The Boston Celtics are the proud owners of the best record in the league, but they know that not every team has a lot of talent on their roster. Before the Celtics’ 125-117 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, Boston made a trade to bolster the team’s frontcourt, sending two second-round picks and Lamar Stevens to the Memphis Grizzlies for Xavier Tillman.
Adding Tillman isn’t exactly an acquisition. At best, Tillman emerges as a bench rotation piece who could provide more two-way versatility to the Celtics’ frontcourt than Luke Cornette. However, there are loans from final, final toys and President Jason Tatum Celix, Brad Stevens. “It’s GM, you can control the temperature of the team.
According to Noah Dalzell of the SB Nation Celtics blog, Tatum said if we need anything on Stevens or if he’s looking for a change to help, that’s his job. Brad Stevens has been doing well in the industry for the past few years. He was able to get Malcolm Brogdon in a package led by Aaron Nesmith and Daniel Theis, and he was able to get Brogdon on Jrue’s off day. Then, in what increasingly looked like a big steal, the Celtics acquired Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White in similarly cheap deals.
The Celtics now have a plethora of weapons that make them the most dangerous team in the league, led by Jayson Tatum. Now all they have to do is keep their agreement. “Our job is to go out there and compete,” Tatum added.Chasing playoff demons will be a must for the Celtics. But the least they need to worry about is making sure they overcome the mental side of the game as they look like the most talented team in the Association.
