Boston Celtics: 3 ways Zach LaVine would help the C’s
By Jack Simone
According to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe (subscription required), Zach LaVine could be the number one target for the Boston Celtics next offseason. LaVine is entering the final year of his deal and will be a free agent next summer.
The 26-year-old shooting guard made his first All-Star game this season. He put up amazing shooting numbers and led the Chicago Bulls in scoring.
Chicago made a ton of moves this offseason in order to try and compete for the playoffs. However, if they prove to be unsuccessful, LaVine could choose to leave the Bulls and sign elsewhere.
Brad Stevens made some serious changes to the team this summer, and most speculate that the team is trying to clear up some cap flexibility for next offseason. While the primary target is likely Bradley Beal, LaVine is now seen as a backup plan.
How would LaVine fit in with the current Boston Celtics? What would he be able to help with and how would he help their chances of winning?
How Zach LaVine would help the Boston Celtics: Elite scoring
Zach LaVine would improve the Celtics’ offense immensely, not that they need any more scorers. However, there are teams that have found success with a team composition of that sort.
The Nets this year, the Golden State Warriors dynasty, and so many more have won with a Big 3 of scorers. The best part about it is that LaVine’s biggest weakness is his defense, and both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are elite defenders.
Last season, LaVine averaged 27.4 points per game with shooting splits of 50.7%/41.9%/84.9%. He even managed to get close to the elusive 50/40/90 club.
Having a scorer like that around Tatum and Brown would take the load off of them on offense while also giving Ime Udoka another option to work with. Boston would have a big three and one of the best offensive teams in the NBA.