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Boston Celtics Rumors: Ricky Rubio has his eyes on Celtics

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 22: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz brings the ball up court against the Houston Rockets in the first half of Game Four during the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 22, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 22: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz brings the ball up court against the Houston Rockets in the first half of Game Four during the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 22, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics could be in the hunt for a starting point guard if both Kyrie Irving and Terry Rozier depart in free agency.

While the biggest question surrounding the Boston Celtics this offseason will be whether or not Kyrie Irving returns, a larger question may be how the team fills the void left at the starting point guard position if he does leave.

Assuming Terry Rozier has burned his bridges due to his recent comments through various media outlets, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has to have a backup-backup plan in place.  One of those options is pending unrestricted free agent Ricky Rubio.

In an interview with EuroHoops, Rubio mentions that he is well aware of the situation in Boston and notes the Celtics as a possibility:

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"“There are a thousand possibilities, excluding the teams that have a starting point guard under contract who will remain there.  Like Houston or Golden State.  Then there’s Boston where you still don’t know if Kyrie Irving will be there.  Or Charlotte with Kemba Walker.  Things really don’t depend on you but on the other players.For example, if Kyrie Irving went to Utah, this wouldn’t be a possibility for me anymore.  In the end, they choose first.”"

If Irving does depart, the Celtics are an optimal destination for Rubio, who is looking to win a championship.  It is also optimal because of the Gordon Hayward connection.  Both were teammates with the Jazz and have tremendous chemistry with one another.

Rubio a better playmaker

As great of a talent as Kyrie Irving is, one would think Rubio in Boston would have the greatest impact on Hayward’s career in Boston, especially now that he has a season under his belt following the horrific injury, he suffered in his debut season with the Celtics.

With Rajon Rondo amongst other free agents who would entice Ainge, Ricky Rubio’s impact in the locker room and on the court would also be a positive for the Boston Celtics.

Again, this all depends on what happens once the clock strikes midnight on July 1, but character and a willingness to put the team first has to be what Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, Danny Ainge and ownership has to be looking for.

Next. Boston Celtics: Why it’s not worth keeping Terry Rozier. dark

Last season, Ricky Rubio averaged 12.7 points and 6.1 assists for the Utah Jazz.  Not Kyrie Irving numbers, but certainly viable for a team that may possibly be led by Anthony Davis next season even if Irving chooses elsewhere.

At the very least, having a player like Rubio at point guard could put players like Gordon Hayward, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in better position to score.

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