The Celtics have been busy so far this summer in trying to keep themselves in a position to compete for an NBA Championship. The team has re-signed stars Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, added Jermaine O'Neal as a free agent, and drafted Avery Bradley and Luke Harangody.
The C's still need to add depth at the wing position. Tony Allen left as a free agent, leaving Doc Rivers with no proven option behind Pierce and Ray Allen off the bench.
One possible free agent who would come relatively cheap is Matt Barnes who played an important role for the Orlando Magic this past season on their way to a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Matt Barnes, 6-7, Small Forward, 30-years-old
Career Statistics: 7.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.7 APG, 44.4 FG%, 32.9 3P%
Player Profile: Barnes is a survivor in the NBA, a second round pick of the Grizzlies in 2002 out of UCLA who has bounced around seven different teams. He has developed into a player with a reputation as tough defender and rebounder who gets under the skin of his opponents. Offensively, Barnes is a good finisher in transition who has transformed himself into a reliable three-point shooter.
Role with the Celtics: Barnes would replace Tony Allen as the team's defensive stopper off the bench but would bring more offense to the team than T.A. Barnes would play a role similar to that of James Posey, who played a crucial role in the Celtics 2008 championship run. Having a rugged 6-7 swingman to be able to throw at scorers like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James would be a huge asset for the Celtics.
Verdict: If Danny Ainge can find enough money to get Barnes into a Celtics uniform, you can book the Duck Boats for June.
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