Following an early postseason exit, the Boston Celtics spent the 2021 NBA offseason retooling their roster.
Their moves have certainly been interesting, with the team making a handful of trades for players like Al Horford, Josh Richardson, and Juancho Hernangomez. They were also busy in free agency by adding household names like Dennis Schröder and Enes Kanter while agreeing to extensions with Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III. For now, fans can only speculate about hypothetical lineup combinations from their new head coach in Ime Udoka, who has taken over for Brad Stevens, the man who will now pull the strings in the front office.
With no shortage of fresh faces now in the mix, the Celtics look far different than they did just a few short years ago. In fact, a handful of recognizable players from their previous rosters are still not on an NBA team this late into free agency, despite having a case to make the cut. With that being said, here are three former Celtics still unsigned in free agency and a team that should give them a shot before next season officially begins.
Boston Celtics: Jeff Teague remains unsigned in 2021 NBA Free Agency
The Celtics shored up their point guard depth during the 2020 offseason by signing former All-Star guard Jeff Teague. While the move initially had potential, Teague never quite found his footing in Boston and lasted just 34 games with the team before being traded and waived at the deadline.
He would then sign with the Milwaukee Bucks, who would win last season’s championship and add a ring to Teague’s finger. Not being a key contributor to the team, Teague did not have many suitors racing to chase him once free agency began. It makes sense as the guard is coming off the least productive season in a decade and appears to have lost a step. Still, for teams scouring the market for a last-minute backup point guard, Teague could be a worthwhile option.
One candidate that seems reasonable is the Portland Trail Blazers. They have a superstar point guard in Damian Lillard, but their depth behind him is questionable. While they brought in a name that is recognizable in Dennis Smith Jr. on a training camp deal, the chances of him making the roster are up in the air. Teague would give Portland a veteran floor general that can help run the offense when Lillard needs a break. He would be an affordable option to bulk up their depth.