Boston Celtics: 3 Cs archetypes needed on current undermanned roster

The Boston Celtics need a pass-first veteran point guard

In acquiring Dennis Schroder, the Celtics got wild value ($5.9 million) for a player that was on his way to a deal worth more than $20 million annually. They didn’t get a steady veteran hand, though. They got a player who is aiming to make up for that lost money by putting up gaudy stats.

As the starter with the Los Angeles Lakers–occupying the starting five in all 61 of his appearances last season–Schroder averaged 12.5 shot attempts per game. That number is identical here in 2021-22 in green, even with Schroder starting less than half the time and includes a 22 shot night during Boston’s latest loss to the Mavericks.

If Udoka decides to move Schroder into the starting five to bump Marcus Smart to the 2-guard spot, a backup point guard with more of a penchant for passing than Payton Pritchard possesses will be needed.

Enter Ish Smith, also of the Charlotte Hornets like the aforementioned Nick Richards. Smith is a renowned Celtics killer (by typical backup standards), averaging 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists against Boston in his career.

Boasting a 3:1 assist-turnover ratio this season and a career 4:1 figure, Smith would be a safe option capable of feeding the ‘Jays’ without turning the ball over at a high rate.