Celtics majority owner Wyc Grousbeck doesn't want to make promises about potential roster moves for his team. But they've set themselves up with a lot of flexibility, which is the first step.
In an interview with "The Greg Hill Show" Tuesday, Grousbeck said he's optimistic about the direction of the franchise following last season's early playoff exit. They have a team that can compete right now, and room to add another superstar to play alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, if the opportunity to acquire one presents itself.
"We have two young All-Stars, and we've got a roster around them with an ability to grow on contracts that are fair to both sides," Grousbeck said. "We can go forward with this team, see who develops, and see what roster moves or trades might develop if we want to go for a Big Three concept at one time. We don't have that in the sights. That could take a year, that could take three years, we don't know. I'm not making any remarks about that otherwise, except to say we're going to win banner 18, or die trying. That's the way it is."
The Celtics underwent an overhaul this offseason, moving Brad Stevens to the front office and hiring Ime Udoka to man the sidelines. They also added a plethora of pieces, including veterans Dennis Schroder and Al Horford. Grousbeck believes they've built a cohesive team that will only get better.
"We identified who needed to be around, and re-signed them," he said. "We re-signed Rob Williams, who's a young talent. Marcus Smart, who's a youngish talent, and a leader. Getting those two guy locked in at good contacts for them and for us is great for is. We've got a young team with some real talent."
Udoka's hiring is one fo the primary reasons for the newfound excitement surrounding the Celtics (Grousbeck says all season tickets have been sold). The Celtics had a variety of candidates to choose from, but didn't quibble about picking Udoka.
It doesn't hurt he received full-throated endorsements from their two aforementioned young All-Stars, Tatum and Brown.
"We had the first pick of anybody. We had the best situation in the minds of the agents and coaches who were looking for jobs," Grousbeck said. "We interviewed everybody. We picked Ime, hands down. I was amazed by our conversations, and really excited, and continue to be."
The Celtics tip off their season against the Knicks Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
