An Open Letter To Danny Ainge

(MassLive)

Dear "Trader Danny",

As a lifelong Celtics fan, I care deeply about this team and I want to see the team return to the greatness that the team achieved from 2007-2012.  I think the progression the team has made since the end of the Big Three has been nothing short of spectacular.  Unlike many Celtics fans, I do not think that the draft was a failure.  I believe that Jaylen Brown will become a key component in making the Celtics great again.  As a small forward, he fits a need that the team has.  Although Jae Crowder has emerged this past season as the starter at small forward and has been a consistent contributor, many have pegged Brown as the next Jimmy Butler and likely has a higher ceiling than Crowder.  There is no question in my mind that he will compete for the starting job in training camp.  So Danny, I think you made a big improvement with this draft over last year's disastrous drafting of Terry Rozier, who serves no need on our team.  

Despite the improved draft, I believe that in order for this team to take the next step and become great, a key part of that is rebuilding the front court.  Ever since the departure of Kendrick Perkins mid way through the 2011 season, the team has not had a legitimate starting center and has had hardly any depth in front court at all.  Even though the team has been successful the past few years and particularly last year, this is largely due to the genius of Brad Stevens system rather than the roster you have given him.  We are overloaded in the back court and are disgustingly thin in the front court.  This formula will not be conducive for the continued success of the team.  

Therefore, I propose that this offseason, rather than focusing on bringing in a superstar at a position where we don't need any help, we focus more on balancing out the roster and that means the front court.  What we need is a starting center who can protect the rim, rebound and contribute offensively in the paint.  What we also need, is a formidable backup center with a similar skill set to the starting center, but at a cheaper price tag.  Luckily, there are many free agents that fit these descriptions and I have comprised a list that is realistic especially with the teams current cap space.  

For the starting Center, Joakim Noah is the answer to all of our problems.  The Bulls seem to be falling off a cliff and that opens up the possibility that they will not pay through the nose to retain Noah.  You, as President of Basketball Operations, need to pitch the competitiveness of the Celtics organization to Noah.  He is a true competitor and if signed would make the team great again.  

​For the backup center, I think you should take a hard look at Kendrick Perkins.  At this stage in his career, Perk has had injury issues and his play has declined as a result.  However, he is still a force to be reckoned with defensively and can provide the occasional offense when needed.  I don't know any Celtic fan who wouldn't love to see Perk back in Green and he may be exactly what we need to make the Celtics great again.  

Best Regards
Celtic Superfan,

Spencer Roush
​@Spence_BBS