Boston Celtics: 3 cheap veteran free agents Cs could pursue

Boston Celtics free-agent target #3: Alex Caruso

Lakers fans would hate to see him go, but Boston Celtics fans would instantly fall in love with the brand of basketball Alex Caruso plays. As much of a joke he became in his first real season with the Lakers, Caruso turned himself into a solid NBA player.

The combo guard possesses the ability to handle the ball, but also play off the ball super effectively. He shot 40.1 percent from deep this season and averaged 6.4 points and 2.8 assists in 21 minutes per game.

Caruso’s offensive game is certainly worthy of a rotation spot, but his defense is where he earns his money. He averaged 1.1 steals a game and the Lakers ranked top five in defensive rating last season.

Keep in mind, both LeBron James and Anthony Davis missed extended time, so the role players kept up that defensive pressure.

He is a great on-ball defender and matched up super well with some of the top guards in the NBA last season. He held James Harden to 1-7 shooting from the field in 8:21 of matchup time, Damian Lillard to 1-4 shooting in 7:03 of matchup time, and Derrick Rose to 2-6 shooting in 5:59 of matchup time.

Depending on whether or not the Lakers make a big trade this offseason, Caruso could be on the market. If he’s available, he would be a perfect bench piece in Boston’s rotation.