NBA Draft 2013: Boston Celtics Meet With Local Prospect Nerlens Noel

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On the first day of the NBA Draft Combine, the Boston Celtics met with likely lottery picks Cody Zeller and Victor Oladipo. Yesterday, Boston went one step further and interviewed Nerlens Noel who is projected to be a number one or two prospect in this year’s draft. As interesting as it is for a team who is not likely to move that far up in the draft, unless making a major trade, Noel does have question marks that could potentially slide him down the ladder to the Celtics at the 16th pick. However, even with the questions surrounding him and his potential, the teams ahead of Boston will take the risk on Noel.

While this is purely speculation on my part, the news of the Celtics meeting with the Everett, Massachusetts native might correlate with the report that Kevin Garnett will not undergo surgery to remove the bone spurs in his ankles.

Here is Danny Ainge’s quote on KG’s situation via Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald’s article.

“I think there was some question whether he was going to have surgery on his foot,” said Ainge. “but the last I heard, which was a few days ago, is that he won’t need surgery.”

Interestingly enough, bone spurs don’t heal on their own and require surgery. If Garnett returns next season, he will be playing with bone spurs throughout the entire season, which could have a negative impact on his performance throughout the year. While it hasn’t been reported elsewhere, and with Danny Ainge not going into specifics, the news that KG won’t undergo surgery could lead a person to speculate that his career is done.

For a player who is a starter, and one who prides himself on hard work and dedication, playing with an injury like that will hinder him. Removing a bone spur is a minor procedure that doesn’t require as much physical therapy as other injuries. It’s definitely making me scratch my head as to why he’s not going through with the surgery just as a precautionary measure. This may also have something to do with Paul Pierce’s situation.

If the Celtics bring Pierce back I expect the team and Garnett to reconsider and go through with the procedure. However, if Boston releases or trades Pierce, Garnett could still go through with the surgery to keep playing, whether it’s with the Celtics or not, or consider retirement right on the spot.

Bringing it back to Nerlens Noel, the Celtics would find their closest replacement to Garnett, even if Noel is nowhere near the talent level that KG is. Like all draft picks, it’s a major risk. Boston doesn’t have many options, and franticly need to find a rebounder with size, whether it’s in the draft or free agency. Of course this is all speculation, but with the news that’s being reported, from Paul Pierce to Garnett, and now the Celtics interviewing players that currently are out of reach, is definitely leading some people to wonder what’s going on.

It’s been just over two weeks since Boston’s offseason began, and within that timeframe, the fans have heard a years worth of rumors and speculations regarding the team and its’ players. The chatter is only going to intensify from here, so it’s best to brace for the next waive of rumors that should be hitting within the next few weeks.

Paul Pierce: Family Preparing For Relocation

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After days and weeks of speculation, it seems as though Paul Pierce could be moving out of town. It was first reported by Greg Dickerson of CSNNE, that people who are in Pierce’s circle of friends believe he’s not returning for another season. Today, Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe is reporting that Pierce’s family is preparing for relocation, which now reinforces the rumors that he’s not coming back.

From Gary Washburn’s article -

The Celtics have to decide by June 30 whether to buy out Pierce’s contract at $5 million. Ainge said the sides have not had discussions, but an NBA source said Pierce’s family is already beginning to prepare for relocation from Boston, assuming that the Celtics will execute the buyout or trade his expiring contract in the offseason.

Of course, this is not definite as Pierce’s family is only assuming that the Celtics will either buyout his contract or trade him. However, it seems as though the Paul Pierce era is coming to a close. Fifteen seasons and one championship later, he can hold his head high, living up to the Celtics greats before him, and raising another banner to the rafters.

It’s been said that wherever Pierce goes, he wants to sign a one-day contract with the Celtics when his career finally comes to an end. Retiring as a Celtic would be a great way to close the book on a memorable story in the NBA. While it would be nice to see him play his entire career with one team, in all fairness to the Celtics, they have to move on and prepare for the future.

