Paul Pierce bemoans lack of depth as Celtics' biggest issue this season

The Celtics' first-half struggles have followed them into the second half of the season and at 20-20, Boston's playoff hopes are dwindling. 

Although Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are having solid seasons, the Celtics rely too much on their young superstars. Boston has failed to get much production out of anyone except Tatum, Brown and Kemba Walker and will have to figure things out quickly before the 2020-21 campaign becomes a lost cause. 

In a recent interview with WBZ's Steve Burton, Celtics legend Paul Pierce said the franchise lacks depth and needs to start getting more production out of other players to be successful.

"They lack depth, they really do," said Pierce. "You have two All-Stars in Jaylen and Jayson up front. … But I believe they rely so much on their two All-Stars every night, and people don't realize how young these guys are. You're relying on them to win games and take you to the next step in getting to the Finals. But they lack depth. When you look top down, you have [Marcus] Smart and other guys who are solid players, but they don't have anything consistent."

The NBA trade deadline is right around the corner and the pressure is on Celtics general manager and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge to find a solution to Boston's season-long struggles. The Celtics have been linked to Harrison Barnes, John Collins and LaMarcus Aldridge, but those rumors haven't been as prominent in recent days. 

The Celtics have lost three of their last four games, including a loss to the 12th place Cleveland Cavaliers Even if they get help, it has become quite clear that the franchise won't be able to compete for an NBA title against the likes of the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks in the East, which is a tough pill to swallow for C's fans.