It turns out that hoarding assets and a ton of “almost trades” may not be the best approach to build a franchise. The Boston Celtics are in the midst of suffering the ramifications of such an approach.
Boston has played the third-most games that come down to “clutch time,” just one behind the Los Angeles Lakers and two behind the Milwaukee Bucks. They have won just 9 of those 26 games. Their .346 win percentage in clutch situations is only better than the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs; three teams you do not want to be in the same company as this season if you have serious playoff hopes.