There aren’t many avenues the team can take as Pierce’s contract will hinder them from signing free agents. Right now there is a lot of smoke, and where this is smoke there is usually fire. This could all just be speculation or rumors, but with multiple sources, from CSNNE to the Boston Globe reporting the possibility of Pierce’s departure, there is the chance that every aspect of these reports are true.

NBA Draft 2013: Boston Celtics Meet With Draft Prospects

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The NBA Draft combine has begun, and the Boston Celtics have already met with a handful of players. According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, Boston interviewed Mason Plumlee, Cody Zeller, Rudy Gobert, Glen Rice Jr, and Victor Oladipo.

What stands out here is that Danny Ainge met with Zeller and Victor Oladipo, both whom are projected to be picked in the lottery. Zeller is a 6’11″ power forward/center from Indiana who is one of very few players in this year’s draft to have high potential. Oladipo is a 6’5″ small forward/shooting guard also from Indiana who will likely play guard in the NBA.

Cody Zeller -

Victor Oladipo -

Of course, for Boston to have a chance at drafting one of these talented players a trade is necessary. It’s highly unlikely that Zeller or Oladipo will fall out of the lottery, and with the Celtics selecting with the 16th pick, a deal could be made with a team that wants to trade down or out of the draft.

Both of these players are two of the more polished prospects in this year’s draft who can make an impact immediately for the team that selects them. Danny Ainge always makes surprising moves, acquiring players that raise eyebrows. There is still much more time before the draft, so Ainge could meet with the remaining players who are expected to drafted in the top 15.

Zeller is exactly what the Celtics need. He has height, can rebound, runs the floor well, and is versatile. Putting him alongside Jared Sullinger in the front court would give Boston a feisty lineup at the center and forward positions.

However, if Boston were to select Oladipo, I would be very surprised. He’s basically Avery Bradley or Tony Allen with more offensive explosion. Oladipo can play the small forward position, which would give the Celtics a very potent defense with him, Avery Bradley, and Rajon Rondo on the floor at the same time. He’d definitely be a good fit in the rotation, and with Doc Rivers returning next season, he shouldn’t have a hard time playing in a defensive minded system.

In my opinion, this is the most exciting part of the offseason. Obviously it would have been nice to see the Celtics still playing in the postseason, but when you’ve got nothing else, NBA Draft speculation and hype is the best thing to cure a brutal first round exit. As we get closer to the draft I’ll be posting more on the prospects individually, going a bit more in-depth into their playing styles and how they could be a great fit within the roster.

This draft is important. Whatever Ainge does, it could be an indication of where the team is headed. If the Celtics trade out of the draft and get established players in return, the team could be bringing the band back for one more tour. Boston has other options, like staying where they are or trading up in the draft to select a player who could extend Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett’s careers. That is, if they are returning next season.

 

NBA Draft 2013: Should The Celtics Trade Out Of The Draft?

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The Boston Celtics are heading into uncharted territory as there is a lot of uncertainty about next season and whether Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett will return next year. This year’s NBA Draft hasn’t been brought up much in conversations regarding the Celtics and what they could possibly do on the most exciting night for prospects as their NBA careers begin. Even if Boston decides to delay the rebuilding process, drafting a player who will be a project won’t be worth the team’s time. However, as the 2011 draft showed, there are players like Kenneth Faried, Jimmy Butler, and Kawhi Leonard out there who could be an important piece for the Celtics moving forward.

In mock drafts so far, Boston has been projected to select 6’5″ guard Archie Goodwin from the University of Kentucky, 6’10″ center Gorgui Dieng from Louisville, or a number of other players. As we get closer to the draft I’ll have thoughts on these players in my annual “Countdown to NBA Draft: Celtics Edition”. Boston has the 16th pick in the 1st round and could get a decent prospect, but would trading out of the draft be a better decision?

Next year, the draft class is going to be deep and could have some of the best players talent-wise since the 2003 draft. With the rumors of Pierce not coming back next season and the potential of him being traded, there could be a chance that he could be moved on draft night. If Boston could get a higher pick in return or a future pick, preferably for 2014, the Celtics should think about biting at an offer if they have no intention of bringing Pierce back.

