After failing to reach the 2017 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics are a team that is "right there" with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, LeBron James and the Cavs are a team built to destroy everyone else in the East. The Celtics will now be going back to the drawing board with the upcoming NBA Draft's No. 1 pick and the possibility that they could land a top All-Star during the offseason.
Several names have popped up on the radar for potential stars that may end up with the Celtics.
Potential star for Celtics?
The big name stars that are popping up as potential players to join the Boston Celtics include L.A. Clippers star Blake Griffin, Indiana Pacers star Paul George, Utah's Gordon Hayward, and even Carmelo Anthony from the New York Knicks. A recent report from CSNNE via Bleacher Report says that sources are pointing toward either Hayward or Griffin right now.
However, that won't stop the possibility of the Celtics landing Anthony, George, or the Chicago Bulls' Jimmy Butler. These three players are involved in upcoming free agency situations or could potentially be traded.
Sources indicate that Blake Griffin and Gordon Hayward intend to re-sign with their current NBA teams so that may leave the other three stars as the top targets for the Celtics to try to acquire somehow.
All of these stars could end up being the answer to Boston's issues with contending in the East. It would seem that adding someone like Anthony, George, or Butler would be huge for the Celtics' franchise and could give them a "Big Three" again with Thomas, Horford, and that other star.
Trade or keep No. 1 pick?
The Celtics also have a very big decision to make with the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22nd. Will they keep their No. 1 overall pick or possibly trade that pick away along with some of their other roster players in exchange for another star?
Adding the right player to the mix along with Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, and Al Horford could really help the team get even closer to having a chance at defeating LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and the Cavs.
If the Celtics keep the pick it should be interesting to see if they opt for Washington's Markelle Fultz or UCLA's Lonzo Ball. Most analysts believe that Fultz is the top choice, but Ball could be a surprise pick for the team as he has the playmaking abilities to run the show that current point guard Isaiah Thomas lacks with his scorer's mentality.
NBA fans, which All-Star do you think would get the Celtics closer to defeating Cleveland: Griffin, Hayward, George, Butler, or Melo? Should they keep or trade the No. 1 pick?