Looking Back at the 2016 offseason ** as i seeit possibly going down...**

Looking Back At the Celtics 2016 Off Season.

Remember those fireworks the Celtics Brass mentioned early on in the teams rebuild? It will always be remembered how even though they showed up a bit late, boy did they ever show up. With the respective Celtic and Warriors dynasties about to do battle for the 4th year in a row in the NBA finals I thought it might be good to reflect back on the summer that helped Boston get to this point.

As you may recall the third season of the Celtics so called “rebuild” had ended with a 48 win regular season and a 4-2 exit from the first round courtesy the Hawks. Boston though had many reasons to be optimistic. A fantastic up and coming coach, a highly respected organization, a great fan base, almost 60 million in possible cap space and a semi load of draft picks. Danny Ainge had his work cut out for him, to get this story going lets look over what he had exactly to work with before May 17th, the day of the NBA lottery.

Boston had nine players under contract for the 2017-2018 campaign for about 33.5 million, leaving 58.5 million available in cap space. The team also had a team option on Amir Johnson for 12 million and likewise a option for Jonas Jerebko for 5 million. Sullinger and Zeller were both restricted free agents and Evan Turner was a free agent as well. The team also boosted the #'s 16,23,31,35,45,51 and 56 in the draft and the biggy, the lotto pick from Brooklyn. They also had the rights to swap with Brooklyn in 2017, and the Nets pick in 18, and within the next three years a first coming from Memphis. Their own 2nds in 17 and 18 were protected and owned them outright after wards. They also had the Cav's, Clippers and Twolves seconds in 2017. Memphis’s 2nd in 2020 and Minny's 2nd in 2021

This was of course the year that the ping pong gods finely decided to not screw with Boston and show the Celtics some lovin. Not only did the C's fans get a good laugh at the Lakers bad luck (their pick went to the 76ers when it got the number four slot in the draft (Philly went on to pick 5th with their own pick as well) But Boston ended up with the first pick in the draft. Say “Hello” to Boston Ben Simmons.

Before Boston was to draft the eventual Rookie of the Year though Trader Danny had the busiest summer of his career. First the team announced they intended to exercise the option on the contract of Jonas Jerebko, but not on Amir Johnson. The teams Cap was now at about 38.5 million

Then the day before the draft Danny sent the L.A. Clippers rookies Young and Hunter as well as the #'s 45,51 and 58 in the draft in exchange for Paul Peirce and pick number 33. Peirce, who had already announced his intent to play a final year would do so where he started, back in Celtic Green. The team also got a cagey vet who had playoff and championship experience and could help mentor the Celtics youth. The team was now using about 39 million of its 92 million in cap space and had 8 players under contract.

The following morning, before the draft even got started, Danny made his second move, a bit of paying it forward when he traded to the Lakers picks 33 and 35 in exchange for the Lakers 2020 first- with the stipulation that if the pick turned out to be a lotto pick the Lakers would also get the Celtics 2nd that year as well.

Of course later that day you could not have beaten the smirk off Danny Ainge's face with a baseball bat when he thought of the deal he made with Brooklyn three years earlier and Adam Silver announced that Boston with the first pick of the 2016 NBA draft was choosing Ben Simmons.

Trader Danny still had plenty of work to do that day though and before Philly was done making the 4th and 5th picks the league was announcing that Boston had made yet another deal. Boston was sending to Denver cash, the # 23 and 31st picks as well as the teams 2021st second round pick to Denver in exchange for the 15th pick.

Boston now had picks 15 and 16 coming up and rumors that Trader Danny was up to something big were realized right after the Pelicans used their #6 pick. Danny had at last made the big trade he'd been waiting for. Sending both the 15th and 16th picks, the Celtics own firsts in 2018 and 2020 as well as the Cavs, Twolves and Clippers seconds in 2017 and the Twolves second in 2020 and Kelly Olynyk to Sacramento, Boston acquired DeMarcus Cousins.

