Boston Celtics: Weighing the rookie vs. veteran route for several bench spots
Boston Celtics rookie option: Kessler Edwards
Kessler Edwards has often been linked to Jayson Tatum as a pro comparison, just with the “skinnier” caveat. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though his ceiling is obviously much lower coming into the league about a Pepperdine compared the Coach K-mentored Tatum.
Edwards can stroke the long-ball (39.5 over three years in Malibu) but Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley questions his mechanics. A fair ask given the similar struggles we just saw fellow California kid Lonzo Ball carry with him on the Los Angeles Lakers out of UCLA.
Edwards has shown the ability to create offense on a dime, and was a consistent shooter throughout his collegiate career.
Boston Celtics veteran option: Nigel Hayes
Quite frankly, it’s a little strange that Brad Stevens is reaching out to former Wisconsin Badger Nigel Hayes. Hayes was part of the 2015 team that ended Kentucky’s perfect season, but he peaked that year with a 40% 3-point clip in 2.5 shots per game.
Throughout his final two years in Madison and his one-season, three-team NBA stay, his 3-point shot disappeared. Again, the interest on Boston’s end is a little odd.