Boston Celtics Add SF Depth With Malcolm Miller

The Boston Celtics have spent most of this offseason bolstering their backcourt and adding power forwards. The Celtics looked to improve their strongest positions in order to solidify arguably the two most important positions on the team.

Unfortunately, that has left the Celtics with absolutely no small forward depth and as it stands now the only guarantee is Jae Crowder. No one else on the team plays small forward as their primary position and even though someone like Evan Turner has the ability to switch there can be no confidence considering how few reps he has played at that position.

Feb 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) high fives guard Evan Turner (11) against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Celtics defeats the Suns 115-110. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It may not be much and may not ever have an impact on the team but the Celtics have finally addressed the small forward position as according to CelticsBlog they have added Malcolm Miller. The undrafted free agent signed a one year minimum contract after receiving minimal playing time in the summer league.

The good news is that Miller did not disappoint in the very few opportunities he had. At 6’7 and 220 pounds Miler has the physical make up to effectively back up Crowder and his potential shooting the ball will help the Celtics in an area of dire need.

The Celtics were near the bottom of the league in three point shooting and Miller has the kind of natural stroke that could improve that. In his last two seasons Miller shot 41.9% on 2.7 three pointers per game and then 37.2% on 4.0 attempts per game.

The fact that Miller managed to maintain a solid shooting percentage while seeing a significant increase in attempts is a great sign. Miller has the potential to hit tough shots and most importantly can be trusted to hit open shots. In an ideal situation, Miller will be able to maintain the flow of Stevens’ system while not being a liability on the defensive end.

Miller has also posted 1.9 and 1.6 blocks per game in his last two seasons and if that can translate into the big leagues there is no doubting that Miller will have a long term spot on the team. The Celtics need to figure out if Miller can handle himself on the defensive end, especially if he is backing up a top defender on the team in Crowder.

Nov 28, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Chris McCullough (5) attempts to drive the ball past Holy Cross Crusaders forward Malcolm Miller (13) during the second half of a game at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Miller did enough in the summer league to earn another look on the Celtics but with the amount of young talent currently on the roster he will have to continue to do a lot more in order to get a more permanent roster spot.

The Celtics are getting Miller at a minimum contract and with it being for just one year there is absolutely no risk. The Celtics know they need to find a formidable backup for Crowder and giving Miller a look will do no harm.

Miller’s shooting alone could be enough to get him some playing time but if he can keep up on the defensive end then he may earn a more prominent role than expected.

Its still way to early to get excited about Miller but it is a refreshing change to see the Celtics addressing the position that has, by far, the least amount of depth.

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