Getty Kevin Knox, Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics recently waived Justin Champagnie and now have two open roster spots as a result.
Given their current cap constraints, the Celtics will be looking to utilize minimum contracts to fill out the end of their bench. At this juncture of the off-season, most high-end free agency talent is off the board, and thus, the players remaining are likely to accept minimum deals to join a contending team.
In a recent episode of the ‘Locked On Celtics Podcast,’ John Karalis and Tom Westerholm were debating potential options the Celtics could target with their two open spots. During the conversation, there was a jovial discussion surrounding potentially bringing back Tristan Thompson. Karalis then replied that Kevin Knox is also available – as a rebuttal to the discussion surrounding the former Celtics center.
While Karalis’ comments were in jest, there could be some meat on the bone in terms of Knox. In his five-year NBA tenure so far, Knox has represented the Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Detroit Pistons and now finds himself on the brink of slipping out of the NBA.
Part of what makes the Miami Heat a perennial contender every year is that they find underutilized stars in or on the outskirts of the league and help develop them into legitimate contributors at the NBA level. Knox would likely comprise a deep bench role for Boston, where he would be relied upon to plug gaps throughout the season.
However, if the 23-year-old is able to impress in a limited capacity, he could begin rebuilding his value around the NBA, which would be a win for both him and the Celtics alike.
Celtics Could Bring Back Blake Griffin
Last summer, the Celtics added Blake Griffin to their roster on a veteran minimum deal. Throughout his first season in Boston, the veteran big man became a key part of the Celtics locker room, as his jovial personality and on-court grit endeared him to both his teammates and the fanbase alike.
However, since the end of the season, Griffin has remained a free agent. Yet, according to Bobby Manning of CLNS Media, the Celtics haven’t closed the door on a potential Blake Griffin return.
“I’ve heard the door remains open for his return despite the distance from family and his home on the west coast. Given that he mulled his options until October last year, it’s worth assuming he’ll follow a similarly deliberative process this summer.”
Don’t believe anything’s imminent regarding some names floating around after the #Celtics cleared a roster spot by waiving Justin Champagnie.
It could signal they’re intrigued by someone who could potentially become available though. Some possibilities:
Manning also noted how Griffin’s veteran status would allow the Celtics to sign him to another one-year deal worth approximately $2 million.
“His veteran status allows the team to sign him for a second-year salary on the cap sheet — $2 million this year — actually less than (Justin) Champagnie would’ve made. Any other veteran with over 10 years of NBA experience would qualify for the same cap discount.”
Celtics Robert Williams Could Become ‘Expendable’
According to Jared Weiss of The Athletic, the Celtics’ recent addition of Kristaps Porzingis could potentially make Robert Williams an expendable asset.
“Now with the arrival of Kristaps Porziņģis, someone who can do just about everything you could ask for from a big in a spaced-out offense, Williams has to evolve,” Weiss wrote. “For the first time since he emerged in Boston’s rotation, Williams could become expendable.”
Over the summer, video footage has circled social media, showing Williams working on his offensive game – most notably, a mid-range jump shot and floater. According to Weiss, Williams will need to show improvements to his game if he wants to remain a part of the Celtics rotation.
With the arrival of Kristaps Porziņģis, Rob Williams has to evolve.
That change already appears to be underway, @JaredWeissNBA writes.
“With his fit in the locker room, growth potential, and contract, Williams’ success will be vital to Boston’s long-term success…With Al Horford signed for two more seasons, the 25-year-old Williams will have to prove he can keep growing if Boston is going to keep its frontcourt together.”
Williams has the potential to be a defensive anchor for the Celtics, as his explosiveness and rim protection have proven invaluable in recent years. However, with the addition of Porzinigis, Brad Stevens may have some tough decisions to make in the coming years, and Williams’ place on the roster could be one of them.