Boston Celtics: 5 Players To Consider For Final Roster Spot

5.) Andrea Bargnani

Over the course of the past few seasons, Andrea Bargnani has gone from the one of the league’s most notorious draft busts — albeit, still a productive player — to a complete afterthought, so much to the point where he only averaged 13.8 minutes per game for the god-awful Brooklyn Nets this season before being bought out.

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Originally picked first overall in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors, Bargnani has carved out a solid career as a scoring big man, but he has only eclipsed the 20-points-per-game plateau once in his 10 seasons, and has seen his value depreciate even more in recent years thanks to a slew of injuries and a hefty contract.

While he can’t necessarily be considered a major impact player at this stage of his career, the Italian forward should be considered for the Boston Celtics’ remaining roster spot.

While he did, indeed, only average 14 minutes of playing time for the Nets this year, he put up solid averages of 6.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game in his limited time, all while shooting 45.5 percent from the field — a mark higher than his career average of 43.9 percent.

The Celtics could turn to Bargnani to replace the injured Kelly Olynyk, who has been an integral part of Boston’s success this year as a floor-spacer. Though Bargnani shot a meager 18.8 percent from deep with the Nets, he attempted just 0.3 per game, and is a career 35.4 percent shooter from downtown.

He is an excellent midrange shooter as well and sets wide, effective screens, making him the perfect pick-and-pop player.

Bargnani’s defense has always been an issue, and he could struggle in Stevens’ switch-heavy system. Still, if he were to sign in Boston, he would likely be used sparingly, and Stevens would certainly take him out of the game if his laughable defensive woes of the past resurfaced:

For a minimum deal, Bargnani is a good piece to have. He provides the offensive versatility and the shooting that Stevens desires, making him a viable candidate to fill the Cs’ open spot.

Next: No. 4