Boston Celtics: 3 bold offseason predictions for the Cs
By Mark Nilon
Boston Celtics prediction No. 2) Danny Ainge brings in a veteran point guard
It’s no secret that the Boston Celtics could use for an improvement in talent at the backup point guard slot heading into the 2020-21 season.
Last season, that position was held by the senior-citizen sophomore, Brad Wanamaker, who, despite actually showcasing a consistent shooting stroke from deep (36 percent) and at the charity stripe (92.6 percent), simply provided the front office no reason to believe that he should come back for a third term as the backup one guard, hence why they have announced they will not extend a qualifying offer to the 30-year-old.
Because of this, the team will be in search of a replacement for Wanamaker this offseason.
While some may be inclined to state that the likes of Tremont Waters (extended a qualifying offer), rookie Payton Pritchard, or even Romeo Langford could be the answer the Cs are looking for, the truth is they’d be better off pursuing a veteran that still can produce at a solid rate who also has ample postseason experience under their belt.
This Boston Celtics team is in the hunt for banner number 18. Couple this with the concerns over All-Star Kemba Walker’s knee ailments and you have a team that could seriously benefit from having a seasoned vet who has proven capable of succeeding in a starting role during their career while also still showing that they have what it takes to take control of an offense.
Jeff Teague is the player that is atop our wishlist at the moment, as he is a former All-Star with ample postseason experience — nine appearances, four of which saw deep runs — and recently has displayed the ability to still produce at a sound level, as he averaged 10.9 points, 5.2 assists, and just shy of a steal per game on 46 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from deep.
This also is not taking into account the games in which he started where, in 17 games, he posted 12.5 points, 7.5 assists, and a steal per game on 38 percent shooting from deep.
If Danny Ainge does pursue a veteran point guard this offseason, Teague should be strongly considered, but we’d also accept a guy like Isaiah Thomas as well.