Boston Celtics: 3 wings the team can acquire based off recent rumors
Dorian Finney-Smith
When it comes to trade targets that fit the current iteration of the team at a reasonable price, there are few better fits for the Boston Celtics than the Mavericks’ Dorian Finney-Smith. The un-drafted University of Florida product is the kind of switch-y, disruptive defender that would perfectly fit in Brad Stevens’ trap-heavy defensive schemes.
Offensively, Finney-Smith can provide much more than the current in-house options. His 38% 3-point clip in four attempts per game is superior to Semi Ojeleye‘s 35% rate. His five rebounds per game are impressive considering he shares the floor with glass-eaters like Luka Dioncic and Kristaps Porzingis.
Defensively, he is about as underrated and understated as they come, and pundits have taken notice:
Rick Carlisle made a point to praise Dorian Finney-Smith’s defense on Damian Lillard in the fourth quarter, when Lillard was held to two points. Finney-Smith has Trevor Ariza type of potential as a tough role player who can guard 1 through 4. Great fit with Luka Doncic.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 11, 2019
Finney-Smith can add an element of toughness and grit in the second unit alongside Marcus Smart, but he can also slide into the starting lineup in Gordon Hayward‘s place, allowing Hayward to run the second unit. Wherever you slot him, you know you are getting a quality 3-and-D wing that will close out on any shooter.
Acquiring the fourth-year pro would be simple given his $4 million cap figure. Aggregating the salaries of Semi Ojeleye and Vincent Poirier while offering draft considerations could get a deal done without sacrificing any current or future core pieces.