There are a handful of other scenarios, as the Celtics could attempt to make minor trades to move up or out of the draft. Whether they intend to rebuild or not, the Celtics need to make changes to the roster. With Chris Wilcox being the only player on the roster who is not signed for next season, trades will be the only way to shake up the team and bring in a stronger bench. Boston also doesn’t have much money to work with for free agency, so there aren’t many options for them this offseason.

It will be interesting to see what Danny Ainge plans on doing. Whatever they’re planning for late June, it could be tied to how they handle Pierce, Garnett, and Doc Rivers’ situations. Boston could trade out of the draft regardless of what next season will bring. There are always diamonds in the rough, but will the Celtics try acquiring a polished player via trade instead of hoping to strike gold in the draft? Ainge has been known to surprise people during the offseason so whatever he tries to pull off to make the team better would be typical considering his record.

 

Paul Pierce Has Played His Final Season In A Celtics Uniform?

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Since being eliminated by the New York Knicks, journalists and fans began to speculate on whether Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett will return for one more season with the Boston Celtics. A week ago, Cedric Maxwell, a former Celtic and color commentator for the Celtics on the radio, wasn’t too confident that Pierce would be back. Yesterday, Greg Dickerson of CSNNE reinforced what Maxwell had said, and it’s very possible that the uncertainty on Pierce’s future could be getting clearer.

Greg Dickerson -

“I don’t think they will (bring Pierce back),” Dickerson said Sunday on CSNNE. “And I know that the company that Paul Pierce hangs around in, they do not believe – and I don’t think Paul Pierce believes – that he is going to be brought back next year at $15 million. I know for a fact that people around Paul Pierce have pretty much resigned themselves to the fact that he’s played his final game in a Boston Celtics uniform. Again, Paul wants to stay – obviously for $15 million, but he wants to finish his career in a Celtics uniform.”

Danny Ainge is expected to meet with Pierce, Garnett, and Doc Rivers in the upcoming days or weeks. If Pierce doesn’t believe he’s coming back, and the Celtics don’t want to pay him $15 million next season, Pierce could be the first piece to fall that would begin the domino effect. Garnett has already said that Pierce’s future is tied to his own. I can’t imagine that Garnett would return for another season with the Celtics without close friend and teammate. Lastly, where does that leave Doc?

Whether voluntary or involuntary, the Celtics face the dreaded rebuilding phase. It was inevitable. Who knows what’s going through Ainge’s mind at this point in time. He could be conjuring up trade ideas, possibly already on the phone with other teams, and in the meantime talking to the players and Doc on what the future holds.

Cedric Maxwell and Greg Dickerson travel with the team during the season. To hear this from them speaks volumes. The fact that Dickerson said that Pierce doesn’t think he’s returning is telling. With the news that has been released, this is no longer just a rumor, it’s now border lining on a story that could potentially be true and evolve over time. Usually, I’d be hesitant on such a report, but it’s coming from people close to the organization.

The Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies All Got It Right

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This year’s NBA playoffs has brought a handful of pleasant surprises. The Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies are putting up great fights against the perennial powerhouses in the Western Conference known as the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the East, the Indiana Pacers are shocking the New York Knicks who were favored to be the team with the best chance to defeat the Miami Heat. What’s more amazing is that these three teams are still playing in the month of May despite not having one or more superstars. Sure, the Warriors have Stephen Curry and the Memphis Grizzlies have Marc Gasol, but they can’t be compared to the Chris Paul’s or Tim Duncan’s of the NBA.

Indiana Pacers

Out of the teams mentioned above, the Indiana Pacers have to be one of the best rosters still remaining in this year’s postseason. Paul George, Roy Hibbert, David West, and George Hill have lead this team throughout the season, and with the depth coming off the bench, the Pacers may have the roster to contend with and possibly defeat the Heat. Indiana has size, a group of players who know their roles and play them to perfection, and they have a great combination of youth and experienced veterans.

