With Marcus Smart out, the Boston Celtics must decide whether to fill their final full-time roster space with another guard.Ben Stinar of Sports Illustrated explained why the Celtics should consider signing Goran Dragic with the final position.
“They could use more depth at point guard on the roster, and they also traded Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this summer,” Stinar said. “Adding Dragic would provide them with a true backup point guard.”
Stinar then elaborated further on why the Celtics could use someone like him off their bench.
“He is an excellent passer and would be able to help run the second unit (while also being able to facilitate for Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis).”
Stinar added that Dragic would be an inexpensive addition to the roster.
“Dragic will likely be a player who signs for a veteran’s minimum contract, so there would be no risk for the Celtics to add him to the roster,” Stinar finished.
Dragic earned a reputation as a Celtics killer in the playoffs after his performance against Boston in the 2020 Eastern Conference Finals while playing with the Miami Heat. Dragic averaged 20.5 points while shooting 44.3% from the field in that matchup.
Dragic is no longer that player, but he can still contribute. Dragic played for the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks in 2022-23, averaging 6.3 points and 2.6 assists while shooting 42.1% from the field and 35.9% from three.
Danny Green Mentioned as Possible Free Agent Target
While the Celtics’ free agent options may be limited, CelticsBlog’s Jack Simone detailed why the team could consider acquiring Danny Green with the final space.
“Remember last season when everyone was upset that the Celtics lost the ‘Danny Green sweepstakes’ to the Cleveland Cavaliers?” So now they have the opportunity to make amends, if they so desire. Green, at worst, would provide a veteran presence without playing significant minutes, and at most, he could make some shots.”
Much like Dragic, Green is not the player he once was, but he would bring championship experience to the team. He’s won titles with three separate teams: the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Someone who has been there before could help the Celtics through tight spots in the playoffs.
Romeo Langford Reunion Not Likely: Insider
Former Celtics lottery pick Romeo Langford is also on the free agent market, but MassLive’s Brian Robb explained why he does not believe the Celtics will look into a possible reunion.
“Langford will be invited to training camp somewhere, but it won’t be in Boston.” This team could need some wing depth, but that jumper has yet to appear. He’s still only 23, but he’s not worth a gamble for a contending team at this point.”
Langford is not just young, but also prone to injuries, as the most games he’s played in a season was 48 with the Celtics and Spurs combined in 2021-22.
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