Boston Celtics: 3 role players Cs could poach from Atlantic Division

Role player #3 the Boston Celtics should poach from an Atlantic Division rival: Thaddeus Young, Toronto Raptors

Thaddeus Young has had a career resurrection on the Toronto Raptors this season, showing that at 33 years old, there’s still some tread left on his tires.

Young had been declining in the seasons since leaving the Indiana Pacers, losing his starting role in the process in Chicago and San Antonio. He still doesn’t start for the Toronto Raptors, but he’s canning a career-high 43% of his long-range looks while amassing six points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per contest.

Young is the perfect veteran complement to a young team north of the border. His length and shooting fits in well with the athletes on the roster. He acknowledged the fit alongside his youthful teammates:

"“I’m very excited, based on the fact that this is a team that plays with a lot of energy. I’ve been a guy that throughout the course of my career has played with a lot of energy, a lot of passion. And they’re doing the same thing…”"

Young’s path never crossed with Ime Udoka’s in San Antonio, but the two connecting now would make a ton of sense. Young would make for quite a small-ball pairing with Grant Williams in the frontcourt and has the defensive chops to help maintain the league’s top defensive rating.