Celtics New Additions This Off-season
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Celtics struggled last year as a collective compared to previous seasons where they made multiple Eastern Conference Finals appearances. For this upcoming season, Boston has revamped organization starting with new head coach Ime Udoka and adding more depth to the roster with role players; mainly wings, which should result in better team defense compared to last season.
With 22 days left until tip off, let’s take a look at some of the key additions to the Celtics roster for the upcoming 2021-22 NBA season.
Dennis Schroder
A big talk around the NBA this off-season was on Schroder betting on himself and reportedly turning down an $84 Million contract from the Los Angeles Lakers, not getting any offers, then signing with Boston for $5.9 Million.
Yesterday during Dennis Schroder’s Celtics Media Day interview, he mentioned that he never had that contract offer from the Lakers in front of him.
“Money is not everything at all times. I want to be comfortable in the situation where I know people appreciate me”, Schroder said.
With this season being another contract year for Schroder, we will see if he can prove his worth for his next contract.
Josh Richardson
Josh Richardson was another key addition to the Celtics this off-season, looking to fill the three-and-D role at guard/forward.
Richardson initially signed with Boston in late August and weeks after being acquired, he signed an extension.
“From the outside looking in and the last few years, I just like how they do things here and I think once the bricks fall in place — I think I’ll be right here with the guys”, Richardson said during his media day interview. “Hopefully it goes as planned and we can bring a championship in these next couple of years.
Al Horford
Al is one of the returning Celtic players this season. The 35 year old veteran previously played with Boston for three seasons from 2016 to 2019 where they appeared in the Eastern Conference Finals each season. He averaged 13.5 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
“I’m so happy to be back in Boston”, Horford said in his media day interview.
Enes Kanter
Kanter is another returning Celtic this season signing a one year $2.7M contract after his second stint with Portland.
Kanter is optimistic about rejoining The Celtics.
“First time I step in the locker room it was like I never left”, he said. “It’s good to be back — We have unfinished business. We have to go out there and do what we did two years ago, but even better”.
He played for Boston in the 2019-20 season following the departure of Kyrie Irving. He came off the bench and averaged 8.1 points and 7.4 rebounds.
Juancho Hernangomez
Hernangomez was acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies through a trade sending away Kris Dunn, Carsen Edwards and a 2026 second-round pick.
The 26-year-old forward enters his sixth season previously playing four years with Denver before being traded to Minnesota during the 2020 season around the trade deadline. Over his six seasons, he has averaged 5.7 points and 3.5 rebounds as a role player.
Hernangomez brings depth to the front court and can space the floor on offense. It will be intriguing to see how he fits into the rotation.