BOSTON — The Celtics, as expected, went through a whirlwind of change this summer. Multiple rotation players are no longer with the organization following trades and free agency as the C’s will look significantly different than their title-defending selves.
But all those transactions mean there are also new faces who are part of the team. The Celtics traded for Anfernee Simons from the Trail Blazers while Georges Niang comes from the Hawks. They also signed a pair of former Timberwolves players in Luka Garza and Josh Minott to round out the depth of the roster.
C’s president Brad Stevens addressed the trades for the first time publicly Tuesday at the Auerbach Center. The Celtics made both trades official Monday as there weren’t any additions to either deal (though the Jrue Holiday trade didn’t include a pair of second-round picks as first reported).
“Anfernee is a guy people out here probably don’t see as much because of the time that they play,” Stevens said. “But his ability to score, to shoot the ball, make really hard shots, is pretty elite and you look a guy that’s 26 years old and averaged 20 a game for three straight years, I think he’s a really good player, and I think he can get better. That’s a big part of it.
“Niang has just added value to winning on each team he’s been on. He’s a pain to play against, which I very much admire. And he knows what he does well and knows how to bring out the best in his group. It’s not a coincidence he was part of the rotation on those really good Philly teams, he was part of the rotation in Cleveland before the trade. The guy’s a winner. He knows how to play and knows how to bring out the best in people. So, happy he’s here.”
Cost-cutting was a huge part of the Celtics offseason as they had to slim payroll coming off their two-year run with virtually the same roster. Stevens noted they knew this summer was on the calendar as the second apron penalties are harsh. Plus, Jayson Tatum’s ruptured Achilles tendon changed the equation for the franchise as the Celtics won’t be a contender next season with their best player sidelined.
The Celtics could make tweaks coming up with their roster as they look to avoid the second apron. But, for now, the current players are who they have. Stevens also noted they were limited in terms of what they can offer free agents. That also means the C’s were looking for specific guys who can bring some upside but haven’t hit their peaks. In other words, guys like Garza and Minott.
“Luka obviously has been a stats darling but on limited time behind very, very good players,” Stevens said. “And same thing with Minott. Minott is a guy that brings a lot of versatility to the table. He’s a person who can guard several positions, can shoot a little bit but plays with great energy and length. Both those guys really rebound. So as we have a team that is being retooled, I think the biggest thing is that bringing in guys that can complement our best players and our core but also have some upside and maybe some unrealized upside thus far.”
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