Boston Celtics Suitors for Larry Sanders’ NBA Return?

After some time away from basketball and a brief music career, Larry Sanders is rumored to be seeking a return to the NBA

It was just 16 months ago that former Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders famously stepped away from the NBA and $27 million at the age of 26. Now with the offseason in full swing and players gearing up for another NBA season, Sanders is rumored to be working out in California, trying to capture NBA teams’ attention.

Just a year before Sanders made his controversial decision, he put together a breakout season, making his value very clear – averaging 10 points,10 rebounds and three blocks per game.

The Boston Celtics have once entertained the idea of trading for Sanders in 2014, however, his drug-abuse related suspensions have steered the Celtics well clear of ever making a deal.

However, now the Celtics are gearing up for a new season and aside from their shooting ability, their biggest weakness is rim protection. Sanders was never a big-time scorer and likely never will be, although his length, defensive prowess and elite athletic ability makes him an intriguing asset to fill Boston’s frontcourt needs.

You can’t teach height, and Sanders’ greatest basketball attribute is exactly that – boasting a seven-foot frame paired with a freakish 7’7″ wingspan, opponents have trouble shooting over or around him. His defensive skill set was elite, despite his short NBA career, he ranked second in blocks per game (2.8) in the 2013-14 season. Even in his prematurely ended final season, he was able to average an impressive 1.4 blocks and a steal per game as a big man.

If the Celtics were to pick Sanders up in free agency, he would not be expected to start, nor make significant contributions immediately. His role off the bench as a rim protector and a possible post-player, despite being limited offensively, would be a great asset to add to Boston’s waning bench depth. The only issue with bringing him onboard is the potential return of his off-court and personal issues, because old habits never quite die.

The big man had always been vocal about his love for arts, music and belief in marijuana use during his career. Leading up to his retirement, he encountered another suspension from the league for violating their anti-drug policy and upon returning, he took a mid-season break to deal with his plethora of personal issues.

As a result of these distractions, Sanders played in just 50 total games in the final two seasons leading up to his abrupt retirement. Consistency and willingness to play will be a key factor in the level of intrigue Sanders gains from teams around the league.

In his retirement, Sanders was able to pursue a short-lived rap career, formulating the stage name ‘L8 Show’ and releasing his first single, Black Mercedes. Written and directed by himself, he is proud to show the world what he has done during his extended break.

He may want to leave the rap game to those that know it best, but take a look for yourself:

If he is to return to the NBA, no doubt he is a very lengthy, defensive asset for the team willing to give him a chance, and if Boston is that team then the roster only becomes stronger. For the right price Sanders is worth the gamble, possibly a low-salary, one or two-year deal will be ideal for precautionary reasons.

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If anything, Larry Sanders instills complete confidence into the team he decides to join, promising a sure-fire championship run.

Then it’s a done deal, Larry Sanders is a perfect candidate to join the Celtics in their pursuit of banner 18.