Celtics Ordered Not to Go After Former Player and Bench Scorer
The Boston Celtics may try to add some depth to their bench prior to the NBA Trade Deadline. There aren’t many people they can get to know their payroll. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley thinks they should pass on getting Lonnie Walker IV given the limited options available.
In a report published on January 25, Buckley first described Walker’s appeal to the Celtics.
Buckley stated, “The idea of a spark-plug scorer like Lonnie Walker IV could be intriguing, especially since the Celtics don’t get much creativity from their bench.” Although his output is inconsistent, his good nights can be very beneficial. This season, he has scored more than 20 points six times, and in all but one of those games, he has played less than 28 minutes.
Then, Buckley gave his explanation for why Walker might not be a better fit for the Celtics than their current roster.
But in reality, he is a 6’4″ scoring expert. How likely is it that he will genuinely make the playoff roster? In the event that the team only had one backup backcourt player for the postseason, why would Walker’s ability to score quickly be preferable to Payton Pritchard’s superior shooting and ball handling skills? Walker is undoubtedly bigger and more athletic, but his physical prowess has never translated into reliable defense.
During the 2022–2023 season, Lonnie Walker IV was a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, helping the team qualify for the Western Conference Finals.
Play Walker is a current member of the Brooklyn Nets, where he shoots 46.3% from three and 48.9% from the field to average 12.4 points a game.
Cedi Osman Was Rumored to Be the Celtics’ Goal
Buckley gave an explanation of why he thinks the Celtics should want San Antonio Spurs wing Cedi Osman, despite his distaste for Lonnie Walker.
Ostman is valued at the upper end of Boston’s pricing range, but he might play in the postseason if the Shamrocks could afford him. While his entrance might not have a significant effect in any one area, his all-around skill set appears ideal for a glue-guy role on a strong team, and he could make modest contributions elsewhere, Buckley wrote in a second story published on January 25.
Osman has postseason experience; as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, he once faced the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. He is averaging 7.3 points this season and shooting 37.2% from three and 48% from the field. The Spurs’ 8-36 record may have an effect on Osman’s future with the group.
Chris Haynes Previews Celtics Trade Deadline Approach Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report gave a preview of the team’s anticipated approach to the impending trade deadline.
On January 19, Haynes stated, “Teams like Boston are always looking for ways to improve their ballclub.” As of now, I haven’t heard anything. Although I believe Boston feels extremely secure with their current roster, they will undoubtedly be a team that watches the buyout market to see who gets released and whether there are any suitable fits.
It’s likely that neither Cedi Osman nor Lonnie Walker IV will visit Boston if the Celtics observe the buyout market. But Haynes also mentioned what he believed the Celtics would do in a deal.
If a team like Boston makes a trade before the deadline, it will most likely be one that gives them some minor edge. I don’t think the Celtics are making any bold moves.
