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Fixing the Boston Celtics This Offseason in 5 Easy Steps

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Fixing the Boston Celtics This Offseason in 5 Easy Steps

Brad Stevens - Avery Bradley
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The rebuilding process for Boston Celtics appears to be ahead of schedule. Though currently a team on the rise, the Celtics still finished under .500 last year and have several areas that need work. Below is a quick, five-step guide on how the team can fix those areas this offseason and continue their rise to the top of the Eastern Conference.

5. Trade Up in the 2015 NBA Draft

Willie Cauley-Stein
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5. Trade Up in the 2015 NBA Draft

Willie Cauley-Stein
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Danny Ainge should package some draft picks, maybe throw in a veteran like Evan Turner if necessary, and move into the top 10 to select Willie Cauley-Stein. Cauley-Stein's athleticism and ability to protect the rim would significantly upgrade a Celtics defense that already has a strong backcourt. Also, Cauley-Stein's ability to run the floor and finish at the rim would mesh well with the up-tempo style of the Celtics' point guards.

4. Continue Developing Young Talent

Marcus Smart - James Young
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4. Continue Developing Young Talent

Marcus Smart - James Young
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The Celtics invested a lot in Marcus Smart when the team selected him No. 6 overall in last year's draft. After a solid rookie campaign, Smart's continued development will be crucial to the team's success next year and beyond. This offseason is also an opportunity for James Young to take the next step to becoming a key contributor on this team. The progression of young bigs like Kelly Olynyk and Jared Sullinger can help the Celtics improve also.

3. Add A Veteran Point Guard

Ty Lawson
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3. Add A Veteran Point Guard

Ty Lawson
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The Celtics need veteran leadership in their backcourt. The three point guards on the current roster have a combined eight years of NBA experience. One option would be to trade for Ty Lawson who would be a starter and a key contributor. The Celtics could also look at free agents like Mo Williams or J.J. Barea who would serve more as role players, but they would provide the veteran presence the Celtics currently lack.

2. Acquire a Shooter

Danny Green
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2. Acquire a Shooter

Danny Green
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Brad Stevens has already expressed his desire to improve the team's shooting this offseason. The Celtics were the worst three-point shooting team in the NBA last year and that was on full display in the playoffs. Potential free agent targets could include sharpshooters like Danny Green or Mirza Teletovic. The Celtics could also acquire a shooter via next week's draft with the likes of R.J. Hunter or Justin Anderson.

1. Sign LaMarcus Aldridge

Lamarcus Aldridge - Portland Trail Blazers
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1. Sign LaMarcus Aldridge

Lamarcus Aldridge - Portland Trail Blazers
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This is easier said than done, but it's the easiest way for the Celtics to fix numerous problems. In Aldridge, the Celtics would get a proven scorer, an excellent rebounder and an underrated rim protector. The team would finally have the inside presence they so desperately need, but more importantly they will have finally changed the narrative on free agents coming to Boston. The signing of a player like Aldridge could help future negotiations.

Derek McVay is a writer for RantSports.
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