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3 backup point guards the Boston Celtics should consider acquiring before the trade deadline

By Mark Nilon

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 16: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball while Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons plays defense during the game on December 16, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 16: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball while Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons plays defense during the game on December 16, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Despite what their record may infer, the Boston Celtics are not a team without imperfections. While one could certainly point to their center position as an area of weakness, their backup point guard rotation is also a true cause for concern.

When it comes to the conversation of who is the best player currently on the Boston Celtics, it’s hard not to have Kemba Walker‘s name jump to the front of the list. In his first season donning green and white, the All-NBA talent is finding himself in the midst of yet another fantastic campaign.

Through 35 outings, Walker is averaging a stellar 21.6 points, five assists and 3.8 rebounds per game on 44% shooting from the field and 39% shooting from deep. The nine-year veteran has led this C’s team to an outstanding 27-12 record and looks to be heading towards his fourth All-Star appearance, perhaps his second as a starter.

With this in mind, it would be quite easy for one to believe the team’s point guard position has been one of their most effective rotations for the team so far in 2019-20. And, when just taking into account Walker’s attributions, you’d probably be right.

However, upon further review of the unit as a whole, this would not be the case. When the 29-year-old is out of the game, it appears Boston’s offense becomes a bit stagnant. The point guard’s primary backup, Brad Wanamaker, is — no offense — not even half the player Kemba is.

Averaging 6.6 points and 2.8 assists per game it is apparent both in the numbers, and in the eye test, that the 30-year-old sophomore guard is not exactly a scoring machine or a superb set-up guy. Add in his box +/- of -1.2 and you see that the numbers match your opinion: Brad Wanamaker should not be the primary backup at point guard when Walker is on the pine.

Unfortunately, however, there are currently no better options on the Boston Celtics’ roster. Marcus Smart could fill in admirably, but he is the primary backup for Jaylen Brown at the two spot, and he more so excels while playing alongside Kemba Walker…not when filling in for him. Carsen Edwards and Tremont Waters are still young and–while they have shown flashes–are not yet ready for this specific type of role.

With this all in mind, it could be argued that the C’s should try to bolster the backup one spot via trade. If they decided to go this route, here are a few players Danny Ainge should consider targeting.

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