Boston Celtics: 3 second-chance players Cs should target this offseason

Second-chance player Boston Celtics could pursue No. 1) Dennis Smith Jr.

Guys, this may come as a shock to you, but it must be said — Dennis Smith Jr. has an insane amount of potential.

It may not have been so obvious throughout the 2019-20 campaign, as he posted messily averages of 5.5 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.3 rebounds on a 21 win team but, honestly, playing for a blackhole franchise like the New York Knicks can make even the most talented of individuals look nothing greater than Anthony Bennett.

Prior to his arrival in the metropolitan area, the young point guard was a Rookie of the Year finalist back in 2018 and posted solid averages of 12.9 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game on 44 percent shooting from the floor and 34 percent shooting from deep during his sophomore campaign whilst sharing the backcourt with eventual Rookie of the Year winner, Luka Doncic.

It was the arrival of Doncic, not necessarily the play of Smith Jr., that made the North Carolina State product expendable. Used as the “meat” in the midseason deal that sent All-Star Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks, the, then, 21-year-old was shipped out to the Knicks where, initially, he produced admirably (14.7 points, 5.4 assists, 1.3 steals in 21 games with the franchise).

Unfortunately, his first full season at Madison Square Garden did not end up the way many fans expected — as indicated by the stats provided in the beginning of this slide — and, at the 2020 deadline, was reportedly on the cusp of being dealt once again.

With his value seemingly at an all-time low, it might be wise for the front office of the Boston Celtics to inquire about the young point guard’s availability.

We here at Hardwood Houdini strongly believe that the shamrocks seriously should look into improving the rotation behind All-Star Kemba Walker at the one.

While we’ve discussed options within this upcoming draft Boston could consider, if the opportunity presented itself where they could send a couple of second-round picks and salary-matches to acquire the remaining year of Dennis Smith Jr.’s rookie deal, it might be something Danny Ainge should consider.

With this, they could then solely focus their attention with their first-round pick on upgrading at other areas in dire need of improvement such as their center rotation.