Boston Celtics: Am I crazy for wanting J.J. Redick on the 2017-18 squad?

The Boston Celtics will likely land one or two big stars, but it’s role players like J.J. Redick that could make the difference in the playoffs.

The Boston Celtics selected Jayson Tatum in the NBA Draft, holding onto the No. 3 pick, but it seems like something bigger is in the works. Boston could be looking to sign Gordon Hayward, and then bring in Paul George via trade with an extension in place.

While those two players would certainly help create a star-studded lineup in Boston, it’s players off the bench that can sometimes make the difference in the playoffs. Free agent J.J. Redick is one player that the Celtics should target if cap space allows.

Redick would likely have to take less money than he could get elsewhere to play for the Celtics. He will also become a bench player, rather than a starter. These are all factors that could make it difficult to sign Redick, but if he wants to win an NBA championship Boston could be the perfect landing spot.

What Redick adds to the rotation

Off the bench, Redick would be a 3-point threat that would help the Celtics spread the floor. The NBA is becoming more and more 3-point dependent, so a player that can shoot off the bench has become extremely valuable.

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In 2016-17 J.J. Redick shot 42.9% from behind the arc, which ranked 5th in the NBA. He ranked 10th in total 3-pointers made as well. Imagine him on the court at the same time with Isaiah Thomas and Paul George. Thomas was 5th in total 3’s made while George was 12th last season. For his career, Redick is a 41.5% shooter from behind the arc, though he has actually gotten better as his career has gone on.

Again, a lot of this will depend on available cap space. The cap is at $99 million this year after some projected it at $101 or even $104 million. The lower cap is thanks in part to fewer playoff games being played this past season. Of course, that was because the Golden State Warriors lost only once while the Cleveland Cavaliers blazed through the Eastern Conference. Boston will surely be letting a lot of their free agents walk, which will help, and a Paul George trade could see some players with higher cap hits packing their bags.

I think J.J. would be a welcome addition to any lineup the Celtics present. He can become an extremely valuable asset off the bench if he’s willing to do so.

Next: 2016-17 Celtics Report Card: Al Horford

Would you like to see J.J. Redick in Celtics green and white? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter @CandCFansided!

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