The Celtics Need To Stop Talking Publicly About What They Want To Do With The Hayward TPE

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It's important to always remember that when Danny Ainge says pretty much anything in regards to his roster or his plans to made changes to his roster, you almost always have to take it with a gigantic grain of salt. You have to read in between the lines, you have to be able to realize what is simply a smoke screen and what is just a flat out lie. This is especially important at this moment in time as every Celts fan under the sun wants to know what this man and team plans to do with the Hayward TPE. It's a huge chip that he has to play before it expires or boy will he look like a dummy for turning down that Pacers offer. 

The one thing that I think we can agree on is very rarely do we hear Ainge come out publicly and basically tell the world his plan. Why bring this up? Well, I can't stop thinking about what he did this morning on the Radio

My first thought was mostly why would Ainge put himself in a box like this? What does he know? I don't disagree with what he feels the need is, this roster could absolutely use shooting with size. That doesn't have to mean big man either. It could be a small ball four. But the second part is also what really set off some alarms for me. How does he know the trade deadline is the sweet spot? Why would he basically commit to it so far in advance? We really have no idea what teams will be sellers at the trade deadline with it being so far away (March 25th). Guys who fit that profile currently play for teams that are still in the hunt and probably will be by the deadline.

Then I saw that their co-owner Stephen Pagliuca was on Clubhouse and said the Celtics are looking for a PF who can shoot. 

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Well, that's basically confirming what Ainge said this morning and frankly I don't like it one bit. Again, not because of what they want, but because they won't shut the fuck up about it. Does nobody understand leverage? Move in silence you idiots! You blabbed about how you loved Tyler Herro and look what happened. If a team knows you desperately want that position/player, they are going to squeeze you for more. The last thing Danny Ainge likes to do is overpay for shit and I cannot see a world where telling everyone well in advance what your plans are doesn't end up raising the asking price. If everyone knows you want X, if they have X, they then make it more expensive. Seems pretty basic to me.

So, is this a diversion? Leak that you are looking in one area because you are knees deep negotiating something else? I wouldn't rule it out. Or are you saying all this in an effort to create the idea that you want a particular player that does not and will not exist so you won't catch heat if you keep the TPE until the offseason when you can just the full $28M. 

If someone on radio or in a press conference asks you what you plan do to with the TPE, here's all you need to say

"We'll evaluate the market and see who might be available that we feel can make our team better"

Keep it vague. It's not hard, they do it all the time. Don't back yourself into a corner in terms of need or timing. None of that shit helps you. I'm honestly shocked both Ainge and Pegliuca did that given their history of keeping everything close to the chest in the past. 

The entire world knows you need to use the TPE. Anyone who watches this team knows what the needs are. They need wing depth, shooting, point guard play, just pick any of them and bring in the best possible player you can. It's not that hard to upgrade what currently lives on the Celtics bench, even if that player isn't perfect.

Just stop talking about it publicly. That helps no one and is only going to make my life on the internet harder if he does nothing in 6 weeks. I don't ask for much, just shut up and work the phones to help this roster. Please.