Boston Celtics: 3 players C’s should consider on one year deals this offseason

Reggie Jackson, PG

First up we have a player who would be a clear upgrade at the backup point guard position for the Boston Celtics who, just like the two other players included on this list, needs to prove his worth next season.

After becoming a highly coveted young prospect during his first three seasons in the league playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Reggie Jackson was traded mid-way through the 2014-15 season to the Detroit Pistons where, through 27 games in Motor City, posted averages of 17.6 points, 9.2 assists and 4.7 rebounds a game. In turn, the Pistons inked the, then 24-year-old to a lucrative four year, $80 million deal and the keys to the offense as their new franchise point guard.

Unfortunately, things never exactly panned out the way both parties anticipated. Though he did manage to help lead the team to two playoff appearances during his tenure — and played quite well in both, averaging 16 points, 8.1 assists and 1.1 steals — his production throughout his stay was inconsistent and, by the mid-way point of the 2019-20 season, Jackson and Detroit mutually agreed it was best to part ways via buyout, where he’d go on to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers as a free agent.

Though in limited minutes — 19.4 — and in the midst of learning an entirely new game-plan on the fly, Jackson did prove to be a solid contributor for the team prior to the league’s suspension on March 10th.

Through nine games, the point guard managed to average 9.4 points, 3.2 assists and 2.9 rebounds a game on 53 percent shooting from the floor and an impressive 45 percent shooting from downtown.

With the Boston Celtics’ need for an upgrade behind Kemba Walker in the rotation — currently roll out Brad Wanamaker in that roll — it wouldn’t be the worst idea to look into signing Jackson to a one years “prove it” deal.

Frankly, both parties could benefit greatly.

For the C’s, they’d add a still solid one guard who has ample experience running an offense and creating for others and is a crafty offensive threat who can buy his own bucket and space the floor consistent clip — since 2015 he has only shot below 35 percent from downtown once and shoots 40 percent from that range on the entire season.

With their second unit’s current ranks of 29th in points-per-game, 27th in 3-point percentage and 22nd in offensive rating, Boston could certainly use for a guy of his talents.

As for Reggie Jackson, he would be heading to a team with the point guard whisperer himself, Brad Stevens, at the helm. We’ve constantly seen Stevens get the most out of his one guards, especially in contract seasons, many a time. Heck, he even rolled out Evan Turner in the lineup as a makeshift point guard and helped him earn a high paying, long term deal because of his play in the friendly scheme.

If the 30-year-old wants to put himself in a better position to ink one last big contract in the league, he should strongly consider signing with Beantown on a one-year “prove it” deal.

It would be a win-win situation for both the baller and the organization if you ask me.