Over the past week, the Boston Celtics have been hard at work making alterations to their roster. Following their flurry of trades, Brad Stevens will now shift his focus to free agency. Before things officially get underway Monday evening, one complementary role player was brought up as a possible target.
In recent years, the Celtics are a team that has fully embraced the three-point shot. It's a primary weapon in their offensive attack, as their roster is flooded with players capable of stepping out beyond the arc. With Boston placing such a heavy focus on outside shooting, one of the league's most effective floor spacers has been tossed out as someone the team should pursue.
While breaking down good fits for the Celtics in free agency, Boston.com's Conor Roche touched on Luke Kennard being someone worth monitoring.
Unlike Hauser, Kennard also has some ability as a playmaker, too. He’s averaged over three assists per game while mostly playing off the bench for the Grizzlies in the last two years. Considering his ability to shoot and create for others, the 29-year-old Kennard will likely only be an option if they have the taxpayer’s mid-level exception available, although could go for even more than that.
Since stepping foot in the NBA, Kennard has proven he is capable of knocking down threes at a high rate. He's led the league in three-point percentage on two occasions and is shooting 43.8% for his career. Last season for the Memphis Grizzlies, Kennard averaged 8.9 PPG on 43.3% shooting from deep on respectable volume.
Given their style of attack on offense, Kennard is someone who could instantly step in and thrive on the Boston Celtics. Between his shot-making and secondary playmaking abilities, he could help fill the void left by Jayson Tatum until he returns from injury.
Heading into free agency, Kennard will likely have a decent-sized market form for him. That said, the Celtics should be among the teams inquiring about his services.