Homegrown Squad: Boston Celtics

Hello fellow basketball enthusiasts. It's been nearly one-and-a-half year since the last Homegrown Squad post (the Bulls version) so I think it's about time we have another one. This time, I'll focus on one of the league's most prestigious franchise: the Boston Celtics.

Same rules as before (only active players, team's original draft choices, 12 players) but I've expanded the stats. I've also added a nifty little tidbit - the player's monicker. Props to www.basketball-reference.com. Let's begin!

THE STARTING FIVE

SF Paul Pierce (The Truth, P-Double)
Drafted: Round 1, Pick 10 (1998)
Career Ave.: 21.5PPG, 6.0RPG, 3.9APG, 1.4SPG, 0.6BPG

The face of the franchise and this team. 10-time All Star. 2007-08 NBA Finals MVP. I don't think there's any other player I'd pick to lead this squad. More than the numbers though, the sheer will and determination that The Truth brings on the court will be his greatest contribution. And the swagger. And the poise. And all other intangibles.

SG Joe Johnson (Joe Cool, Big Shot Joe, Armadillo Cowboy)
Drafted: Round 1, Pick 10 (2001)
Career Ave.: 17.5PPG, 4.1RPG, 4.3APG, 0.9SPG, 0.2BPG

I think most basketball fans assume Joe Cool started his career with the Phoenix Suns (where he started building a name for himself) but he actually played 48 games during the 2001-02 season for the Celtics. In this team, he will be the primary scorer and go-to-guy in the fourth quarter. Quite cool, too, that he got reunited with Pierce in Brooklyn. 

C Al Jefferson (Big Classic)

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 15 (2004)
Career Ave.: 16.6PPG, 9.1RPG, 1.5APG, 0.7SPG, 1.3BPG

Oh boy, Boston had some really good draft picks back then huh? Big Classic (yes, that's actually his monicker) is one of the most underrated big men in the game, often overshadowed by more athletic and flashier forwards *coughBlakeGriffincough*. His consistent play down low gives this team their main inside presence. I'm putting him at C and you'll know why soon enough.

PF Jeff Green

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 5 (2007)
Career Ave.: 13.9PPG, 5.2RPG, 1.6APG, 0.8SPG, 0.6BPG

Jeff Green's inspiring story of coming back from a heart surgery to continue his playing career is already an astonishing feat. That he's playing at such a high level again, this time, for the team that originally drafted him, makes it even more heartwarming. In this team, Green won't need to score much but he'll be a nice threat on the wings and the weak side.

PF Avery Bradley

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 19 (2010)
Career Ave.: 8.7PPG, 2.2RPG, 1.4APG, 0.9SPG, 0.2BPG

While Avery Bradley has definitely upped his game this year, I still think he's just below the second-tier of PGs in the league and that's not a bad thing at all given the talent at PG in the NBA these days (CP3, Kyrie, Curry, Rose, Westbrook, etc). Lots of upside for this kid but I don't think he'll be able to produce much given the offensive options in this squad.

THE BENCH

SG Tony Allen (The Grindfather)

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 25 (2010)
Career Ave.: 8.7PPG, 2.2RPG, 1.4APG, 0.9SPG, 0.2BPG

Aside from having such a badass nickname, Allen's value lies in the lockdown defense he's been known for throughout his entire career. We can even make a case of starting him over Bradley (moving Joe Johnson to PG) giving the team a more balanced starting quintet. Flashes of offensive brilliance further solidifies Allen's role in this team.

SG Randy Foye

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 7 (2006)
Career Ave.: 11.5PPG, 2.3RPG, 3.0APG, 0.7SPG, 0.3BPG

Every team needs a shooter and this is what Randy Foye is pretty good at, shooting 37.6% from behind the arc for his career. He can also provide solid work as a back-up point guard. While he may not necessarily be labeled as a bust, I still cannot believe he got picked before guys like Rudy Gay, Rajon Rondo, Paul Millsap, J.J. Redick, and Kyle Lowry. /hindsight

SF Gerald Green

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 18 (2005)
Career Ave.: 8.9PPG, 2.4RPG, 1.0APG, 0.5SPG, 0.3BPG

G. Green (because we have two Green's in this line-up) has seen a resurgence in his playing career this season posting career-high averages across the board. Yet, it is his reputation as one of the league's premier dunkers that gets most people's attention. He'll be the spark off the bench for this team, dazzling the crowd with his highlight-reel worthy plays.

A mandatory Gerald Green GIF is in order (though this one comes from his time with the Nets of New Jersey).

Sickest windmill alley-oop dunk ever,

PF Jared Sullinger

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 21 (2012)
Career Ave.: 9.7PPG, 7.0RPG, 1.2APG, 0.5SPG, 0.6BPG

This is the reason why I put Al Jefferson at C earlier and probably the biggest concern for this Celtics team. No reliable option for the center/forward slots exists given the conditions for this post. Well, except for Sullinger that is. The second-year forward brings a solid rebounding presence coupled by an improving outside game. He'll be the main reliever for Jefferson in this scenario.

PG E'Twaun Moore

Drafted: Round 2, Pick 55 (2012)
Career Ave.: 6.1PPG, 1.7RPG, 1.9APG, 0.6SPG, 0.2BPG

Now, we're venturing into the fringe parts of the roster. Moore enjoyed a semi-breakout year last season to the point where fantasy owners plucked him off waivers in their fantasy leagues. He's nothing more than a third string point guard for this team, one that suits up during blowout games or acts as a quick breather for the more talented and prolific guards.

SG MarShon Brooks

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 25 (2012)
Career Ave.: 7.9PPG, 2.3RPG, 1.5APG, 0.6SPG, 0.2BPG

Another lackluster pick. Brooks displayed good promise while starting his career with the Nets but otherwise has seen his performance dip consistently the past 3 years. Nothing much to see here except a warm body to occupy those seats at the end of the bench. Maybe even lie down Chris Kaman-style. Pass. And next please.

THE LAST MAN

PG Chauncey Billups (Mr. Big Shot)

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 3 (1997)
Career Ave.: 15.2PPG, 2.9RPG, 5.4APG, 1.0SPG, 0.2BPG

I'll go old-school and select Mr. Billups as the 12th man for this team. While his Detroit and Denver peak years are already behind him, he can work as a mentor and semi-coach to the young guns, much like what Derek Fisher has done for the Thunder. He and Pierce will be the leaders imparting their experience to the rest of the team.

"THEY PLAYED THEIR ROOKIE SEASON WITH THE TEAM"

This list has some interesting names most notably Rajon Rondo, Glen Davis, and Kendrick Perkins. Interestingly enough, these players were all part of Boston's 07-08 championship squad, together with Paul Pierce and Tony Allen. More recently, guys like Kelly Olynyk and Vitor Faverani have also been making waves under Brad Steven's Celtics.

Overall, this Celtics team is loaded with scoring guards with the biggest weakness being center and forward slots and the lack of a true point guard. Thoughts?