Boston Celtics: 3 RFAs Cs should sign to offer sheet this offseason

RFA #2 the Boston Celtics should pursue: Hamidou Diallo

The Boston Celtics, on paper, have plenty of scoring between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The two combined for over 50 points per game last season and will probably come close to the 60 points-per-game thresholds this coming season.

However, the five best offenses in the NBA last season averaged over 117 points per 100 possessions, leaving Boston’s duo about 45 points shy of a highly efficient offense. But that should be obvious; two guys alone can’t manufacture an elite offense. They need help.

Players like Evan Fournier, Al Horford, Robert Williams, Marcus Smart, and even Aaron Nesmith help achieve a highly efficient offense. They provide different offensive skill sets but all compliment the Celtics’ two best players.

However, even with those six guys, the C’s lack a true scorer off the bench if they sign and start Evan Fournier. They need to find a cheap spark plug off the bench to kick start their benches scoring without needing the help of Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown.

Hamidou Diallo fits the job description almost to the letter. He is coming off a fantastic stretch with the Detroit Pistons after being traded from the Thunder. He finally put together his skill and athleticism to become a good finisher, and he’s more disciplined, which has allowed him to become a better three-point shooter. Diallo averaged 11.2 points on 55 TS% and 38% shooting on catch-and-shoot threes in 23 minutes per game.

Diallo can thrive next to the Jays as a spot-up threat, cutter, and ancillary scorer while costing the Celtics very little to employ. He is making $1.3 million, and if the Pistons choose to let him walk, he won’t cost more than $5 million a season. That is a bargain for a potential 6MOTY, and it’s something Brad Stevens should look into this summer.