KEY POINTS

  • The Boston Celtics need to address their needs during the offseason
  • The team is expected to target serviceable players who fit into their available budget
  • The 2022 NBA Finals loss has a silver lining for the Celtics

The Boston Celtics fell short in their run for an 18th NBA title and will have to figure out what went wrong in the coming days and the offseason.

They have a promising lineup, but there are glaring voids in the rotation of head coach Ime Udoka.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are leading the pack, but only a few guys have stepped up to back the Celtics' dynamic duo.

Among those who have been showing up include Marcus Smart, Derrick White and Al Horford.

There are other players such as Robert Williams III and Grant Williams, but Boston may have to look at other free agents who can fit into their system.

Boston may likely explore options to fill up voids in the wing, playmaking and frontcourt, ESPN pointed out.

They do not need a huge name where they would need to spend loftily. Rather, getting in another shooter and someone who can facilitate would be the best way to go.

For the 2022 NBA Draft, Boston will only select by the second round.

Other than that, they have a plethora of trade exceptions ($17.2, $9.7, $6.9, and $3.8 million), a mid-level tax exception ($6.4 million), and an extra $6.3 million to send or receive in a trade.

Those options need to be spent wisely. However, Boston may have a tough time figuring out who to get.

But that may all depend on who stays and who goes.

Some names who may be let go include Sam Hauser and Juwan Morgan. There is also Brodric Thomas and Matt Ryan.

Hence, it all depends on who the Celtics may let go before considering any new blood for next season.

As far as the current cast, Udoka needs to figure out how to get them to blend well and whittle down their turnovers.

Maturity is lacking in proper ball distribution and execution of plays.

The good news is that after their 2022 NBA Finals stint, the experience should help Tatum, Brown and Smart get wiser.

It all boils downs to picking up the pieces and plotting their next steps to hopefully make a return trip to the 2023 NBA Finals.

 Jayson Tatum #0 and Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum #0 and Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics Getty Images | Adam Glanzman