The Celtics still have to make a few small roster tweaks in order to solidify their amazing roster.
With the NBA offseason right around the corner, many teams are prepared to revamp their roster or add a missing piece. The Boston Celtics are not really in that position this season.
Boston has a phenomenal young core led by Jayson Tatum and hard-nosed vets in Kyrie Irving and Al Horford. This off-season the Celtics don’t necessarily NEED anyone.
However, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t improve their team.
Every year the best teams in the league load up in an attempt to topple the rest of the league. Role players play key roles for championship teams in the NBA.
With no true rim protector or “three and D guy” off the bench, the Celtics will defiantly be looking to add those spots to the roster.
Here are 3 players the Celtics should look to target come July.
SG Austin Rivers
Austin Rivers is one of the better young free agents on this years market, Rivers could be a great addition for the C’s.
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Entering his 7th season in the NBA at only 25 years old, Rivers has shown that he can really improve his game year in and year out. This past season as the Clippers primary shooting guard, Rivers shot 37% from beyond the arc while also averaging over 15 points a game. This past season he showed his scoring ability as he scored 30 or more points on multiple occasions.
Since he was a point guard for a while, Rivers has great court vision and is a very solid passer. With the Celtics resting Irving and the uncertainty that surrounds what the team will do with Terry Rozier and Marcus Smart, Rivers could easily slip back into his role at the backup PG position.
Austin is also a great defender, as he has been praised for his great on-ball defense. Bill Simmons even gave Rivers a vote on the all-defensive team.
Rivers probably wouldn’t be super expensive, but getting a viable bench threat at around $12 million dollars would be a great get for Boston.
C Dwayne Dedmon
The ability to show such athletic prowess and to be as tough as Dwayne Dedmon is truly remarkable.
An NBA journeyman, Dedmon showed lots of potential two years ago in San Antonio under Gregg Popovich. That performance earned him a “prove it” deal with the Hawks, and he delivered.
Last year in Atlanta, Dedmon averaged 10 points and about 8 points per game. He proved he was a very good rim protector and is physically imposing too many of the games tops centers.
He is more multi-dimensional then Aron Baynes and can be used in the Celtics system to perfection. Between his tough-nosed play and floor spacing ability, the Celtics could really use a consistent center.
Getting Dedmon for around $8 million a year would be great for the Celtics, and give them an upgrade at center. Between putting the ball in the basket and playing great defense, Dedmon is one of the more underrated players in today’s game.
SF Rudy Gay
One of the more underrated players of his generation, Rudy Gay is getting up there in age.
During his recent tenure in Sacramento, he was one of the lone scoring threats on the team and was a constant 18 point a game guy. However, a recent slew of injuries made his career trend downward.
This past season Gay signed with the San Antonio Spurs. In a limited role, Gay played decently. He scored over 10 points a game and Popovich got him to play some defense.
He has always been a very prolific scorer, but the defense has made him a more complete player. In stretches, last season the Boston Celtics bench was very cold and looked lost at times. However, Gay can completely change that.
Gay is capable of playing ISO ball, playing the wing or even starting at the block if playing a smaller defender. His amazing offensive versatility makes him a desired commodity. However, Gay signed with San Antonio in hopes of capturing a ring.
At this point in time, the Celtics are closer to capturing a title then the Spurs, and I think Gay can see that. If he truly wants to win a ring and contribute to a great team, the Celtics are the team for him.
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If he takes less money in hopes of winning a title, then around $6 million is all it will cost for one of the best veteran bench players in today’s game. Gay and the Boston Celtics seem like a match too good to be true.