The writing is on the wall. The LeBron James’ dominance of the Eastern Conference is coming to an end. For the past seven seasons, James has ruled the Eastern Conference as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat. To even suggest that another Eastern Conference team would defeat James’ stacked teams in Cleveland or Miami has been laughable – until now.
The Boston Celtics are poised to snatch Cleveland’s crown.
I know what you’re thinking. This guy is nuts. You would be right if I was referring to this season, but I’m not. This season, the Celtics just don’t have the personnel to match up with James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love (barring a major injury by one of the stars). Still, the Celtics opened a lot of eyes by earning the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference
Now GM Danny Ainge has a talented team, one of the best coaches in the NBA in Brad Stevens, enough cap space to sign a stud in the offseason and the #1 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
I would call it the luck of the Irish, but the Celtics fortunes have been built on smart, crafty moves. Back in 2013, the Celtics dealt Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Jason Terry and D.J. White for Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries, MarShon Brooks, Kris Joseph, Keith Bogans and three first-round picks (2014, 2016 and 2018) plus the right to swap first round picks in 2017.
Since then, the Celtics organization has its tremendous haul of draft picks and free agent savvy to build an Eastern Conference contender. On the other hand, the Nets franchise has flopped and floundered its way to becoming a dismal team. Brooklyn posted a 20-62 record this season, the worst in the NBA.
Now Ainge and the Celtics are in a position of power. Ainge’s phone will be ringing off the hook from other GMs wanting to put together a package including an established veteran star, such as Indiana’s Paul George or Chicago’s Jimmy Butler, for that shiny #1 pick.
The Celtics may choose to stand pat and draft the best player available, Washington’s Markelle Fultz. Fultz and Isaiah Thomas would form a truly frightening backcourt. Though they are technically both point guards, the 6’4” Fultz could be the perfect complement for the 5’9” Thomas. Fultz didn’t play much defense in college, but he has the height, athleticism and length (the kid has a 6-foot-10 wingspan) to defend opposing shooting guards.
In free agency, the Celtics are expected to make a strong run at Utah All-Star Gordon Hayward. The pairing makes perfect sense. Hayward played his college ball at Butler under Stevens. At just 26 years old, Hayward fits in with Boston’s youth movement. He would add a terrific offensive and defensive presence right where the Celtics need it most.
The Utah Jazz are certainly on the rise in the West, however, for the foreseeable future they’ll have to contend with the juggernaut Warriors and the always-excellent Spurs to make it out of the West. In Boston, Hayward would only have to worry about the Cavaliers as an obstacle to the Finals.
The Cavs are still certified monsters. But by adding Hayward and Fultz to the Celtics’ current roster, the Cavs might not be clear-cut favorites.
The Cavaliers better make the most out of this season’s outstanding playoff run. Real competition is coming. The Cavs will get an appetizer during the Eastern Conference Finals. The full course will come next season and beyond in Boston.
Lonzo to L.A. a perfect match
Assuming the Celtics pass on UCLA’s Lonzo Ball with the top pick in the draft, his preferred suitor, the Los Angeles Lakers, will be sitting there with the second selection.
In attempt to scare other teams away, Lonzo’s father, LaVar Ball, has suggested that his son will only work out for the Lakers in preparation for the draft. In Boston (or elsewhere), LaVar’s gigantic personality could be a distraction. In Los Angeles, it would add to the Hollywood entertainment factor.
It’s no surprise why the Balls would want to play in L.A. California is home for the Ball family and Lonzo became a nationwide star at UCLA. The elder Ball also knows that his son can likely sell more $495 Big Baller Brand kicks if he’s playing in the #2 media market in the nation as opposed to a smaller market such as Orlando, Sacramento or Minnesota.
Magic Johnson, the Lakers’ president of basketball operations, has repeatedly praised Lonzo Ball’s talent and star-power. As the centerpiece of the Showtime Lakers, Johnson understands the importance of having an exciting star player in L.A. Lonzo Ball’s style of play certainly fits the bill. As far as papa Ball, there should be enough bright lights and cameras to keep him busy and out of Luke Walton’s way – maybe.
Seahawks interested in Kaepernick
The NFL Draft has come and gone and numerous players with ‘red flags’ were drafted despite a history of drugs, violence, domestic abuse and/or animal abuse. Several free agents have also garnered attention despite past legal troubles.
Until now though, free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s phone has remained relatively silent. His cardinal sin was taking a knee during the Star-Spangled Banner during the entire season.
Now it appears that the Seattle Seahawks are interested in signing Kaepernick to serve as Russell Wilson’s backup. It’s not a done deal, but the move would make a lot of sense. Kaepernick’s dual-threat ability would fit in with the Seahawk’s offensive system. The Seahawks also have a strong locker room, one that is also not afraid of activism or speaking out.
Like Kaepernick, guys like Richard Sherman and Michael Bennett are very outspoken. They are all also very active in the community, as is Wilson. On the surface, it seems like Kaepernick would fit in very well in Seattle. Here’s hoping he signs with the Seahawks. Regardless of what the privileged haters say, Colin Kaepernick belongs in the NFL.
Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @IshmaelSistrunk
