Will Brandon Bass be back with the Celtics next season?
In his four seasons in Boston, Brandon Bass has enjoyed the best stretch of his 10-year career.
The 30-year-old averaged 10.6 points and grabbed 5.5 rebounds per game since he was acquired in December of 2011 for Glen Davis and Von Wafer.
The man with the smooth jumper has shot 49 percent from the field and 83 percent from the charity stripe while in Bean Town.
Bass is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and sounds like someone who doesn't see himself continuing his career with the C's.
In a piece written by CSNNE's A. Sherrhod Blakely, Bass had this to say regarding his future:
It’s a business. They have to do their due diligence. And I have to do my thing, spend time with my family and wait for those calls and negotiations to start. I want to go to a team that wants me versus me chasing any type of situation. During the season I like to make the best of my current situation, whatever situations I’m in. I’m not necessarily going to chase situations. I just want the best possible situation for me so that I can help the team.
It's difficult to not harp on his poor four-game stretch in the first-round sweep at the hands of the Cavs. For the series Bass averaged just 5.0 points per game and shot a depressing 60 percent from the foul-line.
Bass has never been one to back away from criticism, as he addressed his poor performance:
I didn’t like the way I performed. I know I can play 10 times better than I played. It happens. The law of averages got me this year.
But regardless of his tough playoff showing, the question remains, will Celts' management try to retain the big-mans' services this offseason?
Bass is a perfect veteran on a team chasing a title, which makes you wonder why his services weren't in high demand at the trade deadline this season. You're telling me the two conference runners-up, Atlanta and Houston, couldn't have used Bass' scoring off the bench?
It's a shame he wasn't around for the 2010 Finals, he would have been a welcomed addition to the C's playoff rotation.
This group of Celtics is different than the teams that were chasing banner 18, an equation that won't work in Bass' favor. Barring any major moves this summer for the likes of Kevin Love or DeMarcus Cousins, it's doubtful Danny Ainge will make Bass a priority for his quickly developing young roster.
Bass would only hamper the progression of Jared Sullinger, who is entering the most important season of his career, as well as Kelly Olynyk, who will be working to redeem the step back he took in his sophomore season. Also, factor in the potential big man taken with the 16th overall selection in the draft.
If Bass has played his last game rocking the number 30 for the Celtics, he has left a positive impression on the franchise on and off the court.
Always one to be helpful in the community, last week Bass hosted 50 kids from the Boston Boys and Girls Club on a trip to the Franklin Park Zoo. The last memory of the Louisiana native, will be of a generous person that gave a lot to the city:
Boston is like a home away from home for me. I wanted to continue my efforts in the community. Fans have shown me a lot of love in my four years here. I want to do the same.
If he doesn't return to Boston next season, Bass will certainly be missed by all, including players, coaches, fans...and this giraffe:
#NBA veteran Brandon Bass feeding a giraffe carrots ... That is all. pic.twitter.com/9WHVsEXtgf
— Scott Souza (@scott_souza) May 27, 2015Photo by Stuart Cahill
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