Hardwood Houdini
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3 former lottery picks the Boston Celtics could sign this summer

By Mark Nilon

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 15: Jalen Smith #25 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball while being guarded by Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 15, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 15: Jalen Smith #25 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball while being guarded by Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 15, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics target No. 1) Taurean Prince

Taurean Prince is a player that we at HH have often stated would be a solid addition to the bench unit for the Boston Celtics and, with the fact that he’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer, Brad Stevens finally has a chance of bringing him aboard.

Over the last several years, the C’s front office has tried to bolster the talent pool at the wing position to back up the likes of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on numerous occasions.

From utalizing literal lottery picks on draft night (Romeo Langford and Aaron Nesmith) to signing/ trading for players to flesh out the position (Javonte Green and Evan Fournier), the shamrocks have tried and failed to find a solution to the lacking depth behind their stars.

Perhaps someone like Prince can serve as that highly coveted answer, at least in the short term.

Since being selectd 12th overall back in the 2016 NBA Draft, the small forward has shown flashes of becoming a highly impactful contributor within a team’s main rotation, but has yet to show that he can perform as such on a consistent rate.

This past season, however, proved to be a step in the right direction for the former Baylor star, as he saw himself put up solid per-game averages of 7.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and just shy of a steal on 45 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent shooting from deep in 17.1 minutes of action.

Still being viewed as somewhat of an under-the-radar type of player while also continuously trying to prove himself, this summer we could realistically see Prince settling for something around an MLE type of deal and, luckily for the Boston Celtics, this is one of the only contracts they’ll be able to shell out on the open market due to their rather inflated payroll.

With the tools necessary to be a quality 3-and-D role player in this league (a career 37 percent 3-point shooter with solid lateral quickness and a near 7-foot wingspan), the sixth-year veteran could receive ample opportunity in Boston serving as the primary backup to the Jays.

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