Boston Celtics: assessing the two buyout candidate fits

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 27: Anthony Tolliver #43 of the Detroit Pistons looks to pass during the first half of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 27, 2017 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 Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Allen Crabbe

Allen Crabbe has been traded several times this season, going from losing situation to a less losing situation in the process. He started off the year by being shipped off by the playoff contending Brooklyn Nets in a move that netted them Taurean Prince. Upon arriving in Atlanta, Crabbe struggled with his shot on the Eastern Conference’s worst team.

Shooting just 32 percent from the 3-point line after shooting better than 37 percent in each of his two seasons in Brooklyn, Crabbe was then dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the deal that landed the Hawks Jeff Teague and Treveon Graham.

Things only got worse for the seven-year veteran in his move to Minnesota. His minutes dipped to under 15 per game, and his shooting percentages reached what would be career-lows (32 percent from the field, 23 percent from the 3-point line).

The question for the Boston Celtics is whether or not Crabbe could ever regain his form from even last season in Brooklyn. At just 27 years old, he is in the prime of his career even if his numbers this season don’t indicate that.

Ultimately, Ainge is likely to pass on Crabbe. With four of the team’s top five players occupying the wing, Crabbe would be hard-pressed to find playing time in a stacked Boston Celtics wing rotation that also includes Semi Ojeleye and rookie Romeo Langford.

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