This Is Not How To Tank



The Boston Celtics were supposed to be in competition for the popular #Tank4Wiggins trend that included division rivals, Philadelphia 76ers, along with the Phoenix Suns, but it has instead been the polar opposite. While the 3-4 record that the Celtics currently present is below .500, they are doing better than the newest super team and Atlantic rival, the Brooklyn Nets, and one of their arch rivals in the New York Knicks (both 2-4).

With the Celtics currently on a three game win streak, with wins against the Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, and most notably, the Miami Heat, it seems as though things may be picking up in bean town, but the question I have for Boston is whether or not to put their future on the line in a season where they know that they are not bringing the Larry O'Brien trophy back to Boston.

With talent such as Andrew Wiggins, Julius Randle, and Jabari Parker, all probable to feature in the upcoming draft, it makes a lot more sense to tank for a high draft pick rather than a low playoff seed. Brad Stevens is proving he can compete at the highest level after making the switch from the college game to the pro game, but his focus should be on fielding a competitive team in the near future rather than playing for a first round playoff exit at the hands of the Heat, Pacers, or Bulls.

The Celtics depth chart currently looks like this:

PG - Jordan Crawford, Phil Pressey

SG - Avery Bradley, Courtney Lee, MarShon Brooks

SF - Jeff Green, Gerald Wallace, Keith Bogans

PF - Brandon Bass, Jared Sullinger, Kris Humphries

C - Vitor Faverani, Kelly Olynyk

The only inactive is Rajon Rondo, but even he won't make this Celtic team into competitors. Take this message to heart Boston, don't compete, tank... In long term thinking it makes a lot more sense and it is the only thing the front office and coaching staff should be thinking of doing. Competitive fire is always good to have, but certain situations require different components.