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3 last-chance free agents the Boston Celtics could consider signing

By Mark Nilon

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 123-108. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 123-108. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics target No. 2) Justin Jackson

Next up, we at the Houdini discuss a player who has closer ties to the Boston Celtics organization than anyone else who will be mentioned on this list today.

Justin Jackson, a former 15th overall pick back in the 2017 NBA Draft, came into the association with a ton of promise after an impressive three-year collegiate stint at UNC where, in his last season, he would go on to win ACC Player of the Year honors.

Seemingly having all the intangibles and mechanics to become a quality 3-and-D power forward (even drew slight comparisons to guys like Paul Millsap when entering the draft), the Sacramento Kings opted to take a swing at him with the first pick post the lottery.

Unfortunately, the Texas native never was able to earn his keep with the organization and, as a result, was traded midway through his second season to the Dallas Mavericks, and, since then, has suited up for four other franchises, one of which was actually the Celtics during this past season.

Most recently, we saw Jackson representing Boston in this year’s Summer League where, on the fly, he progressively turned himself into one of the most productive players on the team.

Averaging 15 points per game through four contests played, the forward, despite being signed mere hours before his first game with the club, showcased impressive shot-making and creating skills once he got acclimated to the scheme, even dropping a team-high 24 points on 5-of-10 shooting from distance during his second showing which led to a 103-92 win over the Warriors.

Still just 27 years old while having the most experience playing in the big leagues of all the members of this year’s Summer League squad, Justin Jackson may have shown just enough to warrant himself at least a training camp invitation.