Celtics: Keep or replace him?

Decisions, decisions. The Celtics don’t have many free agents, but with the rest of the league passing them by, they have to take a serious look at each player on the roster and decide which direction they’d like to go. Core players Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Rajon Rondo brought Boston a championship, but they could also be valuable pieces on other teams. Jeff Green has emerged as a big-time player, but can they build the team around him? Was Avery Bradley’s season a hiccup or a sign of reduced expectations? The decisions the Celtics make this offseason could have ripple effects for years. In the slides ahead, we examine each of them and ask for your input on transitioning the Celtics toward the future.

Paul Pierce

Situation: Signed for $15.3 million in 2013; Team can buy him out for $5 million

Reasons for keeping: As good as Jeff Green was in the playoffs, it’s unrealistic to expect him to fully replace the Celtics’ No. 2 all-time scorer. Pierce has one year left on his deal. If the Celtics let Pierce play out his contract, he comes off the books after the season and they’re free to sign someone else. In terms of competitiveness, if Pierce goes now, the Celtics are going to get worse before they get better. Sentimentality also plays a role here.

Reasons for replacing: The Celtics are delaying the rebuilding process if they hold on to Pierce. If there’s a deal for Pierce that brings back a young player or a draft pick, that process starts sooner. Green has also shown that he’s better with more minutes, so removing Pierce from the lineup clears a path for Green to do his thing.

Dzen’s take: Keep him

What would you do?

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7119001.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/7119001/”>Should the Celtics keep Paul Pierce or replace him?</a></noscript>

Kevin Garnett

Situation: Signed for $11.5 million in 2013, $12 million in 2014

Reasons for keeping: Garnett is the heart and soul of the Celtics. His veteran leadership and defensive intensity have been the hallmarks of this team since his arrival in 2007. Garnett is also one of the best offensive big men in the history of the game. The Celtics will struggle if Garnett leaves.

Reasons for replacing: You should be able to get a lot for Garnett in a trade. He’s that veteran piece who could put a team like the Clippers or Mavericks or Warriors over the top, and you may get draft picks and young players in return. Getting rid of Garnett would also clear salary for the next two seasons.

Dzen’s take: Replace him

What would you do?

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7119006.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/7119006/”>Should the Celtics keep Kevin Garnett or replace him?</a></noscript

Rajon Rondo

Situation: Signed for $12 million in 2013, $13 million in 2014

Reasons for keeping: The Celtics were clearly worse without Rondo this season, and that was particularly evident in the playoffs. It turns out you need a capable ballhandler to run your offense, and Rondo beats pressure by himself. He’s the best passer in the league and also one of the more dynamic players.

Reasons for replacing: If Rondo comes back his as usual self from his knee injury, he’ll have serious trade value. He’s an inconsistent scorer, and the Celtics will have a hard time winning if he’s the best player on the team. With Rondo’s impending free agency coming in two years and a potential max contract looming, the Celtics may do better to get something for Rondo now and avoid having him walk then.

Dzen’s take: Replace him

What would you do?

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7119016.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/7119016/”>Should the Celtics keep Rajon Rondo or replace him?</a></noscript>

Jeff Green

Situation: Signed for $8.7 million in 2013, $9.2 million in 2014; Player option for $9.2 million in 2015

Reasons for keeping: Green’s effectiveness increased with increased minutes in the playoffs, leading the team in scoring with 20.3 points per game. He’s versatile, able to slide down to the three and run the floor or up to the four and post up. The NBA is trending in his direction. In a few years teams’ starting lineups may consist of a point guard and four guys like Jeff Green.

Reasons for replacing: Despite Green’s improvement, it’s not clear he can be a No. 1 guy like Pierce has been for all these years. Green is signed for three more seasons, so replacing him and getting equal value in a deal could be difficult.

Dzen’s take: Keep him

What would you do?

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7119024.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/7119024/”>Should the Celtics keep Jeff Green or replace him?</a></noscript>

Brandon Bass

Situation: Signed for $6.75 million in 2013, $6.95 million in 2014

Reasons for keeping: Bass is a solid if unspectacular player who has averaged 10.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in two seasons in Boston. He’s durable – at the end of the season a Celtics team doctor came over to ask Bass if he has any injuries and Bass just shook his head no – and he’s an above average offensive player.

Reasons for replacing: Bass is an underwhelming rebounder and is undersized at his position. He doesn’t always play with physicality. If Jared Sullinger is healthy and ready to play, he could make Bass expendable.

Dzen’s take: Keep him

What would you do?

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7119034.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/7119034/”>Should the Celtics keep Brandon Bass or replace him?</a></noscript>

Avery Bradley

Situation: Signed for $2.5 million in 2013; Qualifying offer for $3.5 million in 2014.

Reasons for keeping: Bradley made the NBA’s All-Defensive second team this season as one of the best on-ball defenders in the league. He’s just 22, is signed for reasonable money, and has huge upside.

Reasons for replacing: Bradley struggled in the playoffs this season, and he struggled without Rondo. He’s not a point guard. He’s also been injury-prone, which is not a good sign for a young player who plays as hard as he does.

Dzen’s take: Keep him

What would you do?

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7119037.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/7119037/”>Should the Celtics keep Avery Bradley or replace him?</a></noscript>

Jordan Crawford

Situation: Signed for $2.1 million in 2013; Qualifying offer for $3.2 million in 2014

Reasons for keeping: Crawford is instant offense off the bench, and his contract is very reasonable. You could do worse than having a professional scorer on your bench for $2.1 million.

