7 players the Boston Celtics should have never given a chance

The Boston Celtics have boasted some incredible talent over the years, producing superstars and Hall of Famers time and time again. In the last 20 seasons, Celtics players have nabbed 32 different All-Star selections. Many of these players helped mold Boston’s ongoing culture of passion and professionalism.

From the likes of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to more modern stars like Isaiah Thomas and Jayson Tatum, Celtics fans have been spoiled with some high-level basketball from some of the best players in the world.

Having won the fourth most games in the league since 2010, the C’s have enjoyed plenty of recent success — albeit without a ring during that period. However, things have not always gone smoothly for Boston.

Despite the franchise’s storied history, Beantown has seen its fair share of bad eggs. In a city swarming with shamrocks, not even luck could save Boston from its most underwhelming players. From botched draft picks to free agency flops, certain Celtics should have never donned a green jersey.

Here are 7 players the Boston Celtics should have never given a chance

Jabari Parker

Kicking off the list is a player who joined the Celtics two seasons ago. Boston signed former No. 2 pick Jabari Parker to a cheap deal about a month before the 2021 playoffs to add some much-needed bench scoring. Unfortunately, Parker didn’t provide the Celtics with much of anything at all.

During his first season with the Boston Celtics, Parker averaged just 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per game. He also shot just 20% from downtown. The following season, Parker returned to Boston for another abbreviated stint and averaged 4.4 points through 12 games before the Celtics waived the forward in January.

Sadly for Boston, the idea of Parker turned out much more appealing than the player himself. His defensive deficiencies and lack of consistent intensity kept him from reaching his ceiling, even in a complimentary bench role.

Once upon a time, the former Duke product averaged 20.1 points per game with Milwaukee in his third NBA season. That version of Parker never made an appearance in Beantown. Injuries derailed the talented scorer’s career over time, making him one of the most prominent “what if” players in the last decade. Since his short time with the Celtics, Parker has not landed a roster spot anywhere.

Recently slated for a Summer League reunion with the Bucks, Parker ended up delaying his NBA comeback attempt due to a family matter. It remains to be seen whether a team takes a flier on Parker heading into the 2023-24 season.