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Boston Celtics: 3 sleeper targets for C’s $17 million TPE

By Michael Ivanoskos

Should the Boston Celtics pursue these 2 N.A.N mock swaps involving Derrick Rose and Derrick White? Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Should the Boston Celtics pursue these 2 N.A.N mock swaps involving Derrick Rose and Derrick White? Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Will Barton

In my mind, Will Barton has been the Nuggets’ second best player in the absence of both Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. this past season.  Read in to that what you will, but he would give the Boston Celtics that coveted tertiary scorer they’ve been coveting since parting ways with Kemba Walker.

The Nuggets wing has the ability to adapt well to a bench role and give this Boston team 15-18 points on any given night on efficient shooting and as a plus defender. The six-foot-eight guard is no slouch defensively with the ability to effectively guard multiple positions with his length and athleticism.

The eight-year vet brings a level of experience while still being in his prime at 31 years of age to give the team enough production as well. He’d be a proverbial shot in the arm off the pine for the C’s and a possible addition to the closing line-up.

In the 2021-22 season, Barton posted averages of 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game on 44% shooting overall, 37% from downtown, and 80% from the foul line.  He only averages 1.4 turnovers per game for his career.

This level of sparkplug scoring, steady shooting, and nifty ball handling skills make him a pristine fit for this Celtics squad. The Nuggets may view the TPE as an asset to be flipped later for additional assets.

With the return of Porter Jr and the continuing emergence of Bones Hyland, there is an argument to be made for them doing this deal. The Nuggets also have a new president of basketball operations that may view Barton differently than the previous regime.