Should the Celtics sign former Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell?

While it has yet to be confirmed elsewhere, Courtside Buzz reports that Montrezl Harrell is attempting an NBA comeback.

The former Sixth Man of the Year last played in the Association in 2022-23. He appeared in 57 games for the Philadelphia 76ers that season. Harrell averaged 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in just under 12 minutes of floor time.

While there are compelling reasons for the Boston Celtics to sign him, the inescapable reality is that the organization is well positioned to reset the repeater tax. They're $1.7 million below the luxury tax.

As someone with eight years of NBA experience, if they signed him for the veteran minimum, he'd count $2.4 million against their salary cap. It's a small hit, but not small enough. Before even getting to the caliber of player he might be now, navigating a punitive collective bargaining agreement suggests it's more prudent not to sign him.

The Celtics should pass on signing Montrezl Harrell

Teams have until the end of the league year to get underneath the luxury tax. The same goes for the aprons. That means Boston could bring the former Louisville star aboard, then see how things play out.

Maybe someone else gets injured, or they make a trade; something that creates enough breathing room to keep him around for the entire season. However, the 14 players on standard contracts have secure roster spots. That's why it would be easier to acquire Devin Carter, who they reportedly have interest in, on a two-way deal.

Barring a scenario like the two mentioned, whether it's Carter, Harrell, or another acquisition, if the Celtics fill their 15th roster spot, that player would become the most likely to be waived to dip back below the luxury tax before the league year ends.

Beyond the business of basketball, Harrell's an undersized power forward. He hasn't played in the NBA in three years. His impact sharply declined in that season with the Sixers. Examples like Carter show that better options are available, should the C's want to fill their final roster vacancy.

Montrezl Harrell's pitch for the Celtics to sign him

Let's say he goes to the open tryout for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Houston Rockets' G League affiliate, and proves he belongs on an NBA roster.

He's only 32. And it's not as if he's coming in off the couch. The six-foot-seven North Carolina native most recently played internationally in Puerto Rico, Australia, and China. He also suited up domestically in the Big3.

If that has kept Harrell sharp enough to land another NBA contract, his case to Boston has some appeal. He's a high-energy player who can help his team win the possession battle.

Harrell's impactful on the glass at both ends of the court. In the four years before his last campaign in the league, he averaged 2.3 offensive rebounds per game. He's also an effective screener and a reliable finisher around the basket. Still, there's no shaking the reality that even if he can contribute, any minutes that go to him would be better off aiding the development of the Celtics' first-round pick, Chris Cenac Jr.

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