Aingle has assembled a squad deep in talent in the back court, but a team that lacks depth and scoring punch in the front court. There’s little doubt the front office will make some major changes this off season and it will start with adding more size and talent in the paint.
ESPN has reported that Philadelphia could look to trade young big men Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor in the coming weeks. The 76ers are looking to be proactive this summer, even if it means moving some of their best young talent. These kind of reports have led to plenty of rumors and banter among basketball experts and fans of the team on social media.
SB Nation has suggested several scenarios that could take place with the Celtics over this summer and one included rumors of a potential deal with Philly for the services of Noel. A trade could include Marcus Smart and at least one of Boston’s first round picks headed to Philadelphia for the 22-year-old.
The former Kentucky star averaged 11 points and eight rebounds this past season, a slight improvement over his rookie numbers, but the type of stats the Celtics could use. The former first round draft pick is also versatile, with the ability to play either forward positions or center and that could lead to some interesting decisions from Boston head coach Brad Stevens with some creative lineup options.
Both of these franchises could look vastly different at the start of the 2016-17 NBA season, but for the Celtics, the right moves this off season could make them contenders for the best record in the Eastern Conference next year and one step closer to finally winning another championship.
