Kevin Durant has headlined the Boston area for the most impactful player that could be wearing green in the 16/17 season as it could happen but the likelihood of it happening is against the odds. Ainge has a knack of finding under the radar players and Stevens plugging them into the C’s system and boom, you have a team that competes hard and is willing to put everything on the line.
Here are some free agents that realistically could be wearing green next year for the C’s.
P.J. Hairston G/F Memphis- A big guard that is almost like a linebacker drilling opponents into the paint and efficiently drawing And1’s, Hairston isn’t on many people’s lists but he could potentially become a dark horse player that Ainge could pick up for nothing. Possibly giving up a late 1st round draft pick or something along the lines of that for Hairston would be a steal since he can be a difference maker on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Although statistically the numbers don’t show difference making abilities, Hairston’s play is beyond the numbers and could really complement with Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley in that extremely tough backcourt.
Al Horford F/C Atlanta- The second to third most popular name mentioned in the Celtics free agency sweepstakes, Horford would be an excellent fit in the C’s system as he is deadly beyond the arc and in the midrange game as a 6’10 center. Shooting roughly 46% on field goals, Horford is an efficient scorer that makes efficient shots when needed. The Hawks center is set to become a free agent and teams will try to land Horford with trades but the C’s have the best assets (Amir Johnson could be involved) and they have accumulated lots of draft picks to be thrown into trades. The contract is the only concern for Horford ($12 million) but if we can fix that with Horford and his agent, then Horford could land in Beantown.
Allen Crabbe G/F Portland- The names I am listing off may not exactly sound like great ideas but to me, this is a different way of thinking and it could lead to benefits in the long run. The Celtics should take a look at young (24 years old) offensive shooting guard/forward Allen Crabbe, who has had his moments up in Rip City with Lillard and McCollum. Crabbe is very underrated in regards of this upcoming free agency and Portland would like to resign Crabbe. Although Crabbe is a restricted free agent, the long term benefits with Crabbe, who could burst onto the scene for Boston with great range and great athleticism, are there. Call me crazy but Allen Crabbe is a name that should be in the conversations.
Hassan Whiteside C Miami- This guy is a difference maker on whatever team he could land on (unless he stays on Miami). Whiteside is a monster in the paint as he has driven Miami to the playoffs alongside veteran Dwayne Wade and Goran Dragic. A monster contract could be looming in the future of Hassan Whiteside as money could tear him apart from the Heat to play elsewhere and Ainge and company could pull the trigger to get Whiteside up to Boston. Taking chances is the name of the game in sports and Ainge has pulled the trigger before and very much so again.
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