Paul George and Roy Hibbert aren’t exactly household names or players you look at as superstars, but they are becoming a new breed in the NBA. When they were drafted, there was no expectations of them being stars, but because the team they are surrounded by compliments their games so well, Hibbert and George have been given the chance to thrive and be successful. It also helps that the Pacers have David West, who can mentor these two rising stars for their respective team.

But more importantly, Indiana has a deep bench with feisty players like Tyler Hansbrough and Lance Stevenson who have provided the team with energy and points at crucial moments during games. When looking at this roster, most of the players were drafted by the Pacers, with a few being acquired via small trades. This team was assembled correctly and was built from the ground up. As we look into how the Golden State Warriors got deep into this year’s playoffs, they also took the same road as the Pacers, but went about building their team a little differently.

Golden State Warriors

Who hasn’t enjoyed watching this Cinderella story? The Warriors surprised everyone by defeating the Denver Nuggets in the first round, despite losing David Lee to a torn hip flexor. Now, Golden State is giving the San Antonio Spurs a run for their money, and are in a position to surpass them and advance to the Western Conference Finals. No one expected a young team like the Warriors, who aren’t overly experienced, to be playing like veterans. To illustrate how young they are, rookies Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green have been part of the Warriors main rotation in the postseason. Not only is this a testament to the players themselves, but Marc Jackson has had confidence in them from the beginning.

Just like the Pacers, the Warriors don’t exactly have a superstar. Stephen Curry is a rising star and starting to come into his own, but again, he hasn’t reached the status of being a household name. Although after this postseason, he deserves to be in the same conversation as Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, and Deron Williams.

Golden State’s playoff run and emergence as a tough team wouldn’t have come had the Warriors held on to Monte Ellis. Changes needed to be made, ushering in a new era with a new attitude. With a combination of trades, drafting right in the past NBA drafts, and signing decent free agents, Golden State became a better team almost overnight.

Again, the Warriors don’t have players who you’d see in TV commercials or in All-Star games every year, but they do have a collection of very talented role players who play together as a team instead of individuals. Jarrett Jack and Andrew Bogut bring veteran leadership that add the necessary ingredient to becoming a good basketball team.

Lastly let’s take a look at the Memphis Grizzlies, who unlike the Pacers and Warriors, rebuilt on the fly via trades and free agency.

Memphis Grizzlies

Out of these three teams, the Grizzlies success in the second half of the season has been a surprise, especially since Memphis traded Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors. Many analysts believed that Memphis was going to be directionless without their general on the floor, but Marc Gasol, Tayshaun Prince, Tony Allen, Mike Conley and Zach Randolph took control of the team that now finds themselves two games away from the Western Conference Finals.

The way Memphis built this team was through trades and free agency, but two of their main contributors were players they drafted. Just like the Pacers and Warriors, the Grizzlies are yet another team in this year’s playoffs that does not have that LeBron James or Dwight Howard type player. Unlike the past few years, the remaining teams that are in the postseason are playing together as one and not looking up to one or two individuals to win games for them. Teams are beginning to dominate, not individuals, and the Grizzlies are proving that.

Overall

As this postseason has proven, teams don’t need a whole team of superstars to be championship contenders. They also don’t need to go out and sign or trade for the best players and overpay for them. The Pacers, Warriors, and Grizzlies all drafted either future stars and decent role players, signed or traded for smaller pieces that fit the puzzle, and have become vital parts to their team’s success.

If these teams fail to make it to the Conference or NBA Finals, it’s because they’re either too young or one or two pieces away. The way these organizations built these teams, they’ve allowed them to be competitive for years to come and possibly have multiple chances at winning a title. As these teams get older, it’s real important that they stay together or could find themselves from whence they came, rebuilding and struggling to compete in their respective conferences. The Pacers, Warriors, and Grizzlies aren’t big market teams, but if they continue being successful under their great coaching, there is a chance they could become a destination for future free agents.

These three teams got it right. For an organization like the Boston Celtics, who are on the cusp of entering a rebuilding period, they have three blueprints that they can follow. The only question is, will they?

