Boston Celtics: 3 players who fit Ainge’s want for “shooters with size”
Last week, Boston Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge answered questions about the massive traded player exception acquired through the Gordon Hayward sign-and-trade during the offseason. With $28.5 million available to be used, the Cs have tons of options for how they can improve their team.
Ainge raised eyebrows with his remarks, stating that they will be looking to use the exception to add “shooting with size” to the squad. He emphasized how attaining a shooter who cannot defend will not be a difference-maker for the team, largely focusing on acquiring two-way players.
The Boston Celtics are looking for a shooter with size
This would likely mean the Boston Celtics are less likely to trade for JJ Redick, as he’s certainly a negative on the defensive side of the ball. With this new information, we can narrow in on some candidates that fit the role that Ainge desires.
It’s likely that Boston won’t make a move until near the trade deadline where teams start to try to move their pieces, but let’s take a look ahead at some potential candidates for the Celtics to add:
“Shooter with size” Boston Celtics target No. 1) Harrison Barnes
The Boston Celtics are certainly familiar with Harrison Barnes’ game after they suffered a loss at the hand of the Sacramento Kings last Wednesday. Barnes scored 24 points in the win, while also recording five rebounds and six assists.
On the year, he is averaging 17.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, with the latter two being career highs. In terms of efficiency, he’s shooting career bests from the field (49.8%) and from downtown (41.3%). He has helped Sacramento overperform their talent level, sitting at 10-11 and in contention for the playoffs in the Western Conference.
He’s been one of the most productive players in all of basketball in the first 20 games of this season, as the Kings are a whopping 14 points better with him on the floor — they allow nine points less on defense and are five points better on the offensive end. He also defends effectively without fouling, sitting in the 100th percentile in foul percentage for wings at 1.3.
This has been a problem for the Boston Celtics, most recently in their game against these Kings, as Sacramento got back in the game by getting into the bonus quickly in the fourth quarter.
Standing at 6-8, Barnes is a switchable defender who can play multiple positions and create for himself and others on the offensive end. In Boston, he would likely operate as a spot-up shooter when he shares the court with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but he would be effective.
For Sacramento, it makes sense to trade the North Carolina product this year near the trade deadline, as he doesn’t fit the timeline for their young team. Building around De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton (23 and 20 years old respectively), Barnes will be out of his prime by the time they are ready to compete in the playoffs.
Additionally, he is under contract for three more years at around $20 million per year, which would be a good contract to get off their books. The Boston Celtics shouldn’t care about taking on more money, as they’re going to need to use this TPE one way or another.
They have the assets to get it done, and, despite Houdini Site Expert Mark Nilon feeling they should pass on Barners, I personally believe he should be their top choice with his great play this year.