2019 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Brad Wanamaker: 1 year, $1.4 million (Boston Celtics)
Free agent guard Brad Wanamaker is returning to the Boston Celtics on a one-year deal, agent Steve McCaskill tells ESPN. Wanamaker played six seasons in Europe before joining the Celtics last season as the oldest rookie (29) in the NBA.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2019
Terry Rozier was so bad last year that more than a few fans were calling for Brad Wanamaker to secure the backup point guard role by the end of the season. Though his 3.9 points and 1.6 assists in 9.5 minutes per game over 36 appearances paint the picture of a benchwarmer, Wanamaker was a steady reserve when he actually saw minutes.
With Kyrie Irving and Terry Rozier gone, the Boston Celtics needed some help behind new arrival Kemba Walker and the returning Marcus Smart. If he plays his cards right and takes care of the ball like he did as a rookie, Wanamaker could be in good position to bump up his minutes.
Whether that’s comforting for Boston or an indictment of the team’s offseason remains to be seen, but with limited space to address the team’s point guard depth, Danny Ainge is bringing back a familiar face who represents a decent last resort.
Grade: C+