Boston Celtics: 3 players in NBA Finals Cs should pursue this summer

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 05: P.J. Tucker #17 of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Brooklyn Nets in Game One of the Second Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on June 05, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

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Cameron Payne, Boston Celtics (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics NBA Finals target No. 2) Cameron Payne

Cameron Payne has opened almost everyone’s eyes after this remarkable playoff run.

The former first-round pick was regarded as a bust after the first four years of his career, never contributing to winning basketball in the slightest. During his time in Chicago, he performed so poorly that he was photoshopped onto tanks by many fans, referencing how he helped the team tank for a high draft pick that year.

Incredibly, he turned his NBA career and reputation around and has become a valuable backup point guard for the Phoenix Suns.

He is averaging 10.1 points and 3.5 assists on 41.9 percent shooting from the floor in just over 20 minutes of action during the playoffs. Those types of numbers would have never been expected from Payne a few years ago, but he has shaped himself into a viable scoring option.

Payne will undoubtedly get a pay raise this offseason, as he’s set to be a free agent after this series, so he may be out of the C’s price range. However, if there’s any way to snag him, he would help sure up the point guard rotation.

With the loss of Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart is set to step into the starting role by default, but beyond Payton Pritchard, the Boston Celtics don’t have many other options at that position.

Someone like Payne could help the depth at that role, and contribute similarly to what he’s doing currently in Phoenix.

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