Boston Celtics: Pass or pursue on 7 marquee free agents

Potential Boston Celtics free-agent target No. 7) Shabazz Napier

Last on our list, we see the likes of sixth-year veteran, Shabazz Napier.

The UConn product has bounced around the league quite a few times since being selected 24th overall by the Charlotte Hornets (later traded to the Miami Hear) in the 2014 NBA Draft.

A Massachusets native and New Englander throughout his basketball career’s buildup, the idea of playing for his hometown team might be very enticing for Napier. Similarly, Bleacher Report writer Dan Favale deemed the idea of a homecoming as one that may behoove the Boston Celtics, for he believes there to be a “Brad Wanamaker-sized problem” in the backcourt.

That said, with the fact that he’s only a mere two years younger than Wanamaker and possesses very little differences in regard to his game one could certainly make the case that the former Husky would be somewhat of a step-down as a replacement.

Napier averaged 11.6 points on 36 percent shooting from deep during a 20-game stay with the Washington Wizards in 2019-20.

Possessing limited upside and a lack of true experience of contributing in a positive manner for his respective ball clubs — boasts a -.7 career box plus-minus — Danny Ainge would probably once again be better off using his draft picks to address the backup point guard position.

Verdict: Pass