The Boston Celtics' offseason was quiet to the casual fan, but wildly successful to the Cs fanbase. Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, and Neemias Queta were all re-signed, so drama has been at a minimum for Brad Stevens and Co.
But in doing so, the Celtics are set up to continue dominating the league; with every core player securing their long-term payday and the role players finding some security themselves.
There are a few moves left, but as MassLive's Brian Robb points out, there are very few chess moves left on the board for Stevens to make. Signing second-round pick Anton Watson to a two-way deal is on the table, but filling the 15th spot on the roster is not.
"The Celtics currently have one open roster spots on the 15-man roster but there is a decent chance according to a league source that Boston keeps that spot open to lessen the luxury tax penalties to start the year," Robb wrote.
"Elsewhere, the Celtics have a pair of two-way spots to fill in addition to Watson, who is expected to sign a two-way deal per a source. Boston will be patient on that front I’m told as they evaluate potential prospects during NBA Summer League and see what other needs emerge across the roster."
Boston is keeping the band together, and in every way imaginable, that makes their Banner 19 bid an easier challenge. Skipping the grace period where chemistry needs to be established is critical in a season in which Kristaps Porzingis will be on the shelf to start it. Re-signing Kornet, Tillman, and Queta is a bigger victory when looking through that lens.
In the modern NBA, keeping a title team together is nearly impossible. But building a roster as balanced as Boston's to begin with seems impossible at face value too.
Stevens pulled it off, and the ownership group showed the team the money. They showed so much money the franchise is for sale, in fact.
Pay the tab, keep the team together, and let the next owners worry about the cost. Brilliant.
