Two Free Agents the Celtics Should Look at This Season

The Boston Celtics are in need of a three-point specialist and someone like Marcus Thornton or Dorell Wright could be the answer

The Boston Celtics only have 14 players signed to their current roster, leaving room for one free-agent signing. Joe Johnson was a possibility, but he ended up signing with the Miami Heat. Boston has a pretty set lineup now and maybe adding someone would only disrupt the chemistry. Although, there’s no doubt adding the right piece could boost a team’s chances of success in the playoffs significantly. The chances of the Celtics finding someone who will push them over the hump is very unlikely, however, there are still needs this team needs to address.

Brad Stevens agrees as he told WEEI, “Certainly, shooting is a big deal. … There’s all kinds of things you could go through and look at but when you’re talking about a team like us, if we choose to use or look at that last roster spot, I think the versatility sticks out more than anything.”

Both of the needs that Stevens stated are true and would help the Celtics significantly, which makes at least looking at current free agents wise. Despite being one of the highest scoring teams in the league, Boston shoots a low 44 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from behind the arc. Yet, they still attempt 26.8 threes a game, which is eighth most in the league.

They have built their offense on getting up quick shots, running in transition, and spreading the floor to get an open look. Even with shooters like Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, and Kelly Olynyk, the truth is they don’t have a true three-point specialist. The idea of R.J. Hunter becoming anything near that this season is out the window.

As far as versatility, most players on their team can play one position and that’s it, making it even harder for Brad Stevens to construct lineups. The Celtics are the shortest team in the NBA, which is a reason for their lack of versatility. They still don’t have someone who can play the two and three, or three and four, or even the center position really.

Two free agents that would add shooting and versatility to the lineup are Marcus Thornton, who recently was waived by the Houston Rockets, and Dorell Wright, who recently played in China this season.

Just last year, Thornton joined the Celtics mid-season, making 39 appearances. Thornton didn’t make much of an impact with the team, but he was a deadly three-point option. Compared to his career average of 12.4 points per game, Thornton only averaged 8.9 points per game in 16.4 minutes. However, his 41.9 three-point percentage was through the roof and something Boston wishes they had now.

More from Hardwood Houdini

Adding Thornton would not be the worst thing in the world as he has played under Stevens for half a season and somewhat knows the system. He could fit right in as a scoring spark off the bench, something the Celtics have been missing this season.

One issue that occurred last season with Boston, and even more so now, is his defense. Having a 111 defensive rating, according to Basketball Reference, is not good by any means. Thornton would be just like Isaiah Thomas where they would have to sub him in and out late in games due to his defensive abilities.

Although, the Celtics have the ability to cover up player’s weaknesses, especially on the defensive side. Stevens is one of the best coaches in the league at doing that and there’s no doubt Thornton wouldn’t become a liability for them.

This season, Thornton averaged 10 points per game in 18.8 minutes, owning a 33.8 three-point percentage, down from his 35.9 percent career mark. Thornton was originally part of a three-team deal that would have sent him to Detroit, but when the deal got blocked by the NBA the Rockets decided to waive him instead. He didn’t play bad for Houston this season, the Rockets wanted to go another way and besides, they don’t really know what they’re doing this season.

Jan 12, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Houston Rockets guard Marcus Thornton (10) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the second half at FedExForum. Houston defeated Memphis 107-91. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Another interesting fit for the Celtics this late in the season is Dorell Wright. His younger brother, Delon Wright, is currently a point guard for the Toronto Raptors. However, Dorell Wright most recently played in China for much of the NBA season, but is now looking for another chance in the NBA.

While in China, Wright averaged 24.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and two steals per game, while shooting 35.2 percent from behind the arc. He had a solid season overseas and there are multiple teams eyeing him.

Wright has proven himself in the NBA throughout his career with the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and most recently Portland Trail Blazers. In 2010-11, he was Golden State’s version of Stephen Curry, leading the league in threes made and attempted. Wright averaged a career-high 16.4 points per game that season, but quickly declined the following year as it fell to only 10.3 points.