Danny Ainge: ‘We’re More Than One Player Away From Being A Championship Team’

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Today, Danny Ainge was on WEEI discussing the Celtics, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Doc Rivers, and Stephen A. Smith. Ainge said that the rumors that Smith released were a waste of time and shouldn’t be acknowledged. However, Ainge made a number of statements that has left Celtics Nation with more questions than answers.

When asked about Paul Pierce, this is what he had to say.

“We love what he’s done for us, but ultimately we have to do what’s best for us. I think he has a lot of ball left in him.”

This can be taken many different ways. One might believe that Pierce will be back and that he has a few more years in the tank. But when Ainge adds that the decision is ultimately up to the team and what’s best for them moving forward, one could speculate that there is a possibility Pierce gets traded or let go. Certainly, there wasn’t a definitive answer on what the team does with Pierce, but Ainge said that he’d have to talk with him and his representatives.

While the Pierce comment was interesting, the quote from Ainge that should really get attention would be on the Celtics and how far away they are from being a championship caliber team.

“We’re more than 1 player away unless it’s a great player. It’ll be tough to become a championship team from where we are.”

All it took was two sentences to speak volumes. From this we can take away that if the roster isn’t shaken up, the Celtics won’t be a championship contender, even with a healthy Rajon Rondo who will be back by training camp. Nevertheless, major changes won’t send the team one step forward or back as Boston has found themselves on the precipice of a rebuilding period, no matter what management decides. Unless the Celtics can receive a great player, in Ainge’s eyes the team is far from being the championship contender it once was.

After listening to the whole segment on WEEI, this quote made everything else Ainge said irrelevant. Garnett, Pierce, and Doc may be back next season, but they’re not going far in the postseason, if they make it at all. Had the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers been better this season, the Celtics could have easily found themselves eight in the Eastern Conference or missing the playoffs altogether. Granted, maybe if Rondo was healthy Boston would have finished fifth or sixth, but we’ll never know.

Clearly, there is uncertainty, whether you hear it from Stephen A. Smith or Danny Ainge. As I’ve said since the Celtics were eliminated, take every rumor or quote with a grain of salt. There are definitely disconnects as Ainge believes Garnett and Doc will return, but can’t definitively say the same for Pierce. However, Garnett said that his future with the team, and possibly in the NBA, is based on what happens to his teammate and close friend.

Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce will have a meeting sometime within the next few weeks. Is it possible that what Ainge said today is exactly what these three will be talking about? If Pierce gets traded or released, will Garnett follow, and if he leaves what happens to Doc? There are so many questions that I’m sure every Celtics fan wants to get answers to, but it seems like the only thing to do is wait for more information to be released.

 

More Comments From Stephen A. Smith On Celtics, Clippers, and Doc Rivers

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Earlier this week, Stephen A. Smith reported that the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers could once again be in trade discussions. This time, Ainge might try pursuing Blake Griffin to get a deal done. He also went into some detail as to who could be involved in a potential trade. Shockingly, Stephen A. Smith brought up Doc Rivers’ name in this rumor. Today on WEEI, Smith reiterated and stood by his comments on the trade rumor, but went one step further.

“The Boston Celtics absolutely love and respect Doc Rivers. But there have been some questions in NBA circles as to whether or not Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers desire to continue to coexist,” Smith told WEEI. “They have profound respect with one another, there’s no animosity involved or anything like that, it’s just when you’re working with somebody every day you do tend to get tired of looking at their faces or hearing their voices or things of that nature. There’s nothing going on — you do reach a point, however, where you would like to embrace new challenges, where you’re thinking about moving forward.”

With all that being said, before Game 6 of the first round playoff series against the Knicks, Danny Ainge was on WEEI defending comments he made a week earlier. Ainge believes that the Celtics offense is struggling because the team has put too much emphasis on the defense. Considering that Doc Rivers is primarily a defensive oriented coach who’s philosophies tend to point toward having a stronger defensive state of mind, this could be what Stephen A. Smith was talking about. It isn’t a major issue and not something that would look like much on the surface, but it’s possible that Ainge wants a more offensively geared squad on the floor every night. That may explain why he traded for Jordan Crawford at the trade deadline

Rivers and Ainge have a great working relationship, both have the same goals, but it’s how they go about them that could be standing in the way. It’s not too often you hear a trade involving a coach, but when veterans like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett who stand by Doc Rivers enter the mix, then there is the chance that a domino effect begin to take place.

