J.R. Smith
Next up on our list, we have perhaps the biggest definition of a wildcard talent in J.R. Smith.
When it comes to the 2019-20 Boston Celtics, it’s hard for fans to ignore their less-than-stellar second unit offensive production. Currently, the C’s bench ranks 28th in the association in points-per-game (27.6) and 26th in the league in 3-point percentage (31.7).
When considering these facts, the team should only benefit from bringing on an offensive minded reserve role-player.
Enter J.R. Smith.
For his career, the shooting guard boasts averages of 12.5 points and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 42 percent from the field and 37 percent from deep. The veteran has made a name for himself as being an offensive minded role player who, when in the right situation has proven to be quite successful — 2013 NBA Sixth Man of the Year and 2016 NBA Champion.
Whether it be during the regular season, or in the playoffs, the facts have consistently remained the same: Smith knows how to buy a bucket (something the Boston Celtics could use down the road when their main weapons are on the pine).
Make good contracts seem to be all the rage in the league this year — Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony, Anthony Tolliver, etc. Perhaps Smith, an NBA absentee for over a year now, may be willing to settle for something similar to what his aforementioned peers accepted and have seemingly thrived with.