The Boston Celtics are in a good–but tenuous–place. Is Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony the solution to Boston’s problem?
As a legit, top-of-the-conference contender, Boston should be thinking about adding to win now and try to take down the (seemingly) vulnerable Cavaliers. But with a young(ish) roster and owning the Nets top pick in June (likely the No. 1 overall pick), Boston can attempt to build something for both today and tomorrow.
If executive Danny Ainge wants to win right now–something buoyed by the recent injury to Cavs forward Kevin Love–the team needs another wing scorer to alleviate pressure off NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas. In a recent column on the NBA trade deadline, The Ringers’ Kevin O’Connor painted a picture of why the Anthony fit would be perfect.
The Celtics have a chest full of assets, but in-their-prime superstars like Butler and George likely won’t be available (and even if they were, it’d require probably both Nets picks and much more). Buying used can be better than buying new: The pre-owned option is Carmelo Anthony, whose price would likely be low since destinations are sparse. As a go-to scorer in his own right and a 45.6 percent shooter off the catch, per SportVU, Melo would alleviate pressure on Thomas. Above all else, when paired with Thomas, Melo is a puzzle piece for one of the deadliest plays in basketball.
When LeBron sets a screen for Irving, it puts the defense in an impossible position. If the defense switches, LeBron will pummel the tiny defender or Irving will blow by the forward. Boston needs this nightmare matchup proposition. A Thomas-Anthony pick-and-roll could give the Celtics a devastating attack when the game slows down in the fourth quarter. Thomas might be the King in the Fourth, but not even King James can do it all himself.
The end result: Anthony to Boston, picks to the Knicks and a legit contender to the Cavs in the East.
Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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