Stephen A. Smith even said that a trade where the Celtics acquire Blake Griffin is extremely unlikely, but Ainge is that person who goes for the whole enchilada. With these rumors, not only do they need to be taken with a grain of salt, but they also should be looked into more. Why are people in NBA circles discussing this? With both the Clippers and Celtics eliminated, preliminary talks can begin, but have they taken place already?

It’s been reported that next week is when Danny Ainge, Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce will convene and discuss their futures, along with the team’s. From there we might get a better understanding of what’s going on behind the scenes, and how both sides feel about the current situation. Clearly, something is going on since a reporter like Stephen A. Smith wouldn’t release false information.

Now that Boston’s offseason has begun it’s a waiting game. Any information that is released before the NBA Draft and free agency period can be disputed and proved to be false. As I stated earlier, every rumor needs to be taken with a grain of salt, but should be looked into as if it could be a possibility.

Danny Ainge: “From All I Know, Doc Will Be Back”

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Earlier today, Steve Bulpett released an article on Doc Rivers and his possible return as coach for the Celtics next season. Danny Ainge said that from what he knows, Doc will be back. But Ainge also had this to say.

“I think it’s a long season, and I think these guys get exhausted,” he said. “They put a lot into it, and they love the game. I don’t really pay much attention to what anybody says in the first week after the season.”

Considering that it’s the first week of the offseason and communication between Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Danny Ainge won’t commence until next week, it’s not definite that Doc will be back. When they sit down and discuss their futures we still might not have an answer about next season, but maybe there will be some clarification.

From what has been gathered, as much as Garnett’s future is tied to what happens to Pierce, Doc’s decision could be made if both Hall of Famers don’t return.

If you were to ask a handful of journalists, players, or people connected to the team on Doc’s future as the coach, they might give you completely different answers. It’s possible that Ainge knows already, but since he hasn’t met with the players and Doc, his reaction to the questions can only be that Rivers will return because he’s still under contract.

With it being only four days since the Celtics were eliminated, anything that is reported but isn’t definite should be taken lightly. In previous offseasons, it was unanimous across the board that Doc Rivers was returning for another season. Knowing Doc, he’ll detox as he said, will talk with family and friends, and then make his decision. He’s also got to weigh the pros and cons of returning. There is a chance that he could be in for a rebuilding season next year, and that’s where it’s hazy as to whether he returns or not.

Stephen A. Smith: Celtics and Clippers Discuss Blake Griffin Trade?

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Earlier today on ESPN First Take, Stephen A. Smith dropped a bombshell when he reported that there are rumblings that the Celtics and Clippers could be discussing a blockbuster deal that could involve Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, Eric Bledsoe, Caron Butler, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and even Doc Rivers. As crazy as this sounds, Stephen A. Smith would not be releasing false information if it wasn’t being discussed in “NBA circles” as he put it on the show.

Here is the link to the video and the segment on the Celtics and Clippers.

Later, he posted this on Twitter

Stephen A. Smith is a credible source, and it’s very possible that as he is reporting, Danny Ainge could be in contact with Los Angeles. Now, is the trade likely? Who knows at this point. What should be surprising though is how fast the rumors are beginning to start, whether they’re true or not.

However, there is no indication that Kevin Garnett would want to play anywhere else, but if he had the chance to play with Pierce and get coached by Doc Rivers for another season, it’s possible that he waives his no trade clause. Of course, there are a lot of things that would have to fall into place, which includes the Celtics and their future. If Boston decides to take the rebuilding route, Doc might not want to stay, and neither would Pierce or Garnett.

With it being so early in the offseason, all rumors should be taken with a grain of salt. Nevertheless, if the rumor mill is already spinning, Ainge could be at work, looking at moves that could improve the team for years to come.