Celtics Mailbag: 76ers threat, trade talk, open roster spot

Lots of people want to talk about the undefeated Celtics as they look like the best contenders to emerge from Boston since 2008. Let’s dive into what we are seeing from a host of new players in this week’s mailbag If you have questions about the Celtics or NBA, free agency or more email brobb@masslive.com or tweet @briantrobb

In a recent article, you suggested that even if the 76ers acquired Siakam, it wouldn’t be a game changer. As a Celtic fan, I’d hate to see him with Philadelphia. Don’t you think with less pressure he’d excel as a third option behind Embiid and Maxey? Thanks – Andy

Ever since the 2020 bubble, I haven’t been sold on Siakam as a scary playoff option. He puts up big numbers in the regular season but the Celtics easily shut him down as a top-2 option. He would certainly be an upgrade over Tobias Harris as a third option in Philly but the Celtics would still have plenty of wing defense in Tatum and Brown to throw at him to slow him down. Out of the potential big names that could land in Philly for an in-season trade, he scares me the least.

BRobb,

First off, look forward to all the coverage this year!

So I am not going to overreact to the “lack” of a bench because I think Pritchard and Hauser will get their shot right. With that said, I would like to see Oshae and Lamar get more burn. Lamar started 25 games for the Cavs last year. Thoughts on why he isn’t getting a crack at the bench rotation? Thanks man — Tim

FanDuel Sportsbook BET $5, WIN $150 BONUS BETS & 3 MONTHS NBA LEAGUE PASS

21+ and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.

I think it’s either/or situation in the rotation for those guys when the entire lineup is healthy. Pritchard, Horford, Hauser are locked into the top 8 and I don’t see Joe Mazzulla going beyond 9 deep most nights. Things get more interesting on nights when Horford/Porzingis sit though. In those scenarios, I’d like to see more of Brissett/Stevens over going bigger with Kornet. Both of those guys provide some nice offensive rebounding juice and their versatility defensively will help the bench unit as well. The fact neither has a reliable jumper makes it tough to blame them together but putting three elite shooters around them may help that problem. For now, look for Brissett to get more burn but curious to see what Stevens can do when he gets a chance a meaningful minutes.

Why does this year’s hot start feel so different than last year’s? — Max L

It’s a great question and I feel like there’s a lot to it. The Ime cloud is certainly one part of it since a good deal of the team was openly questioning his suspension to begin the year. Beyond that, the talent improvement here is undeniable. The Celtics aren’t running away with these games due to simply hot streaks from 3 like last year. They have dismantled two of their opponents and overcome bad shooting nights to win the other two. Winning in different ways is something that rarely happened last year and that’s putting this group is already doing in just one week. Whether it sustains remains to be seen but that’s why this already feels a little different in my mind.

i love pp, but thinking about depth in the playoffs/injury, and guys going at him for mismatches should we go hard for Alex Caruso? — Petty

Caruso is always going to be an intriguing option since he makes low money and obviously is a different level of defender than Pritchard. It’s hard to see the Celtics needing to give up what would be a major ask from the Bulls for him. Chicago would be looking for a future first round pick and Pritchard would need to be included to make the money work in all likelihood. Don’t see that type of offer coming from Boston unless Pritchard really flops over the next couple of months and they are convinced they need an upgrade in that spot.

What do you foresee coming from the bench the rest of the year? What are positions of need? Can our current top 8 still be our top 8 come playoffs? Just asked 3 questions – whoops — Mike M

Bring them on, nice and succinct at least! I think the bench will be adequate as his year rolls in, expect them to produce some good net ratings in lineups with Tatum. More big man depth is the position of need in my mind. I think there will be a new member of the top 8 come postseason via the trade deadline. May not play every night but will be an option for certain matchups for Joe Mazzulla.

I would love to see the Celtics improve on big man depth is there anyone out there they can pick up using the grant tpe or any other sourcery? — Carlo C

Way too early, but which spot do you think Brad Stevens will look to upgrade come trade deadline season? — Sammy J

The big man question is a popular one and the options with the $6.2 million Grant Williams TPE aren’t too enticing at the moment. Kenrich Williams, Jalen Smith, Precious Achiwua are a few names that fit into that opening but whether their team are willing to move them remains to be seen. One name to watch if the Grizzlies are in the cellar for a couple more months? Xavier Tillman ($1.9 million).

What do you think the Celtics would do in the scenarios that the expected extensions *don’t* get signed with Jrue, DWhite or (shudder) Tatum? — Taco Bot

Tatum is a lock to sign his super max since he can’t get that money from any other team. The Holiday situation will be fascinating to watch since the team will be able to talk extension with him in the spring before the season is over. His numbers are going to take a hit this year with him serving as a fourth option but he’s still going to be one of the best free agents on the market the summer if the team lets him get there. The guess here is they don’t let that happen. White still has another year left so I’d assume nothing happens there unless a title arrives.

Do you think the reason why Brad is keeping one roster spot open is because he hopes that either Blake re-signs or Theis gets bought out? — Jimmy N

Flexibility is king at this point of the year while also saving a little luxury tax money in the process. The Celtics aren’t done adding to this roster during the year so keeping an open roster spot makes any eventual move to configure especially if it involves a 2-for-1 deal.