In less than 24 hours Boston had gone from a team with 9 players on the roster, 53.5 million in cap space and 8 draft picks to a team with 8 players under contract, a unsigned number 1 pick and 35.7 million in cap space. Less than two days after that Kevin Durant named Boston as one of only five teams he'd be talking to over the summer. And since Durant only planned to meet with one team a day in free agency and Boston was to be day 3, Danny Ainge went out and showed Durant how serious he was about bringing together a team that could win a title by signing Pau Gasol to a one year deal. By 8 am. On the first day that teams could meet with players. Boston now had 10 players under contract and 29 million and change to play with.

Durant bumped up his meeting with Boston by a day and then Danny mentioned to the good folks over in Oklahoma how he'd be ever so happy to offer up the teams own next available first rounder if they'd be so kind so as to sign Mr. Durant a nice new almost max contract and then send it on over along with Mr. Durant to Boston. The Thunder figured nothing is not as good as something and so obliged.

Boston now had 11 players under contract, and some pocket change to toss around, the pocket change amounted to Evan Turners cap hold. Boston really liked the Ohio former Buckeye and was able to sign him to a three year deal that made both parties very happy. Boston had 12 players now under contract and a number 1 pick still to sign.

Danny wasn't through just yet. He had Simmons signed before the end of July, Brought back former Celtic Kendrick Perkins for the MLE, and got Matt Barnes to sign for the Veterans minimum just because Barnes really, really wanted an NBA championship.

Of course, Danny wasn't done even then, as he brought back old friend and former Celtic Kevin Mchale as Special coach for his bigs.

Its still argued even to this day, if any GM ever had a better off season. The following season Isaiah Thomas had three teammates join him in the East as All Stars, Cousins, Durant and Simmons. Evan Turner was named 6th man of the year. Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart and Cousins were all named to the leagues All Defense teams. Simmons won rookie of the year. Durant was second in MVP voting and Brad Stevens won Coach of the year. Oh, and after Boston beat the Cav's in the ECF's they went toe to toe with the Warriors. Five overtimes. Each team won all of its home games. Being the only time in NBA history that two teams with 70+ wins each have played each other in the finals the ratings were out of this world. And for once Celtic fans were thrilled to have Jared Sullinger hoisting up a three- as time expired- on the Celtics home court- with the Warriors down by 1.

Because his fat ass as usual missed and being that he'd signed with the Warriors for 15 million a year the previous summer it meant Boston had won its 18th championship.

And thats when Wyc and the boys footed the bill for the biggest fireworks show in the history of Boston.

gyso wrote:Matty,

Very nice, very nice indeed!

I made this sort of prediction back in 07 and it came true back on bdc.. even had us beatin them lakers in 6 games and rondo tearin up the place. so I like to try to make the occasional repeat of history..

Matty wrote:                                  Looking Back At the Celtics 2016 Off Season.

Remember those fireworks the Celtics Brass mentioned early on in the teams rebuild? It will always be remembered how even though they showed up a bit late, boy did they ever show up. With the respective Celtic and Warriors dynasties about to do battle for the 4th year in a row in the NBA finals I thought it might be good to reflect back on the summer that helped Boston get to this point.

As you may recall the third season of the Celtics so called “rebuild” had ended with a 48 win regular season and a 4-2 exit from the first round courtesy the Hawks. Boston though had many reasons to be optimistic. A fantastic up and coming coach, a highly respected organization, a great fan base, almost 60 million in possible cap space and a semi load of draft picks. Danny Ainge had his work cut out for him, to get this story going lets look over what he had exactly to work with before May 17th, the day of the NBA lottery.

