Boston Celtics: Grading The Offseason

Feb 25, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8), guard Evan Turner (11), guard Isaiah Thomas (4), forward Jae Crowder (99) and guard Marcus Smart (36) celebrate against the New York Knicks during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8), guard Evan Turner (11), guard Isaiah Thomas (4), forward Jae Crowder (99) and guard Marcus Smart (36) celebrate against the New York Knicks during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics
Feb 25, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8), guard Evan Turner (11), guard Isaiah Thomas (4), forward Jae Crowder (99) and guard Marcus Smart (36) celebrate against the New York Knicks during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Heading into the offseason, the Boston Celtics were still feeling good, coming off a surprise playoff appearance. It ended in a quick four-game sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, but it still felt right seeing the Celts back in the playoffs. Or did it?

Instead of tanking their way to a higher draft pick and the chance at acquiring a franchise star to build around, the Celtics went on a tear after the All-Star break and surged to the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference.

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That decision — along with head coach Brad Stevens’ ability to extract the very best from a group of mere role players — put the pressure on general manager Danny Ainge to find a way to turn his collection of assets into a star. Unfortunately, Boston was unable to find its foundational piece in the draft or in free agency.

To that end, the Celtics’ offseason was only going to be so successful. As Boston straddles multiple lines between competing for the East, developing internally and stockpiling assets to turn into a star player, how’d they make out this summer? Here’s a look at their comprehensive offseason grades.

Next: The Draft