Boston Celtics: 4 players worth trading for John Collins
Boston Celtics player No. 2) Semi Ojeleye
Semi Ojeleye as of late is playing some of the best basketball of his entire career, posting highs in nearly every statistical category. Where Ojeleye truly shines is on defense, as his size and strength allow him to match up with practically any player.
The bulldog forward has even been labeled a “Giannis Stopper” of sorts, last year holding the league MVP to just 4 of 11 shooting and three turnovers in their matchup time. This alone speaks to the man’s defensive capabilities, and he’s starting to look like the prototypical 3-and-D player.
Semi can be counted on when it matters, just ask Brad Stevens, who had high praise for the young wing after a gritty win versus the Los Angeles Clippers:
"“He doesn’t get recognized much for what he does for us. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to be subbed into the game with 32 seconds left and asked to guard Kawhi Leonard.”"
Ojeleye came up huge with two stops against superstar Kawhi Leonard that sealed the win — a real highlight of the rollercoaster that this season has been for the Boston Celtics.
Out of all the hardship so far, the fourth-year veteran has been a real bright spot for the team.
This, in turn, has drastically increased his trade value, and while he is a solid rotational piece, if I am Danny Ainge, I do not hesitate to trade Ojeleye if Collins is presented as a legitimate option.
With any trade, there is a question of the fit of the player being dealt, which can turn teams away from going through with the offer. That said, with Semi there is hardly any downside.
He’s a solid shooter from deep, possesses great offensive and defensive IQ, and is great in his motions on both ends of the floor — in short, he’s a guaranteed difference-maker in whatever minutes he is given.
The Atlanta Hawks are in the bottom half of the league in terms of defensive efficiency and could use a great defensive anchor off the bench.
On the C’s front, while losing Ojeleye would hurt us defensively, what Collins can offer offensively should outmatch whatever we may be leaving behind.
However, let’s not think Collins is exactly a negative on defense. Rather, he’s just not aggressive enough at times but is still adept in terms of IQ on the defensive end.
In a Brad Stevens system, I’m sure he could become the best he has been on defense in his career.