 Boston had nine players under contract for the 2017-2018 campaign for about 33.5 million, leaving 58.5 million available in cap space. The team also had a team option on Amir Johnson for 12 million and likewise a option for Jonas Jerebko for 5 million. Sullinger and Zeller were both restricted free agents and Evan Turner was a free agent as well. The team  also boosted  the #'s 16,23,31,35,45,51 and 56 in the draft and the biggy, the lotto pick from Brooklyn. They also had the rights to swap with Brooklyn in 2017, and the Nets pick in 18, and within the next three years a first coming from Memphis. Their own 2nds in 17 and 18 were protected and owned them outright after wards. They also had the Cav's, Clippers and Twolves seconds in 2017. Memphis’s 2nd in 2020 and Minny's 2nd in 2021

This was of course the year that the ping pong gods finely decided to not screw with Boston and show the Celtics some lovin. Not only did the C's fans get a good laugh at the Lakers bad luck (their pick went to the 76ers when it got the number four slot in the draft (Philly went on to pick 5th with their own pick as well) But Boston ended up with the first pick in the draft. Say “Hello” to Boston Ben Simmons.

Before Boston was to draft the eventual Rookie of the Year though Trader Danny had the busiest summer of his career. First the team announced they intended to exercise the option on the contract of Jonas Jerebko, but not on Amir Johnson. The teams Cap was now at about 38.5 million

Then the day before the draft Danny sent the L.A. Clippers rookies Young and Hunter as well as the #'s 45,51 and 58 in the draft in exchange for Paul Peirce and pick number 33. Peirce, who had already announced his intent to play a final year would do so where he started, back in Celtic Green. The team also got a cagey vet who had playoff and championship experience and could help mentor the Celtics youth. The team was now using about 39 million of its 92 million in cap space and had 8 players under contract.

The following morning, before the draft even got started, Danny made his second move, a bit of paying it forward when he traded to the Lakers picks 33 and 35 in exchange for the Lakers 2020 first- with the stipulation that if the pick turned out to be a lotto pick the Lakers would also get the Celtics 2nd that year as well.  

Of course later that day you could not have beaten the smirk off Danny Ainge's face with a baseball bat when he thought of the deal he made with Brooklyn three years earlier and Adam Silver announced that Boston with the first pick of the 2016 NBA draft was choosing Ben Simmons.

Trader Danny still had plenty of work to do that day though and before Philly was done making the 4th and 5th picks the league was announcing that Boston had made yet another deal. Boston was sending to Denver cash, the # 23 and 31st picks as well as the teams 2021st second round pick to Denver in exchange for the 15th pick.  

 Boston now had picks 15 and 16 coming up and rumors that Trader Danny was up to something big were realized right after the Pelicans used their #6 pick. Danny had at last made the big trade he'd been waiting for.  Sending both the 15th and 16th picks, the Celtics own firsts in 2018 and 2020  as well as the Cavs, Twolves and Clippers seconds in 2017 and the Twolves second in 2020 and Kelly Olynyk to Sacramento, Boston acquired DeMarcus Cousins.

In less than 24 hours Boston had gone from a team with 9 players on the roster, 53.5 million in cap space and 8 draft picks to a team with 8 players under contract, a unsigned number 1 pick and 35.7 million in cap space. Less than two days after that Kevin Durant named Boston as one of only five teams he'd be talking to over the summer. And since Durant only planned to meet with one team a day in free agency and Boston was to be day 3, Danny Ainge went out and showed Durant how serious he was about bringing together a team that could win a title by signing Pau Gasol to a one year deal. By 8 am. On the first day that teams could meet with players. Boston now had 10 players under contract and 29 million and change to play with.

Durant bumped up his meeting with Boston by a day and then Danny mentioned to the good folks over in Oklahoma how he'd be ever so happy to offer up the teams own next available first rounder if they'd be so kind so as to sign Mr. Durant a nice new  almost max contract and then send it on over along with Mr. Durant to Boston. The Thunder figured nothing is not as good as something and so obliged.

Boston now had 11 players under contract, and some pocket change to toss around, the pocket change amounted to Evan Turners cap hold. Boston really liked the Ohio former Buckeye and was able to sign him to a three year deal that made both parties very happy. Boston had 12 players now under contract and a number 1 pick still to sign.

Danny wasn't through just yet. He had Simmons signed before the end of July, Brought back former Celtic Kendrick Perkins for the MLE, and got Matt Barnes to sign for the Veterans minimum just because Barnes really, really wanted an NBA championship.

