Throughout their 73 year history, the Boston Celtics have been one of the model franchises in the NBA. They have won the most championships, 17, of any team in league history, and have done it mostly by committee, without one single star being the only reason for winning.
Back in the day, it was Bob Cousy and Bill Russell, which became Russell and Havlicek. Then Havlicek, Jo-Jo White, and Dave Cowens. Larry Bird was the superstar of the 1980s Celtics, but Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, and Dennis Johnson were consistent pillars that helped form the foundation of the team. Then in 2008, when the Celtics hoised banner number 17, it was the new Big 3, if you will, with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joining Paul Pierce. All of those teams exemplified team basketball and unselfishness. It is what made them great. And it is why the current incarnation of the Celtics hasn't been able to reach the mountain top, why there was some friction this season that leaked into the media, and why they could be in for an overhaul in just a matter of days.
One particular player they have their eye on would suit them very well.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski in a tweet sent out today, the Celtics are the frontrunner to sign Charlotte Hornets' all star Kemba Walker when free agency hits on sunday. Further, ESPN's front office insider Bobby Marks, appearing on the network this morning, broke down how the Celtics could land Walker.
With Kyrie Irving and Al Horford's impending departures from the team, Marcus Morris' $10.2 million would also come off, as would Terry Rozier's $9.2 million as a restricted free agent. Rozier's departure would increase the Celtics' cap space from $24.9 million to $33.2 million, creating a max salary slot for Walker.
The 29 year old Walker, a third team all-NBA selection this past season, averaged 25,6 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds. The Hornets won 39 games, finishing 9th in the Eastern Conference, two games back of the 8th seeded Detroit Pistons.
The Celtics, though they finished 4th in the east, had a somewhat difficult season. Recent reports suggested that head coach Brad Stevens "force fed" Gordon Hayward throughout the season, presumably to get him in rhythm following the broken leg he suffered at the beginning of the 2017-2018 campaign. There were also reports that star guard Kyrie Irving complained at times of the attention that he and the team were getting - attention that comes naturally when you have a talented team with big expectations.
Walker has been in Charlotte his entire career, a testament to his commitment to a franchise that is not on the marquee. Last week, it was also reported that he would be willing to sign a max deal with them. Walker is a low maintenance star, which is somewhat of a rarity. He would be a calming force, rather than one that could get out of hand. His game is similar to Irving's, in that he is offensive minded.
But he would not come with any of the drama that Irving has brought at times in Boston. He is better suited, in my view, to be a Celtic that Irving. Irving wants the bigger market, and while he shouldn't be faulted for that - many guys have that preference - he is honestly better suited for a bigger market. He has, as all indications point to, had his eyes on Brooklyn for a while now. Recent reports from ESPN have suggested that he and Kevin Durant have met on more than one occasion to discuss the possibility of joining up with the Nets. General Manager Danny Ainge likely knows that once free agency rings in, Irving is as good as gone.
Ainge played for the Celtics in one of their golden ages. He knows what it's like being a Celtic, what is takes to be one, and what qualities exude a Celtic. Walker is a guy that goes about his business quietly, just like the majority of past players that have played in Boston.
It is why Ainge is prioritizing him at the moment. And why he would be a perfect fit for Celtic green.
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