Boston Celtics: potential replacement for Brad Wanamaker this offseason

With Braad Wanamaker’s contract being up after this year, the Boston Celtics will possibly be looking for a replacement.

Brad Wanamaker has played 19.3 minutes per game in a backup point guard role for the Boston Celtics, recording 6.6 points, two rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. He started one game on the year, but often saw increased playing time when Kemba Walker didn’t suit up. The 30-year-old shot 42.8 percent from the field, 36.7 percent from three, and 93 percent from the line (a league-best).

At 6-3, 210 pounds he is a serviceable defender for the point guard position. However, often he struggled to lead the second unit to any sort of offensive success, as his limited ball-handling skills and shot creation led to subpar production.

He’s a serviceable backup option, but the Boston Celtics may want to go in a different direction to gain some offensive firepower for their struggling bench.

A prime candidate to earn a roster spot next year and compete for backup point guard minutes is rookie Tremont Waters.

Waters, although undersized, provided energy and distribution skills that are seemingly lacking in Wanamaker’s game. In the G-League, he’s been able to showcase his extended range, shooting 36 percent from downtown on seven attempts a game.

His defensive struggles can be covered up by Marcus Smart in a potential bench backcourt, hiding his weaknesses. Currently signed to a two-way contract, Waters would have to earn his way onto the roster next year — something he has a good shot of doing.

Next, Carsen Edwards will try to earn increased playing time next year. He would most likely play a different style of point guard, in that he’s not the best ball-handler or passer. He would play with another distributor, such as Gordon Hayward or Marcus Smart, allowing him to come off screens endlessly.

His strength has always been his range and quick release, and by playing with players that allow him to play off-ball, he may thrive in a regular role in the rotation.

Finally, The Boston Celtics still have an abundance of draft picks. In this upcoming draft, they will have three first-round picks — the Memphis Grizzlies’, the Milwaukee Bucks’, and their own. All of these picks are projected to be out of the lottery, but they can still find valuable pieces to develop into an important role in the rotation.

The problem with this approach is the C’s lack of roster spots. Hypothetically, if Boston were to let go of Brad Wanamaker, Javonte Green, Vincent Poirier, and even Semi Ojeleye in the offseason, they would have room for three first-round picks along with Tremont Waters on the main roster.

However, they may decide to go in a different direction by trading one or two of their picks for future assets.

All in all, Wanamaker is the main question mark the Boston Celtics have in their offseason agenda — one that will take lots of roster managing.

What do you think the Celtics will do with that roster spot? Better yet, what should they do?