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Boston Celtics: 2 lottery-pick free agents Cs should consider signing

By Mark Nilon

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls reacts against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half at Barclays Center on March 08, 2020 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls reacts against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half at Barclays Center on March 08, 2020 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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Boston Celtics (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

Former lottery-pick target for Boston Celtics No. 1) Dennis Smith Jr.

Just because we’re suggesting the Boston Celtics should consider signing a player, this does not necessarily mean that we’re thinking they should offer up guaranteed contracts or guaranteed roster spots come tip-off to 2021-22.

Non-guaranteed contracts and camp invites are still things that can be utilized, and Dennis Smith Jr. could be a name worth considering with either one of these aforementioned avenues.

Taken ninth overall back in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, the point guard was revered as being an unbelievably talented prospect, receiving high-praise comparisons to the likes of Baron Davis and Russell Westbrook.

Through 69 contests during his rookie campaign, Smith posted averages of 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and a steal per game on 40 percent shooting from the floor.

With his performance, the gifted baller found himself voted onto the NBA All-Rookie Second Team and finished fifth in the running for the season’s NBA Rookie of the Year award.

However, despite his promising production in year one, this didn’t stop GM Donnie Nelson from taking another ball-dominant guard that following draft in Luka Doncic.

The pairing proved to be a bit awkward and, by the mid-way point of the 2018-19 season, Smith was traded as a major piece of the blockbuster deal that shipped Kristaps Porzingis from New York to Dallas.

Since this move, the guard’s career has unfortunately been in a tailspin.

Only spending two underwhelming seasons with the Knicks, this past year he was traded to the Detroit Pistons where, though he produced at a higher rate than he has in comparison to his past several other campaigns (7.3 points, 3.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds on 35 percent shooting from deep), he did not do much to boost his stock as a sought-after free agent and the fact that he’s still unsigned further proves this.

At this point, his market value is at an all-time low but his potential could still be viewed as rather high considering his past production when being under the guidance of a good coach/ competent franchise (Dallas) and his youthfulness (still just 23-years-old).

Has his tenure in the association gotten off to a rocky start? Absolutely.

Still, DSJ should certainly not be given up on and, frankly, a low-cost offer by the point guard needy Boston Celtics could be an intriguing idea to consider this offseason.