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Intriguing Young Prospect Just Became Available and the Celtics Should Sign Him

The Memphis Grizzlies announced that they waived Kenneth Lofton Jr. on Monday night. With a need for more frontcourt depth, it'd be wise for the Boston Celtics to target the promising prospect.

By Devon Platana

The Celtics should target free-agent power forward Kenneth Lofton Jr. following his release from the Grizzlies.
The Celtics should target free-agent power forward Kenneth Lofton Jr. following his release from the Grizzlies. / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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With Ja Morant returning from his 25-game suspension on Tuesday, the Memphis Grizzlies needed to clear up a roster spot. As a result, the team announced on Monday night that they were waiving 21-year-old power forward Kenneth Lofton Jr., who was an undrafted free agent in 2022.

Being as young as he is, it wouldn't be shocking if NBA teams are already calling Lofton's agent. If Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics are wise, they'd also make a play for the former Louisiana Tech product.

Celtics Rumors: Boston Should Sign Kenneth Lofton Jr.

The trio of Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford provide the Celtics with one of the best frontcourts in the NBA.

Having said that, adding another big man never hurts. After all, Porzingis has already missed six games this season and has only hit the 60-game mark once since 2018 while Horford isn't exactly spring chicken as he's currently in the middle of his 17th season in the league.

Adding Lofton to the mix would give the Celtics a younger option who some would argue has untapped potential. The Port Arthur, TX native only played 7.1 minutes per outing in 39 games (1 start) across the last two seasons with the Grizzlies, averaging 4.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists while hitting 48.5% of his field-goal attempts.

While those numbers aren't eye-popping, the potential is there. After all, Lofton garnered a lot of attention when he was named 2023 NBA G League Rookie of the Year and All-NBA G League First Team after averaging 25.2 PTS/9.7 REB/3.2 AST with the Memphis Hustle. He also played four postseason games with the Grizzlies last spring, meaning some playoff experience is there.

Adding Lofton likely wouldn't make or break a championship run for the Celtics, but he'd be a nice insurance option in case someone like Porzingis or Horford goes down later in the season. He'd also be able to get some valuable minutes in garbage time during games that Boston has put out of reach, potentially helping him to be an even bigger contributor next season.

Even without Lofton, the Celtics are poised for success this season. They're the odds-on championship favorite across most sportsbooks, including on DraftKings where they're available at +360 odds as of Dec. 19.

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