Photo Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
NBA Offseason Grades – Boston Celtics & Charlotte Hornets
BOSTON CELTICS: B
The Celtics had a busy off season, that’s for sure. I’m not going to say it was fantastic, but it wasn’t bad by any stretch either. They brought in dynamic point guard Kyrie Irving in a blockbuster trade, as well as luring free agent Gordon Hayward away from Utah in a nice coup for the franchise. The Celtics also improved this offseason in the NBA draft, selecting what seems like a future scoring machine in Jayson Tatum. The Celtics’ off season would have been perfect if that was the full story, but unfortunately for them that wasn’t the case. They did lose a hell of a lot in the process as well, including the defensive identity and the heart and soul of the franchise. Firstly, they lost defensive stopper and arguably the best on ball and defensive guard in the league in Avery Bradley to the Pistons in a head scratching decision. They did bring in Marcus Morris, but Bradley was a player that allowed Isaiah Thomas to flourish next to him in the backcourt. Speaking of Isaiah, they said goodbye to him as well. After finishing 5th in MVP voting last campaign, the Celtics decided that he was all of a sudden a tradeable asset in order to bring Kyrie over, in a mammoth call for the franchise. Losing Isaiah was tough for the fans, but the most important piece they lost may have been Jae Crowder, a brilliant wing defender who shot a career best from three-point land last season. They also threw in number 13 overall selection Ante Zizic as well as a first and second round draft pick in the deal, a hell of a lot to give up for Irving alone in my opinion. Other rotation players that also said goodbye were Amir Johnson, Kelly Olynk and Jonas Jerebko. They’ve acquired Aaron Baynes who will help them with their interior defense, but it’s not nearly enough. The Celtics may have improved offensively this off season, but defensively they got worse. Busy off season indeed.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS: B+
The Hornets have had a relatively quiet off season in the grand scheme of things. Their roster is largely the same as last season, but they have brought in Dwight Howard and Michael Carter Williams. Howard I believe is actually a nice addition, as he will give them a genuine shot blocker and has gone to a smaller market which will ease the pressure off him. Hopefully with no pressure he can really help this team improve and find some form on both ends. Carter Williams will be another handy addition. His stocks have taken a massive hit the last couple of seasons after being named rookie of the year and rightly so, but he could be a solid backup point guard for Kemba Walker, who remains underrated in this league. The Hornets are still solid in the East and will make the playoffs, their off season has solidified their place in the East’s better teams by simply tinkering their roster.
