Just when things couldn’t get worse for the Boston Celtics, they did. It was announced Monday afternoon that Boston star Jaylen Brown will be sidelined the rest of the season due to a wrist injury.
Brown recently missed the Celtics’ last three games before it was announced that he would be out for the the remainder of the season.
For what it's worth, he was having a breakout season for the Celtics in his fifth campaign. He was averaging a career-high 24.7 points on 48 percent shooting from the floor. Brown also had many notable games on the season like 42 points against the Memphis Grizzlies and a 40-point night against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Being the second option for the team, Brown’s presence will be missed. As Boston looked to get back on the right track, Brown’s ability to be effective on both sides of the floor was what gave Boston momentum to compete. With Brown’s absence, Brad Stevens will have the task to figure out who will fill the void in Brown’s absence. As the playoffs are around the corner, the Celtics will need to search for adjustments as they’re one man down.
There may not be a player in free agency that can play with the same amount of talent as Brown does. But considering where the Celtics are in the Eastern Conference, a player who can provide hustle and energy is key for Brown’s replacement. Looking into the current free agency class, there are a few vets who can make their impact quickly on the Celtics. Placing a tremendous wing alongside Jayson Tatum could open new opportunities for Boston.
2. Joe Johnson
Yes, Joe Johnson is 39 years of age, but the important thing about him is that he stays ready for an opportunity to return to the NBA. In Johnson’s absence from the NBA, he has shown good showings in the Big 3 league and The Basketball Tournament. Within that two-year span, Johnson has awaited to contribute to a championship contender.
It is safe to say that Johnson impacts winning in a tremendous fashion. During his days in Phoenix, he was a huge contributor next to Steve Nash and others. Even when he signed with Atlanta, he played a huge role in reshaping the franchise into playoff contention. While also sacrificing as a role player for the Utah Jazz later in his career.
Johnson’s impact on Boston can give this team a better chance to go far in the postseason. He’s a veteran who understands the game and can guide the team on how to fight through playoff series. As Johnson continues to keep himself in shape, Danny Ainge should possibly give him a call.
1. Iman Shumpert
Adding a player with championship experience is what the Celtics needed. After a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets, Iman Shumpert has looked to find his footing in the NBA once again. Shumpert’s championship experience in 2016 has allowed him to be known as an elite defender in the NBA. As Shumpert looks to find his place in the NBA again, Boston could become the perfect destination.
Shumpert may not be gifted offensively like Jaylen Brown, but he can spot up for perimeter shots when given the opportunity. Along with his contribution on the offensive end, Shumpert will take the challenge to defend the top wing player on the opposing team. Shumpert’s past defensive heroics against players like Stephen Curry and others gives him the trust to be relied upon on that end of the floor.
Jaylen Brown’s injury may be a minor setback for the Celtics. But the team still believes they can make a big postseason run. Even with all of the chemistry issues Boston displays, this is still a team that has reached the Eastern Conference Finals in three of the last four years. Two dynamic wings, Johnson and Shumpert, do not make up for what Brown brings to the team. But their veteran leadership can provide a great showing for the postseason.
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