NBA Champion The Boston Celtics Should Sign
Ish Smith is coming off a year where he appeared in 43 regular season games for the Denver Nuggets.
The veteran point guard averaged 2.5 points, 1.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest while shooting 39.7% from the field and 16.7% from the three-point range.
This summer, Smith became a free agent, and he still remains available to be signed by any team in the league.
In addition to his time with the Nuggets, Smith has also played for the Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, New Orleans Pelicans, Milwaukee Bucks, Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors over 13 seasons in the NBA.
His career averages are 7.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists per contest while shooting 42.9% from the field and 32.3% from the three-point range in 762 regular season games (he has also appeared in 23 NBA playoff games).
This past year, Smith helped the Nuggets win the 2023 NBA Championship over the Miami Heat.
I believe that the Boston Celtics should consider signing the 35-year-old.
Why?
The Celtics have been to the Eastern Conference Finals five times over the previous seven seasons.
They are coming off a year where they were the second seed and lost to the Heat in Game 7 of the Conference Finals.
The point guard position has been an area on their roster where there is not a lot of depth, and the team also traded 2022 Defensive Player of The Year Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies over the summer.
Smith has significant experience and just won an NBA Championship, so he would be an intriguing addition to the Celtics.
At this point in his career, he could likely be signed for the veteran's minimum (or a non-guaranteed deal), so there would be no risk for the Celtics to bring him into training camp.