The Boston Celtics passing woes were so evident last season that the new Boston Celtics head coach, Ime Udoka, pointed it out in his first press conference with the Cs. Boston was 24th in assists per game, 24th in total assists, 19th in pace, and 20th in assisted two-pointers.
The roster only had two consistent creators, no elite passing, and no elite vision. Because of this, Brad Stevens had to transition from traditional Boston Celtics basketball and move towards isolation play.
Tatum and Brown’s select isolation play helped Stevens get away with this to an extent, but it led to the Boston Celtics struggling when either was off the floor.
It’s high time the Cs return to their original offensive scheme, and to do that, they need to bring in some competent passers.
Players can make the extra pass quickly and accurately or players that can exploit the tinniest angles under the rim.
The level of passers does not matter, so long as they can pass.
Boston doesn’t need any more ball stoppers or turnover-prone players. So, with this, let’s take a look at a few names that fit this description:
Passing option for the Boston Celtics No. 1) Thaddeus Young
Although the Chicago Bulls season was considered a letdown to its fans and players, Thaddeus Young managed to put together a career year at 33-years-old. He was very successful working next to LaVine due, in part, to his passing.
Billy Donovan used Young as a post-up passer and roll man on pick-and-rolls. Young could survey the floor in these two play types and find cutters under the rim or shooters beyond the arc.
He averaged 4.3 assists in just 24.3 minutes of action with the Bulls.
Horford, Williams, and Young would make for a dynamic frontcourt trio. The three would revitalize the C’s pick-and-roll play next to the Jays while elevating everyone else on the roster.
In addition, players like Nesmith, Pritchard, and Smart will all benefit from Young’s kick-outs.
Young has done his fair share of traveling around the league, playing with six different clubs throughout his career. He’s played in 51 playoff games but has yet to advance to the Conference Finals.
The Boston Celtics could offer Young an opportunity to break that streak and win a ring.
Young can earn up to $14.1 million this season, but only $6 million of it is guaranteed. The Celtics can match this contract with Fournier’s or put together some of their younger players’ contracts to ensure they are under the salary apron.
Young is a seasoned veteran with playoff experience and has no record of playing outside his role. Additionally, his passing would immensely help Boston’s offense, and he won’t break the bank while doing so.
Passing option for the Boston Celtics No. 2) Kenrich Williams
With OKC presumably entering another season of tanking, Sam Presti could look to move Kenrich Williams to a team that would have a use for him.
He does not fit the Thunder’s timeline and could get in the way of some young player’s development.
Boston should put themselves in the mix to acquire him. He is coming off a tremendous bounce-back season with the Thunder, playing 66 games and averaging eight points and 2.3 assists in just 21.6 minutes of action.
His passing off the bench would be a massive lift for the Celtics.
He’s no LeBron James, but he can make the extra pass and occasionally break down a defense with his vision. He was sixth on the Thunder in total passes made and averaged 4.7 potential assists per game.
He has experience coming off the bench, and he’s not too young and unproven to fit the glove of a Brad Stevens-constructed team.
Although he’s not been to the playoffs, there’s no evidence his production would fall on the big stage due to his solid shooting and finishing.
His price tag is what’s most attractive.
He’s making just $4 million over the next two seasons, and neither is guaranteed.
So, Boston could swoop in, get him for a second-round pick or two, and if he doesn’t work out, they can choose not to insure his contract.
Williams fulfills a need for the Boston Celtics, is entering his prime, has the size and length to be a factor defensively, and would cost the team essentially nothing to acquire and pay him.
It’s a no-brainer; Kenrich Williams needs to be pursued by the Cs this summer.
Passing option for the Boston Celtics No. 3) TJ McConnell
If you watched Jayson Tatum’s legendary rookie playoff run, chances are you remember who TJ McConnell is.
He dropped a triple-double in game four of the second-round series between the Cs and the Sixers to avoid a sweep by Boston.
Currently, he is entering free agency after having a career season with the Indiana Pacers.
He averaged 8.6 points per game and dished out 6.6 assists in 26 minutes. He played 69 games and started in just three of them.
The Boston Celtics won’t ask McConnell to score, but that passing he provided on the Pacers would greatly benefit the ball club.
In addition, his ability to get the ball under the rim (221 assists at the rim) would help institute more cutting, and his kick-outs (181 3PT assists) would better the team’s spacing.
McConnell is coming off making $3.5 million, and after having a career season, his price tag is likely to rise.
Boston could offer him somewhere in the neighborhood $5 million for a season, thereby giving McConnell his money and keeping their books clean for next summer.
Marcus Smart, Payton Pritchard, and TJ McConnell would be the point guards for the Celtics.
It’s not ideal, but it’s financially feasible and defensively sound. There’s enough passing and shooting to stabilize Udoka’s rotations, and there are no chemistry concerns.
Passing option for the Boston Celtics No. 4) Larry Nance Jr.
With the Cavaliers securing the third overall pick in this year’s draft, Nance’s future with the team remains unlikely. If Houston passes on Mobley in favor of Green, the Cavs would have no reason to keep Nance with Allen and Mobley on the roster.
Nance’s trade value is high. He was an excellent defensive anchor, stretch big, and passer for the Cavaliers this past season.
In addition, he ranked fifth in assist points created and total assists while playing the least amount of minutes amongst the top five in each category.
His passing next to Tatum and Brown’s scoring gravity would be quite the tandem. Nance excels at making quick decisions and exploiting angles out of the post and in pick-and-roll sets. He is a lot like Thaddeus Young in that regard.
Nance will net $19 million over the next two seasons, which means he fits inside the Gordon Hayward TPE and is tradable for when the Boston Celtics have to create cap space next summer.
Of course, Boston would have to deal mid-level draft capital and one of their young assets to acquire him, but he’s well worth it.
Passing option for the Boston Celtics No. 5) Will Barton
With MPJ breaking out and the Nuggets needing more defensive support, Denver may be in the market to trade Barton’s expiring contract. He has done well for Denver, but a shift is occurring in their wing core, and that could force Barton out the door.
After losing Gordon Hayward and Marcus Morris, Boston requires a backup wing. Even if Fournier re-signs, the Cs would be looking at rookies and second years players to fill out their wing core yet again.
Instead, Barton would fill this role.
His ball-handling, creation, and vision are better than anything the Celtics have on the bench right now. He can run pick-and-rolls with Williams and Horford while also playing off-ball next to Tatum and Brown.
If his passing works next to Jokic, it can work next to the Jays too.
As I said, he is technically on an expiring contract. He made $14 million last season, and if he opts into his player option, he could make $15 million this season.
Boston should hope he declines this player option to get him on a cheaper contract and avoid having to shed assets to trade for him.