Boston Celtics: ITS proposes replacing former first-rounder with Summer League hero on roster
The Boston Celtics are in no position to break up anything about their current rotation, but they could be in the market for small moves that strengthen the bottom line should injuries hit at any point this season.
There are several players at the end of the bench that have non-guaranteed deals, meaning that there could be some consequence-free releases available to open up roster spots for any free agents.
Inside The Celtics’ Bobby Krivitsky proposed the possibility of Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens releasing one of them, former first-round pick Justin Jackson, to make room for his diamond-in-the-rough free agent find Matt Ryan — who became a folk legend after becoming a member of the 2021-22 Celtics and was singlehandedly responsible for the team’s 111-109 Summer League win over the Milwaukee Bucks, nailing a game-winning 3-pointer off the backboard following a 23-point performance off the bench that included a 6/11 shooting day from deep.
"“With 15 players signed to full-time contracts and both two-way spots filled, Boston’s roster is at capacity. Even if the Celtics didn’t have to waive someone to make room for Ryan, they’re $65.2 million over the luxury tax, per Spotrac, making it unlikely they’d bring him back without moving on from a player on a non-guaranteed deal.”“If Boston signs Ryan, the player they’d most likely waive is Justin Jackson. The former North Carolina Tar Heel’s appeared in eight games, averaging less than a point in 5.6 minutes.”"
The Boston Celtics could use more shooting
Though the Boston Celtics lead the league in shooting efficiency along with the Denver Nuggets, there’s always room for more shooting considering the two isolation scorers they feature (Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown) that attract the gravity to open up the floor.
Thus far, Justin Jackson has only scored in one appearance for the Cs, with all of his minutes coming in overtime. He has missed his last seven shots, which dates back to October 30. Jackson is wholly replaceable, and Matt Ryan would be a useful replacement, assuming his shooting looks more like it did when he wore a Celtics jersey.