The Boston Celtics were patient in this year’s NBA free-agency period. Their patience ultimately paid off when they signed point guard Dennis Schroder to a one-year deal worth the taxpayer midlevel exception of $5.9 million. In this specific post, we'll be giving our Boston Celtics 2021 NBA free agency grades.

Outside of Schroder, the Celtics were quiet in free agency. Their only other moves were signing Enes Kanter and adding undrafted wing Sam Hauser via a two-way contract.

The Celtics were unable to retain Evan Fournier—who priced out the club and bolted to the New York Knicks on a massive 4-year, $78 million deal. However, the addition of Schroder at a bargain-bin price makes the 2021 NBA free agency a success for the Celtics.

To provide a team overview of free agency, let’s get on with our Boston Celtics 2021 NBA free agency grades.

Boston Celtics 2021 NBA Free Agency Grades

Dennis Schroder

Deal: 1-year, $5.9 million

Grade: A

Back in March, Schroder declined a 4-year, $84 million extension from the Los Angeles Lakers. Schroder spent the 2020-21 season with the Lakers, averaging 15.4 points with 5.8 assists and starting all 61 of his games played.

Ultimately, Schroder overestimated his market and was never offered anything close to the contract the Lakers presented. With few long-term offers on the table for Schroder, the soon-to-be 28-year-old decided to join the Celtics on a one-year, ‘prove-it’ deal.

Schroder fills a major hole in the Celtics’ lineup. They needed a starting point guard after trading away Kemba Walker in a deal that netted them Al Horford. Schroder is an above-average defender and instantly slides in as Boston’s third-best scoring threat, behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

There’s always a chance Schroder comes off the bench. After all, he finished as the runner-up for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2019-20 as a member of the Thunder. That decision will ultimately come down to head coach Ime Udoka, as former coach and current President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens is staying out of any lineup decisions.

However, Boston would be best off playing Schroder next to Marcus Smart in the backcourt alongside the rest of the starters. Regardless of whether or not he starts, this deal is all about Schroder betting on himself, hoping to demonstrate this season why he should be given a lucrative, long-term contract.

Stevens, meanwhile, managed to maintain financial flexibility for next summer—something that reportedly heavily influenced this year’s free-agency decisions.

While Schroder is probably not in Boston for the long haul, this deal is a major win for the Celtics. The Celtics are getting a good player—who made roughly $15 million in each of his past four seasons—and are paying him just under $6 million. From a pure financial standpoint, Schroder is the best value signing (on paper) of the 2021 NBA offseason. And as an added bonus, Schroder will be plenty motivated to prove his worth, which is good news for a Celtics squad that looked lifeless for periods of last year’s disastrous campaign

Enes Kanter

Deal: 1-year, $2.7 million

Grade: B+

The Celtics opted to bring back center Enes Kanter. He played with the Celtics in 2019-20 after signing a two-year deal with the club, but was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers last offseason.

Kanter brings plenty of energy, nearly unmatched offensive rebounding skills and a reliable source of instant points off the bench. The fact that the Celtics got him on a veteran’s minimum contract is another major positive. Plus, Kanter is capable of putting up big numbers when given ample playing time, something he showed last year with the Trail Blazers.

However, Kanter is one of the NBA’s worst defenders. His struggles guarding the pick-and-roll are well-documented.

Kanter was brought to Boston for depth purposes at center. Horford will likely start at the five for the Celtics, but young center Rob Williams will be the first big off the bench and will play a major role for the club next season. Williams has had major troubles staying healthy in the past, though, and his injury woes likely served as a motivator for the Celtics to bring back Kanter.

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In short, signing a player to a minimum price tag who averaged a double-double last season is a win for the Celtics. If the Celtics can maintain their health, Kanter will only play sparingly. If they struggle with injuries, he is equipped to provide solid minutes.

Boston Celtics 2021 Free Agency Grades Continued

Sam Hauser

Deal: Two-way contract (terms unknown)

Grade: B-

The Celtics signed undrafted University of Virginia guard/forward Sam Hauser to a two-way contract. It’s tough to grade a player inked to a two-way contract, especially since he likely won’t see much time (if any) with the Celtics this season.

With that said, Hauser is an excellent shooter. He made 50.3% of his shots from the field, including 41.7% from 3-point land and 89.6% from the free-throw line in his senior collegiate season with the Cavaliers. The 23-year-old averaged 16 points and 6.8 assists per game. Hauser reportedly chose the Celtics over other potential suitors and will be given a chance to prove himself in the NBA Summer League.