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Milwaukee Bucks: How they stack up in Eastern Conference after trade deadline

By Kenny Jilek

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 01: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after fouling during the third quarter of the game against New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 01, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 01: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after fouling during the third quarter of the game against New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 01, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 21: Kyrie Irv ing #11 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on December 21, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 21: Kyrie Irv ing #11 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on December 21, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics

Trade Deadline Losses: Jabari Bird, cash

Trade Deadline Acquisitions: Roster spot for potential buyout signing

The Boston Celtics essentially stood pat at the deadline. Jabari Bird has not played any minutes this season, so trading him to the Hawks did nothing to change their rotation. It did free up a roster spot, and it will be interesting to see if Danny Ainge utilizes it in the buyout market.

Starting Lineup: Kyrie Irving, Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Morris, Al Horford

Starting Lineup combined stats: 75.4 point per game, 18.2 assists per game, 26.7 rebounds per game, 117 Offensive Rating, 105 Defensive Rating, 11.9 Net Rating

While the Celtics do only hold the fourth best record in the East right now, it isn’t for a lack of talent. Irving has some of the best ball handling skills in the league,  Marcus Smart is shooting a career-best 36.8 percent from three point range, Jayson Tatum and Marcus Morris can create their own shots extremely well, and Al Horford is an ideal stretch-five and pick-and-pop partner for Irving.

Their starting lineup, when all on the floor together, has been very effective offensively, as evidenced by their 117 offensive rating. However, the 105 Defensive Rating is one of the highest of any five-man lineup that coach Brad Stevens has utilized this season.

Key Bench Contributors: Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier, Daniel Theis, Aron Baynes, Semi Ojeleye

The Celtics have plenty of Anthony Davis trade assets for this summer,but for the purposes of this article, we’ll call them “bench contributors”. They do have two double-digit scorers off the bench in Brown and Hayward, and Rozier adds a third threat at 9.1 ppg. This is a very talented bench. Hayward is only two years removed from his All-Star season in Utah, Brown is a former third overall draft pick, and Rozier flexed his abilities in the playoffs last year in the absence of Kyrie Irving, averaging 16.5 points per game.

Theis, Baynes, and Ojeleye are more niche role players, without much of a scoring threat, but serviceable. All low-volume three point shooters that can hurt you from outside if left open, lead by Theis at 47.9 percent on 48 attempts.

The Celtics want to make a run in the playoffs, desperately. Their success this season has major implications for this offseason. Winning this season and tasting the finals for the first time since their big three era would greatly raise their chances of retaining Kyrie Irving this summer and potentially trading for Anthony Davis and signing him to an extension.

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