While a reader’s question in the latest Celtics Mailbag from MassLive’s Brian Robb pertaining to the Boston Celtics filling their final roster spot was specifically about Stanley Johnson, Robb’s answer applied to all prospective Cs 15th men.
You won’t sniff the floor barring something catastrophic happening to a member of the Celtics’ rotation.
Robb explained the positive financial implications of not signing anyone with the open roster spot created by the Noah Vonleh trade to the Spurs back in January while explaining what would inspire the front office to change their direction in free agency:
"“At this point, the open roster spot looks like a fill in case of emergency spot. The team saves thousands of dollars in luxury tax penalties for every day it is not filled so they may end up waiting until the last couple weeks of the year to fill it. Stanley Johnson would be a solid option if they go the wing route but it’s evident no one they are bringing aboard at this point will have a chance of sniffing the floor beyond being needed in emergency duty. The more experienced names have picked different homes so the Celtics will wait to see if any injuries in the next couple of weeks create a need at any position.”"
Free agents the Boston Celtics should consider
What the Boston Celtics need to consider in their next free agent addition is malleability, much in the way Sam Hauser has been during the 2022-23 season being benched gracefully and returning with little in the way of scorn and much in the way of a renewed shooting stroke.
Such a player is more likely be found through the G-League, where players are humble enough to take the road with the lesser spotlight and less money to try and get back on an NBA roster. Jay Scrubb and Justin Anderson continue to loom large as wings who make sense.
Of course, Tony Snell and Denzel Valentine also make sense given their experience in Maine with the Celtics G-League affiliate. Johnson, the original floated target, could fit into that description as well given his career journey.
Free agents the Boston Celtics shouldn’t consider
As for free agents the Celtics shouldn’t consider, Carmelo Anthony comes to mind as someone who’d be better off signed at the offset of season as opposed to its final days. After passing up on Will Barton, it’s clear the Cs aren’t looking for pure scoring talent.
Rather, Boston needs someone willing to fit in. Anthony could still likely be the No. 3 option in the right offense, but he doesn’t seem like someone willing to sporadically play like Blake Griffin does in a Celtics uniform.