 Of course, Danny wasn't done even then, as he brought back old friend and former Celtic Kevin Mchale as Special coach for his bigs.

Its still argued even to this day, if any GM ever had a better off season. The following season Isaiah Thomas had three teammates join him in the East as All Stars, Cousins, Durant and Simmons. Evan Turner was named 6th man of the year. Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart and Cousins were all named to the leagues All Defense teams.  Simmons won rookie of the year.  Durant was second in MVP voting and Brad Stevens won Coach of the year. Oh, and after Boston beat the Cav's in the ECF's they went toe to toe with the Warriors.  Five overtimes. Each team won all of its home games. Being the only time in NBA history that two teams with 70+ wins each have played each other in the finals the ratings were out of this world.  And for once Celtic fans were thrilled to have Jared Sullinger hoisting up a three- as time expired- on the Celtics home court- with the Warriors down by 1.

Because his fat ass as usual missed and being that he'd signed with the Warriors for 15 million a year the previous summer it meant Boston had won its 18th championship.  

And thats when Wyc and the boys footed the bill for the biggest fireworks show in the history of Boston.

So, Boston is going to acquire Cousins for no lottery picks and no NBA starters?
:-)

tjmakz wrote:

Matty wrote:                                  Looking Back At the Celtics 2016 Off Season.

Remember those fireworks the Celtics Brass mentioned early on in the teams rebuild? It will always be remembered how even though they showed up a bit late, boy did they ever show up. With the respective Celtic and Warriors dynasties about to do battle for the 4th year in a row in the NBA finals I thought it might be good to reflect back on the summer that helped Boston get to this point.

As you may recall the third season of the Celtics so called “rebuild” had ended with a 48 win regular season and a 4-2 exit from the first round courtesy the Hawks. Boston though had many reasons to be optimistic. A fantastic up and coming coach, a highly respected organization, a great fan base, almost 60 million in possible cap space and a semi load of draft picks. Danny Ainge had his work cut out for him, to get this story going lets look over what he had exactly to work with before May 17th, the day of the NBA lottery.

 Boston had nine players under contract for the 2017-2018 campaign for about 33.5 million, leaving 58.5 million available in cap space. The team also had a team option on Amir Johnson for 12 million and likewise a option for Jonas Jerebko for 5 million. Sullinger and Zeller were both restricted free agents and Evan Turner was a free agent as well. The team  also boosted  the #'s 16,23,31,35,45,51 and 56 in the draft and the biggy, the lotto pick from Brooklyn. They also had the rights to swap with Brooklyn in 2017, and the Nets pick in 18, and within the next three years a first coming from Memphis. Their own 2nds in 17 and 18 were protected and owned them outright after wards. They also had the Cav's, Clippers and Twolves seconds in 2017. Memphis’s 2nd in 2020 and Minny's 2nd in 2021

This was of course the year that the ping pong gods finely decided to not screw with Boston and show the Celtics some lovin. Not only did the C's fans get a good laugh at the Lakers bad luck (their pick went to the 76ers when it got the number four slot in the draft (Philly went on to pick 5th with their own pick as well) But Boston ended up with the first pick in the draft. Say “Hello” to Boston Ben Simmons.

Before Boston was to draft the eventual Rookie of the Year though Trader Danny had the busiest summer of his career. First the team announced they intended to exercise the option on the contract of Jonas Jerebko, but not on Amir Johnson. The teams Cap was now at about 38.5 million

Then the day before the draft Danny sent the L.A. Clippers rookies Young and Hunter as well as the #'s 45,51 and 58 in the draft in exchange for Paul Peirce and pick number 33. Peirce, who had already announced his intent to play a final year would do so where he started, back in Celtic Green. The team also got a cagey vet who had playoff and championship experience and could help mentor the Celtics youth. The team was now using about 39 million of its 92 million in cap space and had 8 players under contract.

