TPE target Boston Celtics should avoid No. 3) Markelle Fultz
Last but certainly not least we have the likes of former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz making our list of suggested TPE targets we believe the Boston Celtics should strongly consider avoiding.
Not only have media outlets such as Bleacher Report discussed the idea of the franchise pursuing the fifth-year point guard but, funny enough, earlier last month our very own Jack Simone chimed in on the topic, stating that the C’s need for backcourt depth coupled with Orlando’s sudden overflow of talent in said area of the rotation could make this concept a real possibility:
"The Magic drafted two, super talented guards in the past two drafts – Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony. With those two emerging as young stars, Fultz could end up losing his starting spot. If the Magic want to clear up minutes for other players to thrive, trading Fultz for draft capital could be a good idea. In that case, the Boston Celtics should look into trading for him. While he has had some injury issues, Fultz could be an ideal point guard to pair next to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. He has shown massive improvements in recent seasons. He’s never been a good three-point shooter, but he’s a solid passer, he can drive to the lane, and still has a ton of room to grow. If given the chance, Boston could be the place where he emerges as a starting-caliber [guard]."
Now, to argue against Jack’s logic would be rather foolish, for nothing he stated was incorrect. Still, even with these points, I’m not so convinced that trading for Fultz would be a good use of the C’s $17 million TPE, and neither should you.
For far too many consecutive years we’ve seen the Boston Celtics seemingly rely on oft-injured players to be the main option for the team at point guard — Isaiah Thomas, Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker, etc.
Fultz would unfortunately be yet another talent at the one that shamrocks fans constantly find themselves praying will manage to avoid any serious ailments.
Yes, he’s still only 23-years-old and, since taking over as a full-time starting floor general in the NBA he’s played rather well — averages 12.2 points, 5.2 assists, 3.3 rebounds on 46 percent shooting since 2019-20.
That said, the headache that could so easily come along with the injury-riddled talent. is truly not worth the gamble in our opinion.
We truly hope he can find a way to shake off the injury bug and have himself a nice and long career in the association, but we’re still not willing to see Boston take on the risk that with Markelle Fultz and his three-year, $50 million salary.