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

Lauri Markkanen

Brad Stevens continues to value shooting with size and Cavs big man, Lauri Markkanen more than fits that bill for the Boston Celtics. There has been long rumored interest from Beantown in the Finnish product.

Right now, in Cleveland former lottery pick is being played out of position at the small forward spot to shock of this writer. He would function more as a stretch-four or a stretch-five to maximize his talent more effectively.

The overcrowding in the Cavaliers frontcourt could lead to them moving off the seven footer. Markkanen addresses various needs for Boston in additional shooting, size and a long term replacement for an aging Al Horford.

Markkanen is still only 24 years old and the Celtics could play him in a similar role that they used Kelly Olynyk in years pass: a stretch big who works well in the pick and roll or pick and pop. The big man is not a great defender, but has the physical tools to improve on that end.

The chance to add this former lottery level talent cannot be overlooked. Markkanen posted averages of 14.8 points and 5.7 rebounds on 45% shooting overall, 36% from the 3-point line and 87% from the foul line. Consider these numbers were still solid despite playing a bulk of the season out of his natural position at the four.

In a crowded frontcourt, with the likes of Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Kevin Love and now a newly drafted Isaiah Mobley. He may still be out of position and not have his skillset adequately maximized. The potential is still there, in his second season he posted averages of 18.7 points and 9 rebounds per game.

These are three players who have not been mentioned amongst the popular targets for using the $17.1 million TPE and hopefully we can change that narrative ASAP.