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Boston Celtics: Early look at where Brad Wanamaker might fit in

By Jason Haskins

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: Brad Wanamaker #22 of the Pittsburgh Panthers drives to the basket during a college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas on January 12, 2011 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. The Panthers won 72-57. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: Brad Wanamaker #22 of the Pittsburgh Panthers drives to the basket during a college basketball game against the Georgetown Hoyas on January 12, 2011 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. The Panthers won 72-57. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics haven’t needed to make much of splash in free agency, but one under-the-radar signing might be a nice boost for the team in 2018-19.

Summer league in the NBA is in full effect. And while fans of the Boston Celtics will get to see the likes of Jabari Bird and Semi Ojeleye, watching the likes of one man will have to wait.

That’s because recent acquisition Brad Wanamaker is already a seven-year vet.

His experience has not led to the NBA over this span. Wanamaker, though, has seen plenty of action since his time at the University of Pittsburgh ended.

Wanamaker signed a one-year deal with the Celtics earlier this summer.

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Most of his career has been spent in Europe — with a brief stint as a member of the Austin Toros of what was formerly called the NBA D-League. His travels have taken him from Italy to France to Istanbul, where last season he was a second-team all-EuroLeague selection.

Wanamaker also played two seasons with Daniel Theis. Theis made his own mark on the NBA last season when he played a key role on the bench until an injury sidelined him.

Head coach Brad Stevens has the ability to bring out the best in players. Given the chance, Wanamaker should be able to add his name to the list of players contributing for the Celtics.

Fitting in the Boston Celtics rotation

The guard position is still slightly in flux for the Celtics, at least as far as the bench is concerned.

Kyrie Irving and Jaylen Brown are the likely starters, with Terry Rozier coming off the bench. A lot of scenarios can still play out, though, so it will be interesting to see how Wanamaker fits in.

The big one appears to be the re-signing of Marcus Smart. Talk had been quiet on that front until recently when it was being reported the Sacramento Kings were interested in signing Smart.

If an offer sheet is not matched by the Celtics and Smart leaves, Wanamaker may be given a chance to earn minutes right away. Wanamaker is a capable scorer, averaging between 11 and 16 points during his Euro career. Given this, he would be able to give both Brown and Irving a rest if needed.

A likely scenario of Smart sticking around is also in play. In this instance — with Bird, Kadeem Allen, and Shane Larkin all unsigned — Wanamaker could be competing for the role of fifth guard. Larkin had his moments last season until he was sidelined with his own injury, and Bird is currently a restricted free agent.

Wanamaker might have been signed as a safety net in the event of losing both Smart and Bird. Given what Stevens has done over the years, it would not be unexpected to see Wanamaker playing a pivotal role. The opportunity will certainly be there, one way or the other, and I’m excited he’s being given this chance.

Next: Boston Celtics: The 50 greatest players of all-time

After seven years of proving himself overseas, he’s definitely earned it.

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