Reasons for replacing: Crawford is erratic. While he can score, he’s just as likely to put up a bad shot as a good one. His involvement in a postgame scuffle vs. the Knicks also suggests that the headaches Crawford brings might not be worth it.

Dzen’s take: Keep him

What would you do?

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7119039.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/7119039/”>Should the Celtics keep Jordan Crawford or replace him?</a></noscript>

Courtney Lee

Situation: Signed for $5.2 million in 2013, $5.4 million in 2014, $5.8 million in 2015

Reasons for keeping: Reasons to defend Lee became harder to find as the season went on, but the Celtics guard is a natural fit next to Rondo and off the bench as a two guard. Lee is a good defender and is historically a good free throw shooter.

Reasons for replacing: Much easier said than done considering his contract, the Celtics could be getting much more value from someone else. Lee was so inconsistent he found himself out of the rotation in the playoffs. Getting out from under his contract may mean taking on a bad contract or packaging him in with others in a large deal.

Dzen’s take: Replace him

What would you do?

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7119048.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/7119048/”>Should the Celtics keep Courtney Lee or replace him?</a></noscript>

Fab Melo

Situation: Signed for $1.3 million in 2013; Team option for $1.3 million in 2014, $2.25 million in 2015; Qualifying offer for $3.26 million in 2016

Reasons for keeping: The Celtics don’t know what Melo can do yet. Their second-round pick put up big numbers in the D-League last season. He started playing basketball late in his life, and he’s 7-feet tall. The Celtics have control of the player for the next three seasons.

Reasons for replacing: In action against NBA players Melo looks lost. In glimpses of Melo before and after practices and games, the center struggles with even the most basic offensive drills. The Celtics are starting from scratch, breaking him down before building him back up. Some team will give you a draft pick for him.

Dzen’s take: Replace him

What would you do?

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7119050.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/7119050/”>Should the Celtics keep Fab Melo or replace him?</a></noscript>

Shavlik Randolph

Situation: Free agent

Reasons for keeping: Our first free agent! Randolph proved to be a capable rebounder in limited action this season. He’s the kind of player who can give you valuable minutes in relief of your stars over the course of a season.

Reasons for replacing: Randolph’s situation is going to come down to whether or not there are better players out there. He’s not a player with huge upside. If there’s a better player on the market, Randolph may be out of a roster spot.

Dzen’s take: Keep him

What would you do?

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7119053.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/7119053/”>Should the Celtics keep Shavlik Randolph or replace him?</a></noscript>

Jared Sullinger

Situation: Signed for $1.3 million in 2013; Team option for $1.4 million in 2014, $2.3 million in 2015; Qualifying offer for $3.3 million in 2016.

Reasons for keeping: Sullinger would have made the all-rookie team had he stayed healthy. He’s a tenacious rebounder and a nifty low post scorer. None of this is a surprise given his pedigree. The Celtics have him under control on short money for the next three seasons.

Reasons for replacing: Sullinger’s back will supposedly be fixed following an operation during the season, but lingering problems could lessen his value. He’s undersized. And you might be able to get a good haul for him in a trade.

Dzen’s take: Keep him

What would you do?

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7119056.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/7119056/”>Should the Celtics keep Jared Sullinger or replace him?</a></noscript>

Jason Terry

Situation: Signed for $5.2 million in 2013, $5.45 million in 2014

Reasons for keeping: Terry is a veteran scorer with championship experience. He’s a clutch shooter and a good locker room presence.

Reasons for replacing: Terry failed to replace Ray Allen’s production this season. If the Celtics choose to rebuild, he may be unnecessary.

Dzen’s take: Keep him

What would you do?

<script type=”text/javascript” charset=”utf-8″ src=”http://static.polldaddy.com/p/7119057.js”></script> <noscript><a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/7119057/”>Should the Celtics keep Jason Terry or replace him?</a></noscript>

D.J. White

Situation: Free agent

Reasons for keeping: Signed out of the Chinese Basketball Association, White didn’t see much action this season. The sole reason to keep him is for frontcourt depth.

Reasons for replacing: In his only extended minutes of the season, White had 3 rebounds in 28 minutes vs. Toronto. If there’s a better player out there, you sign him.

Dzen’s take: Replace him

What would you do?

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Chris Wilcox

Situation: Free agent

Reasons for keeping: Wilcox played his best with Rondo, flying to the rim off pick-and-rolls for easy dunks. He’s an athletic big man who can run the floor.

Reasons for replacing: Wilcox was one of the most frustrating players for the Celtics this season. He wore out his welcome with Doc Rivers, who kept him on the bench during the playoffs.

Dzen’s take: Replace him

What would you do?

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Terrence WIlliams

Situation: Signed to a non-guaranteed contract of $948,000 in 2013.

Reasons for keeping: Williams was a capable ball handler who played a role in several playoff games vs. the Knicks. He’s strong taking the ball to the basket.

Reasons for replacing: Williams was arrested in May for brandishing a gun at the mother of his child. The Celtics may not want to deal with the headache or public relations backlash of holding onto Williams. They can cut him and not have to pay his salary.

Dzen’s take: Replace him

What would you do?

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What’s the strategy?

Speculation about the direction the Celtics take is likely to dominate the offseason conversation about the team, and there are countless questions beyond the personnel decisions. But hovering over it all is the basic strategy the team should be following. Is it time to completely overhaul, can they tinker with the roster and still compete, or go all-in for a title?

Cast your vote below.

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