3 offseason targets for Boston Celtics if Bradley Beal is unavailable
By Joseph Celia
Boston Celtics offseason target No. 1) John Collins
John Collins has been a name the Boston Celtics have been linked to for a while now.
Collins, now in his fifth season in the league, has spent the entirety of his career thus far with the Atlanta Hawks. It’s been reported that he’s been frustrated with the franchise, however, mainly due to his past contract situation and his usage on the team.
In comes Boston.
Collins would immediately slide in as the C’s new starting power forward.
That job right now is currently being held by Al Horford, who turns 36 this coming June and his ability to withstand starting minutes in the future will be a large question.
His current averages of 16.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and a block per game while shooting 53 percent from the field and 37 percent from 3-point range would provide Boston with a solid third option alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
On offense, Collins would be a force to be reckoned with.
His strongest and most well-known attribute is his athleticism and uses that to finish at the rim with ease. If not at the rim, he’d be able to knock down the long-ball at a consistent rate, something head coach, Ime Udoka, would love to utilize.
Acquiring Collins would require a trade. He recently signed a five-year, $125 million extension with the Hawks this past summer, so the path to obtaining him won’t be easy.
Marcus Smart would likely be the guy being shipped out for him if a trade was possible, but even with the veteran guard heading outbound involved, it’s a move Boston should not hesitate to consider.