The Boston Celtics–like the rest of the league–will likely have to navigate a world with a new and possibly lowered salary cap. Instead of retaining restricted free agent Semi Ojeleye, they can look to sign veterans on the cheap.
As the return of the NBA season nears, we are all getting a clearer picture of how the timeline of events will unfold for the Boston Celtics and the less important 29 other teams. Mid-June appears to be when training camp will resume, with games resuming in mid-July. Then, the season will likely conclude sometime in September.
What does that mean for the 2020-21 season? The NBA Draft’s date isn’t clear, and free agency could be happening around Halloween. If the 2020-21 season starts around Christmas time, as is being discussed, we could be looking at one of the most unpredictable offseasons in recent history.
Not since the lockout shortened 2011-12 season has there been such uncertainty. Said uncertainty won’t be good for prospective free agents, especially restricted free agents. The Boston Celtics have one such RFA in Semi Ojeleye.
Ojeleye is one of the longest tenured C’s on the roster. In his three seasons in green and white, he has averaged middling stats in limited minutes. While his 3-point shot has improved to 37 percent this season, Ojeleye has been best sparingly as a bulky defensive specialist against the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo the past two postseasons.
With Ojeleye set to hit the restricted free agent market, the C’s have the option of extending a qualifying offer equal to the value of a veteran’s minimum deal. If he takes it, great. But if other teams get into the bidding and start sending out offer sheets to the burly forward, here are 3 veteran free agents the team should pursue instead: