Boston Celtics Mock Draft: 3 replacements for outbound free agents

Brad Wanamaker

The backup point guard spot is an interesting position for the Boston Celtics. They have a solid journeyman floor general in Brad Wanamaker currently positioned behind Kemba Walker on the depth chart. That said, as my co-editor Mark Nilon recently opined, more attractive options are available through different means:

"One of said talents will be point guard Brad Wanamaker, who will be under the moniker of “restrict free-agent.” As the primary backup to Kemba Walker, the 30year-old posted career-high averages of 6.9 points and 2.5 assists per game on 45 percent shooting from the floor and 36 percent shooting from deep. Though the sophomore guard had his moments that impressed — take Game 5 of the Semifinals for example –, in the end, there could wind up being better options on the open market for this role on a team vying for the Larry O’Brien trophy."

Wanamaker played well in the playoffs, but the team’s ceiling may be lower with him than a potential rising rookie.

NBA Draft replacement: Kira Lewis Jr.

Kira Lewis Jr., like Bey, is a lanky prospect that needs time to fill out his frame. While similarly standing at 6-foot-3, Lewis Jr. gives up forty pounds to the 31-year-old Wanamaker.

The main difference between Lewis Jr. and Wanamaker is the boom-or-bust potential of the 2020 Draft prospect compared to the second-year NBA vet. Scoring 18 points, five assists and five rebounds per game, the versatility of the former Alabama floor general gives Boston a better chance to run up the score with the second unit on the floor.