After further evaluation, Celtics Forward Danilo Gallinari tore his ACL in his left knee. The injury occurred during a World Cup game on August 27th and was initially said to be a meniscus tear. All of Celtics Nation hopes for a speedy recovery for Gallinari, but the Celtics should look to make a move. Here are three free agents that Boston should look to sign after this devastating news.
Carmelo Anthony
Before you click off, let’s read the situation. While we do not carry much depth at the forward positions, our best players are Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Carmelo Anthony would provide exceptional scoring off the bench. Anthony averaged 13.3 points per game on a remarkable 37.5 percent from three-point range. He could compensate for Gallinari’s bench-scoring loss and provide an excellent experience for the Jays. Even as a locker room presence, Carmelo Anthony has been through the mud and has the knowledge to pass it down along with some buckets.
Semi Ojeleye
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Brad Stevens is no stranger to bringing back former players. Semi Ojeleye did not work well with the team, but his defense always showed up. Ojeleye would not be called on to be the scoring factor like Gallinari is, but he would be good depth. If he can put the work in to develop how Grant Williams has as a corner specialist, Ojeleye can find himself in a good position with the offense.
Rodney Hood
Some Celtics fans remember Rodney Hood as one of the other Cavaliers in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals. Hood hasn’t made much impact in his last few runs with other teams and the lack of minutes does not help. With minutes, the 29-year-old can get you double-digits in the scoring column off the bench. Like Ojeleye, Hood won’t score at the level of Gallinari or our stars, but he can mesh well in the offense.
Finals Thoughts
The market has been pretty dead. The bulk of free agents has already signed. These three guys would not be top-tier bench players like Danilo Gallinari, forcing Boston into small-ball situations. The Celtics could always package Gallinari in a deal to get a player, but let’s assume that is out of the question in this case.
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