Celtics' Top Needs in 2023 NBA Offseason
The Boston Celtics could have several, mega-important decisions to make during the 2023 NBA offseason.
Then again, maybe there isn't much to debate.
They could consider a coaching change, but Joe Mazzulla piloted them to 57 wins and two playoff series victories in his first season at the helm. He also inked a multiyear extension in February.
With Jaylen Brown eligible for a supermax extension, they could think about trading him instead of giving him that colossal amount of cash. But he's a 26-year-old, two-time All-Star who has the full support of superstar teammate Jayson Tatum.
So, this could be a fairly straightforward summer after all. This season may not have ended how the Celtics wanted, but there are plenty of reasons to believe this is a championship core. To strengthen said core, Boston should look for the following three things this offseason.
Playmaking
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When things go awry for the Celtics, a lot of the damage is often self-inflicted. They seemingly tighten up and lose trust in one another, resulting in rushed decisions and a bunch of giveaways.
Having a top-shelf playmaker onboard might ensure these unsightly stretches are put to rest.
Marcus Smart is a good passer, but he squeezes the spacing a bit, since defenses don't need to worry about his scoring. Tatum is a perpetually improving passer, but opponents are glad to see him give it up instead of attacking. Brown is a middling creator, plagued by both loose handles and unimaginative passing. For his career, there's almost no difference between his averages in assists (2.2) and turnovers (2.0).
Boston needs someone who can steady the ship and put this team in position for ultimate success.
Backup Wings
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Between Tatum and Brown, Boston has two of the best wings in basketball.
Push past that pair, though, and this position group is almost empty.
Shooting specialist Sam Hauser sometimes factors into the mix. A healthy Danilo Gallinari might, too. Otherwise, though, the Celtics either go small with extra guards on the wing, because they don't have any other options.
Boston has to find a way to fix that this summer. The Celtics don't have many resources to work with, but they should be able to find a traditional wing-sized player who can help the offense and not totally torpedo the defense.
Frontcourt Depth
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Stop me if you've heard this once (or a dozen times) before, but Boston could use more bigs.
That was true all season and part of the reason the Celtics snagged Mike Muscala for cheap at the deadline. It could be extra relevant this summer depending on Boston's approach to Grant Williams' restricted free agency.
Normally, you might think a 24-year-old with defensive versatility and a 37.9 career three-point percentage would be an automatic keeper, but his future in Boston is far from certain. He was squeezed out of the rotation at times this season and wasn't the most consistent contributor.
A more pressing issue, though, might be fitting a new deal for Williams into what's already a costly payroll. Pay him and Brown this summer, and Boston could zip past the newly created second tax apron and have to withstand the punishment it imposes.
"The second apron includes severe restrictions, including the loss of the taxpayer mid-level exception, limited trade flexibility and (starting with 2024-25) frozen draft picks," B/R's Eric Pincus noted.
Even if Williams stays, the Celtics might want to beef up their collection of bigs. Robert Williams III has battled injuries throughout his career, and Al Horford is about to turn 37. Boston needs some reliable insurance policies behind them.
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