The realities of being a second-apron luxury-tax team in the NBA are harsh. Building out a roster becomes increasingly difficult, especially when trying to make moves on the trade market.
As such, expensively constructed rosters must rely on their scouting departments and developmental coaches to ensure a steady supply of young, cost-controlled talent who can contribute on the court. The Boston Celtics are one example of that.
Since moving into a front-office position, Brad Stevens has placed a significant onus on creating a pipeline between the Maine Celtics and the Boston Celtics. That pipeline allows Boston to acquire late draft picks, young journeymen or undrafted talent, educate them within its system and potentially elevate them onto the NBA roster. Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh are all prime examples of Boston’s pipeline system at work…