Boston Celtics: Grading The Offseason
Championship Exper-Lee-ence
On paper, I really do like the addition of an experienced player like David Lee to Boston. He’s easily the best power forward on the roster now and on a team that could use his services, Lee’s penchant for racking up double-doubles might open up some eyes next season.
However, Lee is also a defensive liability, which may hurt his standing with head coach Brad Stevens. Furthermore, he’s a 32-year-old with only one year left on his contract and zero chance of being a part of this team’s long-term plans.
David Lee: "When I heard there was interest (from the Celtics), I was interested right back."
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) July 27, 2015
It’s entirely possible that Ainge went for this deal to upgrade from a player with zero basketball use (Gerald Wallace) to one who could actually help Boston improve in 2015-16. But it’s just as likely he made the deal so that one year from now, Lee will hit the market and $15.5 million will come off the books.
Between Lee, Amir Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger and Tyler Zeller, not to mention small-ball options like Jae Crowder and Jonas Jerebko, there just aren’t enough minutes to go around for everyone in that frontcourt. How will Stevens manage that many players who deserve playing time?
It remains to be seen, but there’s a very good chance this deal is more about Lee’s massive contract coming off the books next summer than it is about what he’ll contribute this year.
Grade: B
Next: Overall