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Boston Celtics: Pursuing Kyle Korver is a no-brainer

By Mark Nilon

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 8: Kyle Korver #26 of the Utah Jazz celebrates during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 8, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 8: Kyle Korver #26 of the Utah Jazz celebrates during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 8, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics have decided to waive forward Guerschon Yabusele, opening up yet another roster spot. With this, Kyle Korver would be a fantastic option to fill the newly created vacancy.

After two seasons with the Boston Celtics, Guerschon Yabusele’s time in green and white has finally come to an end. Since being drafted 16th overall in 2016, the forward seemingly never proved capable of being a consistent contributor on an NBA roster (2.3 PPG & 1.4 RPG in 74 regular season games).

Because of this, Danny Ainge and company felt it was best for the franchise to waive the forward. Now, with his departure, the Celtics have yet another roster spot that needs filling.

While we at the Houdini have been pleading with the Celtics to concentrate on bolstering the team’s depth at center, with the Enes Kanter signing coupled with Tacko Fall’s growing popularity, perhaps their best course of action would be to tackle a different weakness on the roster — perimeter scoring. And, if Boston does decide to address this issue, Kyle Korver should be at the top of their wish list.

In a league so dependent on long range shooting, a team looking to contend should consist of competent 3-point shooters. And, in the case for Korver, 3-point shooting is what he does best.

Throughout his 16-year-career the shooting guard has not only established himself as one of the best long range marksman in the game today but, frankly, of all time. In 1,309 games played Korver has managed to knock down a grand total of 2,351 threes, ranking him fourth on the NBA’s All-Time 3-point field goals list.

The only players ahead of him?

Stephen Curry, Reggie Miller and Ray Allen.

Though Korver may be up there in age (38) make no mistake, the man can still contribute for a team looking to contend. He is a career 9.9 point-per-game scorer with an average shooting percentage of 44% from the field and 43% from deep. Last season the guard made it clear he still has something left in the tank, as he averaged 8.6 points-per-game while shooting 40% from 3-point range.

While Kover’s game is not one of flare and flavor, with the current structure of Boston’s rotation, that may be exactly what they need. With players such as Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward, a defense will be hard pressed to bring on the double team which, in turn, should inevitably leave another player open.

Why not have that player be Kyle Korver out on the perimeter?

The potential for Boston’s drive-and-kick game with Korver in tow could be absolutely lethal. Couple this with the idea of inking the long-range sniper to a veteran’s minimum (a likely outcome no matter where he goes) and you have one gem of a signing.

Next. Three free agents the Boston Celtics should avoid. dark

The Boston Celtics need help in the perimeter scoring department. Kyle Korver is currently on the open market. It sounds like a match made in heaven to the Houdini!

LET’S GET TO THE PHONES MR. AINGE!!!