How trade deadline affects OKC Thunder amid winners and losers

Boston Celtics

Whereas I understand why most of the top teams didn’t make big moves the one squad that should have is the Boston Celtics. I’m not suggesting the Celtics had to give up any of their young assets, but clearly Boston needs scoring.

Factor in the myriad of picks Danny Ainge has hoarded. I’m flummoxed by the fact he didn’t do something to add some scoring punch.

Moreover, by publicly making it known Marcus Smart was available for trade now Brad Stevens has to navigate dealing with appeasing the potential hurt feelings of a historically emotional Smart.

Already the choice to not add additional scoring has hit the Celtics as the first game back from the trade deadline Boston lost to the Pacers which resulted in them dropping to second in the East.

Effect on OKC Thunder:

Earlier this season the Thunder had the game against the Celtics well in hand and coughed up the lead late. This was also at a time when the OK3 were still figuring out their chemistry.

Since the Celtics don’t have the offensive scoring punch of some of the top squads the key will be to take the game to the Celtics (and learn from squads who pushed the pace). To wit, Boston isn’t as solid defensively when they have to defend teams outside of a half-court setting.