The following morning, before the draft even got started, Danny made his second move, a bit of paying it forward when he traded to the Lakers picks 33 and 35 in exchange for the Lakers 2020 first- with the stipulation that if the pick turned out to be a lotto pick the Lakers would also get the Celtics 2nd that year as well.  

Of course later that day you could not have beaten the smirk off Danny Ainge's face with a baseball bat when he thought of the deal he made with Brooklyn three years earlier and Adam Silver announced that Boston with the first pick of the 2016 NBA draft was choosing Ben Simmons.

Trader Danny still had plenty of work to do that day though and before Philly was done making the 4th and 5th picks the league was announcing that Boston had made yet another deal. Boston was sending to Denver cash, the # 23 and 31st picks as well as the teams 2021st second round pick to Denver in exchange for the 15th pick.  

 Boston now had picks 15 and 16 coming up and rumors that Trader Danny was up to something big were realized right after the Pelicans used their #6 pick. Danny had at last made the big trade he'd been waiting for.  Sending both the 15th and 16th picks, the Celtics own firsts in 2018 and 2020  as well as the Cavs, Twolves and Clippers seconds in 2017 and the Twolves second in 2020 and Kelly Olynyk to Sacramento, Boston acquired DeMarcus Cousins.

In less than 24 hours Boston had gone from a team with 9 players on the roster, 53.5 million in cap space and 8 draft picks to a team with 8 players under contract, a unsigned number 1 pick and 35.7 million in cap space. Less than two days after that Kevin Durant named Boston as one of only five teams he'd be talking to over the summer. And since Durant only planned to meet with one team a day in free agency and Boston was to be day 3, Danny Ainge went out and showed Durant how serious he was about bringing together a team that could win a title by signing Pau Gasol to a one year deal. By 8 am. On the first day that teams could meet with players. Boston now had 10 players under contract and 29 million and change to play with.

Durant bumped up his meeting with Boston by a day and then Danny mentioned to the good folks over in Oklahoma how he'd be ever so happy to offer up the teams own next available first rounder if they'd be so kind so as to sign Mr. Durant a nice new  almost max contract and then send it on over along with Mr. Durant to Boston. The Thunder figured nothing is not as good as something and so obliged.

Boston now had 11 players under contract, and some pocket change to toss around, the pocket change amounted to Evan Turners cap hold. Boston really liked the Ohio former Buckeye and was able to sign him to a three year deal that made both parties very happy. Boston had 12 players now under contract and a number 1 pick still to sign.

Danny wasn't through just yet. He had Simmons signed before the end of July, Brought back former Celtic Kendrick Perkins for the MLE, and got Matt Barnes to sign for the Veterans minimum just because Barnes really, really wanted an NBA championship.

 Of course, Danny wasn't done even then, as he brought back old friend and former Celtic Kevin Mchale as Special coach for his bigs.

Its still argued even to this day, if any GM ever had a better off season. The following season Isaiah Thomas had three teammates join him in the East as All Stars, Cousins, Durant and Simmons. Evan Turner was named 6th man of the year. Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart and Cousins were all named to the leagues All Defense teams.  Simmons won rookie of the year.  Durant was second in MVP voting and Brad Stevens won Coach of the year. Oh, and after Boston beat the Cav's in the ECF's they went toe to toe with the Warriors.  Five overtimes. Each team won all of its home games. Being the only time in NBA history that two teams with 70+ wins each have played each other in the finals the ratings were out of this world.  And for once Celtic fans were thrilled to have Jared Sullinger hoisting up a three- as time expired- on the Celtics home court- with the Warriors down by 1.

Because his fat ass as usual missed and being that he'd signed with the Warriors for 15 million a year the previous summer it meant Boston had won its 18th championship.  

And thats when Wyc and the boys footed the bill for the biggest fireworks show in the history of Boston.

So, Boston is going to acquire Cousins for no lottery picks and no NBA starters?
:-)

Yes, because it's his fantasy.

Matty,

OK, I like it, but 5 OTs?

We'll all have frazzled nerves!

Regards