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Boston Celtics Looking for Guard Depth with Jonathan Gibson

By Joshua Bateman

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 19: Jonathan Gibson #3 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Denver Nuggets on December 19, 2016 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 19: Jonathan Gibson #3 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Denver Nuggets on December 19, 2016 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics add guard depth with Jonathan Gibson

The Boston Celtics just got the devastating news that Kyrie Irving will miss the remainder of the regular season and the duration of the playoffs, and they have wasted no time trying to find some depth to add.

The Celtics went overseas and signed Jonathan Gibson, who is averaging over 33 points in China, for the remainder of the season. Clearly, the Celtics are going to look for any scoring boost they can get, and if Gibson is able to hit some open threes, he should get some playing time.

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There is a good chance that Gibson will never have a huge role. I imagine Brad Stevens will use the rest of the regular season to try and figure out what he can get out of him before the playoffs. Nevertheless, he is still behind Terry Rozier, Jaylen Brown, Shane Larkin and, when he returns, Marcus Smart, on the depth chart.

Just because the Celtics are hurt, that does not mean Gibson will immediately be thrust into a key role. The Celtics still have options at guard, but they know the bottom of their depth is nonexistent.

The Celtics still want to give themselves as many options as possible, and Gibson is one that might be able to bring that spark. Even if it is just one brief scoring burst in a playoff game, the Celtics will take anything they can get from Gibson.

They brought him in for offense, but they will not play him if he is too much of a liability on defense. Their guards are key to maintaining their smaller front court, and that will be the biggest test for Gibson.

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If, however, Gibson is not too much of a liability on defense, he looks like the kind of offensive threat that could flourish under the ball movement of the Celtics, and could maybe even be an actual weapon in the playoffs.

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