7 Former Celtics Boston might have to face in the playoffs
By Tyler Watts
5. Josh Richardson, New Orleans Pelicans
Boston traded for Richardson in the 2021 offseason as they took a shot at buying low on a talented wing. J-Rich was coming off a disappointing season in Dallas, and acquiring him cost the Celtics just Moses Brown.
Richardson did not stay in Boston long as the Celtics traded him to the San Antonio Spurs in the Derrick White deal at the trade deadline. The 6’5 wing was again dealt at the trade deadline this season, but this time he ended up in New Orleans.
How the Celtics can face the Pelicans in the NBA Playoffs:
Boston and New Orleans could only face off in the NBA Finals. The Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference, and the Pelicans sit seventh in the West. New Orleans could move up, but they would have to advance through the Play-In Tournament and score upsets in three straight rounds to reach the championship series.
The Celtics reached the NBA Finals last season, but there are no guarantees about them getting back. Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Cleveland all have their sights set on winning the East and bringing back the championship. Could the Pelicans surprise and represent the West in a wide-open race? Will Boston win the East for the second straight year? Both would have to happen for Josh Richardson to play the Celtics in the playoffs.