This year’s NBA Finals matchup between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder proves that depth matters more than ever when it comes to bringing a team to the highest level. Last year, when the Boston Celtics reached the pinnacle of the sport, their depth also played a huge factor.
But now, the Celtics are in the danger zone when it comes to depth. The second apron is forcing them to actively hurt their own depth, as they need to clear over $20 million if they want to be under the mark heading into next season. They aren’t going to have the same level of depth moving forward.
Or at least, it will be very hard to find.
**Why will the Celtics have worse depth?**
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Nothing is guaranteed, but from the way things are shaping out, it seems likely that the Celtics will have to trade some rotational players this summer in order to shed salary. That means they will be losing very valuable depth.
Players like [Kristaps Porzingis](https://hardwoodhoudini.com/boston-celtics-kevin-garnett-wants-keep-kristaps-porzingis-stuck-brutal-dilemma-nba-trade-rumors), Jrue Holiday, and Sam Hauser may be in danger of getting traded simply because of how much money they make. On top of that, Al Horford may decide to retire, and Boston could struggle to re-sign Luke Kornet.
Even if the Celtics only lose two of those five players, it would take a huge chunk out of their depth, as all of them played big minutes for Boston all season (and into the playoffs).
**How can the Celtics replace the depth?**
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The best way for Boston to replace the depth they seem destined to lose this summer is through the draft. That means they will have to make crafty selections with their draft capital, which likely will be in the latter portion of the draft.
This year, they have picks No. 28 and 32 in the draft, so hitting on those picks would go a long way in replacing the depth they could lose this summer. Not only will it help to have rookies capable of stepping in and contributing right away, but they will also be on cheap, likely long-term contracts, which will help Boston stay under the second apron while also maintaining depth.
Finding gems in free agency would also go a long way for the Celtics. If they can find underrated players willing to sign minimum contracts, it would seriously help their overall depth.
Boston making it back to the Finals doesn’t look impossible if you solely focus on their top stars (once Jayson Tatum gets healthy), but they need depth, too. And based on how this offseason is projected to go with trades and other losses, they need to figure out a way to rebuild that depth.