The Boston Celtics are still looking for ways to enhance their three-point shooting after waiving center Justin Champaignie. According to the latest rumors, they have discovered it. The Celtics are purportedly offering a contract to Svi Mykhailiuk, a young wing with perimeter ability, according to SDNA, a Greek news outlet.
Background on NBA Rumors: Celtics Offer Contract to Svi Mykhailiuk
Mykhailiuk, a former Kansas Jayhawk who was drafted 47th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, enters the league recognized for his three-point shooting. Svi was traded to the Detroit Pistons along with a second-round pick for Reggie Bullock midway through his rookie season. He didn’t start getting substantial minutes until his second year (2019-20). He averaged nine points per game while playing 22 minutes per night and shooting 41% from the field and 40% from three. His stay in Detroit was short-lived, as he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.Thunder in 2021, followed by stints with the Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, and Charlotte Hornets. Mykhailiuk had a career year last season, averaging 10.6 points per game on 44/40/67 splits. Given his great season, many expected him to re-sign with the franchise, but the Hornets had other intentions.
Mykhailiuk was a consistent shooter and strong rotation player throughout. Though he was not the finest defender, he provided offense off the bench and handled his role well. Though he is weighing this offer against one from Panathinaikos, BC, it would provide Mykhailiuk with the opportunity to stay in the NBA while contributing to a title contender.
What Mykhailiuk Can Contribute
The Celtics finished sixth in regular season three-point percentage (37.7 percent with an average of 16 made threes per game) and fifth in playoffs (36.4 percent, 14.1 made per game). With a roster looking to maximize its strengths around Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, giving Mykhailiuk a chance is a no-brainer.
Boston now has Sam Hauser, Oshae Brissett, and Jordan Walsh as backup wings behind Brown. Bringing Mykhailiuk into the fold would significantly improve the team’s frontcourt depth. He also contributes to the team’s perimeter shooting. It’s worth mentioning that Mykhailiuk hit approximately 44 percent of his three-point attempts (and 46 percent of his two-point attempts). He also completed 40% of his pull-up triples. In short, Mykhailiuk is a talented shooter and overall offensive player who the Celtics would be fortunate to have.
Svi Mykhailiuk’s Final Opinion
It’s unknown whether Mykhailiuk will play in the NBA or Europe next season. If the Celtics rumors are true, he has the potential to make a playoff-bound squad and contribute in spurts. Mykhailiuk has proven his ability to play appropriate minutes on younger, growing teams during the last five years, and he has used that time to improve his game and showcase his worth.
Posted in Basketball, NBA, Boston CelticsSvi Mykhailiuk, Boston Celtics, Panathinaikos
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