Analyst: Boston Celtics can allow ex-lottery pick to rebuild value in ‘deep bench role’
The Boston Celtics can allow former lottery pick Kevin Knox to rebuild his value in a “deep bench role” during the 2023-24 season according to Celtics Wire’s Justin Quinn — who feels the ex-Kentucky star could be out of the league if he doesn’t get such a chance from a team.
“While Knox would likely play a deep bench role, it could help him rebuild his value in a league he might otherwise end up out of this season,” Quinn wrote. “Boston is likely looking for a player with a more proven track record given its focus on contention, but if it was looking to find a potential redemption project, it could certainly do worse than Knox and his career averages of 7.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and a 34.2% 3-point shot.” Locked On Celtics Podcast host John Karalis coincidentally half-heartedly pitched Knox as a Cs target.
“Give me Kevin Knox,” Karalis said (h/t Heavy’s Adam Taylor). “Give me Knox…Is there anything left to Kevin Knox? I mean, I felt like there might be something that he’s never had the right opportunity. I don’t know if Boston is the right place, but he’s 24, man. I thought he had something in his game that was more than this.”
Kevin Knox a potential training camp invite for the Boston Celtics
A guaranteed contract for Knox doesn’t make sense for the Boston Celtics, who would be better off handing out non-guaranteed deals and having players fight it out during training camp and the preseason to prove they deserve a role.
Besides, as Oregon Live’s Aaron Fentress put it, Knox wouldn’t have had a chance to be a part of the Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups’ rotation this season had his team option been picked up.
“Blazers coach Chauncey Billups praised Knox down the stretch of the season,” Fentress prefaced before saying, “Billups especially appreciated Knox’s ability to create offense after being closed out on while sizing up a three-point attempt. But he likely has little to no chance of becoming a rotational player next season.”
Knox is nice in theory, but he simply hasn’t proven himself at any stop thus far in his five-year career. Hand him a non-guarantee, and if he continues on his current trajectory, cut bait at no cost.