career Performances
On Page 3: Check out a few Marcus Smart highlights
Wondering how the Celtics’ young guard is doing in Las Vegas? Here are a few clips from a recent workout between USA Team Select (the practice squad) and the US national team, which will play in the Olympics beginning in about 10 days. Smart is wearing number 77.
Related: NBA.com – Olympics will feature NBA talent well beyond USA roster (but zero Celtics) | The Wall Street Journal – The Coach of Nigeria’s Basketball Team Is From…Vermont (not Celtics-related, just a cool story)
And, finally: Off the finger, off the head, off the glass…
Must’ve been a slow news day for the Celtics social media team, so they put together this wacky competition between Kelly and Jae. No word on how many shots were flubbed before the makes.
. @CJC9BOSS with the score from the floor! Retweet to vote for Jae in the Trick Shot Throwdown. pic.twitter.com/OartZ7ADVm
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 26, 2016
Thanks to your votes, Kelly Olynyk is the winner of today’s Trick Shot Throwdown! pic.twitter.com/Y3xVtiw6Iz
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 26, 2016
The Rest of the Links:
ESPN Boston – Celtics stars at peace with soaring salaries for role players
MassLive – Jaylen Brown summer league highlights: NBA releases video starring Boston Celtics rookie
Boston.com – Remembering Gerald Green’s 5 best dunks as a Celtic
The Undefeated – Sacramento Kings honor David Stern for keeping the team in town
ESPN – Thunder can now offer Russell Westbrook maximum level extension
