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Boston Celtics: 5 free agents to pursue from the Northwest division

By Nick Swanson

May 2, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) works the ball against Portland Trail Blazers forward Norman Powell (24) in the fist quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) works the ball against Portland Trail Blazers forward Norman Powell (24) in the fist quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Nuggets – Austin Rivers, SG

The Denver Nuggets have had continued playoff success this postseason. Granted a large portion of it is due to the recently crowned NBA MVP, Nikola Jokic, but the bench unit, headed by Austin Rivers, has been incredible as well.

Rivers hasn’t had a long career in Denver, he’s only 22 games in, but has made the most of it. He’s started every game for the Nuggets in the postseason and is averaging 10.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 45.3 percent from the field and 45.7% from beyond the arc.

This is his third team in two years and he could be looking for stability and a place that will give him a multi-year contract. Once he hits free agency, he’ll be highly sought after, and rightfully so. As a member of the Celtics, he’d be a key contributor off the bench and would be a quality starter for if a player just can’t get it going or is out due to injury.

The Celtics lacked consistent bench scoring this past season and that is really what haunted them. Bring in Austin Rivers and he can be one of the pieces that take this team to the next level.