Celtics Looking for Bigs with First 2 Picks?
After watching Kevin Garnett in May and June, fans should expect Boston to try to re-sign him for another title run next year, especially because the Celtics are in position to add two young bigs to their roster this June. As detailed last week in our draft blog, Boston could package both picks to move up, but it makes more financial sense to keep two young players on rookie contracts. It also makes more sense on the court.
Garnett played almost exactly 31 minutes per game every month this year and has played 36 or more minutes in every playoff series. And yet he’s been one of the top postseason performers thus far. Next year, given the return to a regular schedule, adding two big, athletic forwards/centers means Garnett should be able to play fewer regular- season minutes, saving him for the postseason. San Antonio has done that with Tim Duncan, who played between 22 and 30 minutes per game each month this season, and was fantastic for the most part this postseason playing between 30 and 34 minutes per game.
I would expect similar numbers for Garnett next year if Boston grabs any combination of Fab Melo, Meyers Leonard, Andrew Nicholson and Terrence Jones. Energy is a talent in itself, and young, fresh legs are a key ingredient to playing with energy. Rookies in Boston will enjoy a solid and competitive structure around them, giving them the ability to maximize their athleticism and size without being forced to do too much before they are ready. It might take until early 2013, but I’d expect big returns from their two draft picks if the Celtics indeed decide to go big.
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