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Fresh off Finals, New Celtics Faces

A week ago, the Boston Celtics were coming down from the massive highs of making the NLL Finals and unfortunately losing. Present day - the draft is in a few days, teams are getting busy and the shackles have been broken from each and every NLL organisation - trading is open! The Boston GM JMAC, coming off GMOTY honours, is now able to 'shuffle the deck', and try to improve the team ever so slightly, in the pursuit of a title.

It didn't take long. The Boston Celtics agreed to a deal with the Brooklyn Nets last night and agreed to send forward Al-Farouq Aminu and the New Orleans Pelicans 2017 first in exchange for wing Andre Roberson, wily veteran PG Jarrett Jack and the Brooklyn Nets 2017 first. Surprisingly, we've been informed, the Celtics were not the pursuers of this trade, but were intrigued when the phone call came from Brooklyn; 'When you get a call, it's due diligence to listen and keep an open mind... You've gotta keep an open mind', said JMAC.

On paper, it could appear that Boston just gave up the best pick AND the best player in the deal. And in a year's time, that might just be factual. However, for what could be the first time in the JMAC reign, they made a deal for 'fit'. Not to condense assets. Not to improve the pick. For fit. And with these pieces, the fit seems really, really nice.

Aminu has just blown up somewhat in the 2016 NBA playoffs, showing really improved scoring and three point range. The Pelicans were pretty bad last season in the NLL, but a lot of that, hopefully, can be accounted to injury. So, why did the Celtics make the deal?

Fit.

Andre Roberson, just 24, is coming off his own mini-breakout in the 2016 NBA playoffs. He is much more suited to the shooting guard spot as he has great quickness and athleticism, solid passing IQ for a non-playmaker, great defensive instincts and is a great cutter. He is somewhat stunted on offense, but he can finish a cut well and is improving in his three point range. He is 6'7 with above average athleticism. Next to the 6'9 Durant, that's two very long wings.

Jarrett Jack, almost 32, is definitely in the twilight of his career. However, he is still a strong, reliable, savvy and all-around contributing combo guard who just does things to help a team win. Amazing mid range game, solid defender, good passer, great awareness and has an ability to make clutch plays. He is, unfortunately, coming off ACL surgery, but from all reports his rehab is going really well. With Jeremy Lin a free agent, it was important to get some more point guard help in. Rumour has it that Jack is a chance to be bought out of his NBA contract. In the case that this happens, and he is unable to find an NBA team by NLL's opening night, the Celtics will get a second round pick from the Nets.

Here is a statement from GM JMAC:

'It was real tough to see Al go, sure. We sought him out last season and we witnessed the breakout we thought he had in him all along. But where does he play? Look at our players at the 3-4 position... Durant, Ariza, Horford, Beasley, Gibson.. It's incredibly deep. He is a very talented player, Al, but we have so many bodies at those spots that need minutes. He was the most enticing piece to a team like the Nets, so we have to cash in a player who won't have as much impact for us as say, Roberson and Jack will, even if he is the most talented. Roberson will get minutes at the 2, Jack will get minutes at the 1. It's just the right thing to do, efficiency wise. We gave up a lot of security, as he has a three year deal. But players like playing in Boston. We also gave up a really great draft pick, but I think there's a chance the Pelicans really bounce back. That's what we are hoping for anyway, otherwise we will look foolish.

Ideally, it was about fit. We have been criticised at times for being 'too offense heavy' and we have always wondered what the team would run like with a more defensive minded player in the starting line up, to complement the wonderful offense of Durant, Horford, Vucevic etc. We think Roberson could be that guy. It was imperative that the player had size, athleticism and a nose for defence. Andre has all three, and we are really happy to have acquired him. It also means that we can swing Ariza between starter and bench, and he could create havoc with the second unit, along with Michael Beasley and Taj Gibson. Jarrett is a pro and a winner, and we just love what he can bring to a team, either starting or off the bench. It just gives us some options. Had he not done his knee, he might have won a title with the Lakers last season. And, we got a pick back, so at least we are still in the 2017 draft. Crazy things happen, and if the Nets were to stumble at all, we could see ourselves in the lottery.

As with all trades, hindsight is 20-20. We are taking a risk, but we are hoping the risk pays off.'

Andre Roberson, Jarrett Jack... Your new Boston Celtics.

Current 2016-17 lineup:

PG: Lawson, Jack, Wright
SG: Roberson, Ariza
SF: Durant, Ariza
PF: Horford, Beasley, Martin
C: Vucevic, Gibson

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