10 Celtics-centric thoughts after a chaotic NBA trade deadline

I think it’s safe to say that was the most bonkers NBA trade deadline of all time.

I mean, seriously, the Rockets got Cody Zeller and the Wizards got Reggie Jackson. Absolute chaos. But for real, and Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis swap, Jimmy Butler to the Warriors and De’Aaron Fox the Spurs – and that’s just a few of the blockbusters.

Time to bust out the flashcards before it all sinks in and feels right. Here’s how what went down affects the Celtics:

1) Jaden Springer will be missed.

Let’s start with the one move the Celtics made. I personally think Jaden Springer has value as a pesky and active defender.

I could see him coming in and guarding Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell or Tyrese Haliburton in spurts in the playoffs. Is he going to hold them scoreless? Probably not. But he can make life difficult for them and get in their face.

Alas, it’s a financially savvy move, and one that’s probably for the best big picture. Torrey Craig was a good pickup, and it will be interesting to see what happens from here. I’ve learned not to question Brad Stevens, but I do think Springer will be missed.

2) Poor Marcus Smart.

Marcus Smart has had a tough stretch. He was so tantalizingly close to winning a championship with the Celtics, then he ends up on the Grizzlies and misses a lot of games and now he’s on…the Wizards.

Yes, those Wizards. Harry Potter and his Gryffindor quidditch teammates may have earned more wins than the Wizards will this year. You can’t help but feel for Smart. The guy is factually one of the most competitive Celtics of all-time. All he wants is a ring, but he’s getting progressively further away.

The NBA is all about timing and fit, and he’s had some bad luck from that standpoint.

3) Did the Lakers and Mavericks both become less of a threat to the Celtics?

I don’t know about you, but (forget Thursday night’s game) I personally think the Lakers and Mavericks are both less intimidating now than they were last week from a Celtics perspective (yeah, yeah, Caleb Martin, whatever you say).

I’m not a big Luka guy, but I personally don’t think you should ever give away a superstar in his prime unless you have a dang good reason (maybe they did). Yes, he’s a liability defensively, etc. etc., but the man can ball. Davis will help protect the rim, but from a talent standpoint, the Celtics still have a definitive edge if they meet in the Finals again.

As for the Lakers, Mark Williams was a nice pickup, but I still…