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Boston Celtics: 4 replacements for Brad Wanamaker this offseason

By Mark Nilon

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 3: Brad Wanamaker #9 of the Boston Celtics gestures during the third quarter of a game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 3, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 3: Brad Wanamaker #9 of the Boston Celtics gestures during the third quarter of a game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 3, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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With it being reported that the Boston Celtics will not issue a qualifying offer to Brad Wanamaker, the team could be in the market for his replacement.

After months of speculation pertaining to his future with the franchise, Thursday it was reported that the Boston Celtics would not be extended a qualifying offer to backup point guard Brad Wanamaker, making him a restricted free agent and, with that, a likely candidate to jump ship this offseason.

While we personally have no gripes with the man, it has been the Houdini’s attitude that the Cs should strongly consider making an upgrade over the senior-citizen sophomore prior to the start of the 2020-21 season.

With concerns over Kemba Walker’s knee ailments growing, rostering a player who could take the reigns at starting point guard in a moment’s notice or, simply, provide quality minutes within the rotation to give the All-Star some much-needed rest will be a vital commodity moving forward.

Though Wanamaker proved to be a sound shooter for the Celtics over the past two seasons (37.6 percent 3-point shooting for his career), overall he does not have the attributes necessary to properly run an entire offense and, thus, should not be seen as the answer at the backup one spot moving forward.

There are a few players we at the Houdini believe could be prime replacements for Wanamaker at the position heading into the new league year.

Potential replacement for Brad Wanamaker No. 1) Payton Pritchard

Perhaps the riskiest player to be mentioned on this list, the No. 26 pick from this year’s draft in Payton Pritchard could actually be seen as a realistic candidate to take on the backup role to Walker right away for the Boston Celtics.

Despite not being the “flashiest” of names at the time of his selection, many familiar with the league and within the team’s organization believe that the Oregon product could be a plug-and-play talent right from day one.

In his senior season with the Ducks, the firey point guard put up stellar averages of 20.5 points, 5.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game on 51 percent shooting from the floor and 42 percent shooting from deep.

With his production, Pritchard was named Pac-12 Player of the Year and won the Bob Cousy trophy, which is bestowed to the top men’s collegiate point guard every year.

It’s evident that Danny Ainge sees something in the 22-year-old rookie. Perhaps right out of the gates, Brad Stevens will see something as well.