The Boston Celtics have been feel-good since Brad Stevens took over in the 2021 offseason — seeing Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown go to the NBA Finals in the first season of his reign as President of Basketball Operations and seeing countless reunions with former fan favorites.
Al Horford’s return is the most prominent, but there’ve been returns of former players, and even former players as coaches. Stevens subscribes to friendly faces being invited back to familiar places.
When it comes to the future, another return feels almost inevitable. But who might be on the radar of the Celtics PBO? On the other side of that token, whose return is a pipedream at this point?
Another Boston Celtics return for Daniel Theis is always an option
Daniel Theis has been drafted by, traded by twice, and traded for once by the Boston Celtics, and his latest move was outbound to the Indiana Pacers for Malcolm Brogdon. With a club option for the 2024-25 season, it’s possible Theis could be a free agent in less than a year.
If nowhere else, Boston is a home for Theis given the willingness the team has had to feature him in the rotation when he’s in town. No sides seem likely to turn down a minimum deal, especially in the current cap climate.
While Theis has never been the true answer at center, he’s a top-level backup the Cs could find; especially considering the previous fit. Never say never when it comes to the German big and Boston.
Aaron Nesmith has blossomed after leaving the Boston Celtics
Unfortunately, Aaron Nesmith, another member of the 2021-22 Celtics who was part of the package offered to the Pacers for Brodgon, isn’t likely to ever seek a comeback to the city of Boston. In his first season in Indiana, Nesmith had career-highs across the board and even started 60 games. As a reserve with the Cs, Nesmith merely looked like a player whose potential wasn’t being reached.
Grant Williams could develop into a starter elsewhere before returning to the Boston Celtics
Grant Williams seemed to have an authentic personal bond with Jayson Tatum and his son Deuce, and his friendship with Mazzulla didn’t wane despite the forward not receiving the minutes he desired in his first contract year.
Isaiah Thomas feels like a Boston Celtics goner for good
Unfortunately, Isaiah Thomas doesn’t seem likely to ever return to the Boston Celtics after former general manager Danny Ainge traded him more than half a decade ago. The King of the Fourth, the five-foot-nine messiah, IT, whatever you call him — don’t forget what he brought to the franchise during his two and a half seasons.
Marcus Smart has not played his last game as a member of the Boston Celtics — not by a long shot
No. 36 will be worn again by a Celtic someday. And you can take it to the bank that it’s going to be Marcus Smart donning it.
Smart’s inclusion in the Kristaps Porzingis trade was a shocker; especially considering Malcolm Brogdon was supposed to be the point guard included by the front office in the transaction. His absence will be felt by the locker room no matter what spin anyone tries to put come media day. However, that doesn’t even feel like that much of a possibility considering how much respect Smart has garnered in this city.
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