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Potential Celtics Free Agents

As we all know, the Boston Celtics were front runners to win the 2022 NBA finals with a 86% chance per ESPN’s Basketball Power Index. That quickly changed when the Celtics lost game four, and the series was tied 2-2. Although Celtics’ star Forward Jayson Tatum finished with a double-double, having 23 points and 11 rebounds, he shot about 35% from the field, only making 8-of-23 shots. After the Golden State Warriors became the champions again, it is safe to say that this Celtics team has a lot of potential to fight for their 18th championship, but the biggest question is, will they get there? The East teams had many injuries during the season, and some players were unable to play because of Covid protocols. Now that everyone is in the offseason, it gives everyone the chance to rebuild and get healthy for the 2022-2023 season. 

The Celtics need another factor on the court who can help space the floor. When thinking about that type of player, Nicolas Batum comes to mind. He is a free agent from the Los Angeles Clippers who is 33 years old, but he is a versatile player who can guard different positions on the floor, and he had a 46% field goal percentage this past season. Batum could easily fit in with the Celtics as they continue searching for their next player to help them seek another championship.

Another person, the Celtics, could look at would be a familiar face in Otto Porter Jr. from the Golden State Warriors. Although he lacks minutes, he is a factor when touching the floor. Porter had shot 56% from the three-point line in the face of the Celtics. During his season with the Warriors, he averaged 8 points and six rebounds, shooting 46% from the field. Although scoring isn’t his strong suit, he is an excellent defender, and with the playing style of the Celtics, he would fit right in with the coaching scheme.

If Brad Stevens and the Celtics look for another scorer, TJ Warren from the Indiana Pacers could be available. The 28-year-old power forward is a pretty good shooter. His percentage is over 50%, and he can also space the floor. The only flaw is that Warren had a foot injury that knocked him out for the entire 2021-2022 season. If he is completely healthy and back to his regular scoring self before the stress fracture, this could be a good pick-up for the Celtics.

All in all, the Celtics have more players than they could be in the market for. These three could spruce up their game if everyone could stay healthy. Once again, the East will have a lot stronger, healthier, and new players that could come and take down the Boston Celtics, but as long as they can find another scorer or, at most, a top defender, the Celtics could find their way back in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Alise Robinson