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Boston Celtics: What the Kaiser Gates training camp signing says about Danny Ainge’s offseason plan

By Andrew Hughes

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - JANUARY 12: Kaiser Gates #21 of the Windy City Bulls drives to the basket against Luke Petrasek #18 of the Greensboro Swarm during the third quarter of an NBA G-League game on January 12, 2019 at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. 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 Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - JANUARY 12: Kaiser Gates #21 of the Windy City Bulls drives to the basket against Luke Petrasek #18 of the Greensboro Swarm during the third quarter of an NBA G-League game on January 12, 2019 at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. 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 Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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There have been numerous big names bandied about during the NBA’s final free agent stretch before training camp. The Boston Celtics decided against a splashy signing by adding Kaiser Gaines.

The jury seems out on the Boston Celtics getting involved in the sweepstakes for either Carmelo Anthony or Joe Johnson. Not that it was a rumor, but with Eastern Conference hopefuls like the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks all taking a look, it didn’t seem implausible Boston could end up with one of them.

Well, now it would be a head-scratching move if Danny Ainge were to pull the trigger. With just a few roster spots left, he decided to add former Xavier forward Kaiser Gates to a training camp deal. That transaction, one that may ultimately be inconsequential to any other offseason plans, could mean that the Boston Celtics are at capacity with wings.

With Gates being brought in to the fold to compete for the final roster spot, the Celtics now also have Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Semi Ojeleye, Grant Williams, Romeo Langford, Javonte Green, Robert Williams and Max Strus  hypothetically competing for minutes at the forward spots.

The surplus of wings makes it unlikely has even a remote chance of making the team. He will be getting a fair shot in training camp, however, which the aforementioned veterans will not receive.

Boston Celtics fans are likely to be cheering for Tacko Fall to receive the final roster spot. Signing Gaines actually makes it more likely the seven-foot-seven wonder gets the spot. Any established veteran, whether it be Anthony, Johnson, Marcin Gortat, Jamal Crawford, etc, likely has negotiated a backdoor way onto the final roster, training camp performance be damned.

Gates is continuing his climb. He has no guarantees. More likely than not, he is happy for the chance to make a roster after spending time in the G-League last season.

Next. Team USA must win to justify C’s sacrifices. dark

The Houdini wishes Gates luck. However you can help the Boston Celtics, you must. Fortifying the center position with a Senegalese tower of basketball just sounds like a preferred option at this point in the offseason.

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