The Boston Celtics should target these free agents in the offseason

For the Boston Celtics, filling holes in free agency is critical. Filling gaps at shooting guard, athletic forward or rim protector would lead the way.

The Boston Celtics will enter the 2021 season with most of their key positional holes filled. Cashing in on high picks from the Brooklyn Nets in the 2013 Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett trade, the green drafted Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum back to back years. The picks were not wasted as both have proven to be upper-tier NBA forwards. And, Tatum has put himself in the conversation as a top ten, elite player.

More from Hoops Habit

• 7 Players the Miami Heat might replace Herro with by the trade deadline
• Meet Cooper Flagg: The best American prospect since LeBron James
• Are the Miami Heat laying the groundwork for their next super team?
• Sophomore Jump: 5 second-year NBA players bound to breakout
• NBA Trades: The Lakers bolster their frontcourt in this deal with the Pacers

Entering 2020, the signing of free agents Kemba Walker and Enes Kanter firmed up the point guard and center positions. While both are often injured, when on the floor, their contributions have been solid. And, Gordon Hayward, a free agent entering the last year of a four year deal, while not back to his all-star form before his gruesome ankle injury, remains a solid offensive threat.

Looking to 2021, with Brown Tatum, and Walker under contract and Hayward and Kanter expected to exercise their final year player options, the unit appears loaded. Solid reserves, Marcus Smart, Daniel Theis, Robert Williams, and Grant Williams are all expected back, providing support off the bench. The balance of reserves, Brad Wannamaker, Carsen Edwards, Romeo Langford, Vincent Poirier, Tremont Waters, Semi Ojeleye, and Tacko Fall are all candidates for the roster but far from assured spots.

The greatest needs are at athletic power forward and shooting guard. The first instinct when looking at available free agents is to shoot for the stars, superstars in this case. But remember the major foe called salary cap. The Boston Celtics, like all teams, will need to shop to their budget, and, with their load of talent and financial commitments, the green has little space for major buys. But there are treasures to be found.

Beyond salary restrictions, much will depend on their direction in the upcoming NBA draft. Logic would suggest they will look to fill the two areas of need but until the selections are made, we will consider both slots areas of need in free agency for the men in green.