Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

3 Boston Celtics that could be replaced through the buyout market

By Andrew Hughes

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 5: Brad Wanamaker #9 of the Boston Celtics smiles in the first half during the game against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden on February 5, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 5: Brad Wanamaker #9 of the Boston Celtics smiles in the first half during the game against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden on February 5, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Boston Celtics (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Brad Wanamaker

To start off our list we have the 30 year old sophomore Brad Wanamaker. Now look, the Houdini understands that the point guard has been performing quite well as of late — averaging 10 points, 3.3 assists, two boards and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 60 percent from deep so far in February.

However, for the majority of the season — and his time with the Boston Celtics — we’ve seen what Wanamaker is: a backup point guard with limited upside and the lack of ability to lead an entire unit. Seemingly throughout the entire 2019-20 campaign, when Kemba Walker comes out of the game and Wanamaker takes his place, the offense loses its steam.

As previously mentioned, with the second-year player running the point for the second unit the team ranks 20th in the association in offensive rating (53). Come playoff time, a huge luxury to have for any team is a competent second unit to give their starters ample time to rest on the pine.

As things currently stand, this team does not have such an opulence, and Wanamaker certainly is not void of blame for this.

Looking at the buy-out market, the team could easily find one specific replacement at the backup point guard position. The name: Isaiah Thomas.

As we’re sure you’re all aware, Thomas is a former MVP candidate from his time with the Celtics (2015-17). Within Brad Stevens’ point guard friendly offense, the 5-9 IT managed to put forth his best statistical averages all across the board and led them to the playoffs — 2017 reaching as far as the Conference Finals — every season during his tenure.

Is he the player that ranked third in points-per-game averages and who led the league in fourth quarter scoring? No.

Still, his familiarity with the system, coupled with his proven ability to still perform as a high level contributor (averaged 12.2 points & 3.7 assists on 41 percent shooting from 3 in 40 games this season with the Wizards) makes him an obvious buy-out candidate for these C’s and they gear up for yet another deep postseason run.

Home/Celtics News