The Celtics aren’t expected to sign free agent Carmelo Anthony as a replacement for the injured Danilo Gallinari, Brian Robb of MassLive writes in a mailbag column. The possibility of Anthony heading to Boston has been rumored over the past week, but multiple league sources tell Robb that Anthony isn’t considered a priority for the team.
The Celtics’ roster isn’t fully set heading into training camp, and a free agent or two could eventually be added. However, Robb hears that Boston wants to give players who are already under contract the first chance to replace Gallinari, including Sam Hauser and some big men who are hoping to make the team.
He suggests that Anthony may become an option later in the season if he’s still available and the Celtics need to add scoring off their bench. Robb also dismisses the prospect of veterans such as Blake Griffin or LaMarcus Aldridge being brought into camp.
Anthony remains unsigned roughly two weeks before camps open, even though he was fairly productive for the Lakers last season. The 38-year-old forward averaged 13.3 points and 4.2 rebounds in 69 games while shooting 44.1% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range.
There’s more from Boston:
- Noah Vonleh could be one of the options to replace Gallinari, but he’ll have to show that his defense has improved to earn a roster spot, Robb adds in the same piece. Vonleh agreed to a one-year training camp contract in August after playing overseas last season. Robb states that Vonleh is a below-average shot blocker and concerns about his defense are the main reason he played for seven teams in seven years.
- Draft-and-stash player Yam Madar has been impressive for Israel during the EuroBasket tournament, Robb notes in a separate story. The 21-year-old point guard was a second-round pick in the 2020 draft and played for KK Partizan last season. He passed on Summer League to concentrate on his commitment to the Israeli team. Robb calls Madar’s future with the Celtics “murky” considering they drafted JD Davison this year.
- As the rebuilding Jazz continue to shake up their roster, a deal with the Celtics could become an option, Robb adds in another piece. He examines the potential fit in Boston for several Utah players.
I think the Cavs should look into signing Melo. He’s not going to do anything for us defensively at the SF but we need more offense. Plus it gives us a little more swag
You’re looking for swag? What does that translate to as far as on the court performance? Does he have this “swag” while being inept defensively? If you had said let’s pay him minimum to give us some offense off the bench to be a better version of Osman, I’d have understood. But to add swag to the team? You lost me their. Melo doesn’t have anymore swag. He’s unsigned this close to the season opening. He’s not that efficient. He can’t play D. His wife left him. Haven’t seen the swag since his Knick days
Um what does his wife have to do with anything? This is a basketball site.
She’s had a lot to do with his career actually. Also getting dumped by your wife might put a dent in your “swag”.
When I say swag im not referring to his dress style. I already acknowledged he offers nothing defensively. But swag can also mean confidence and that he has, on the court with the ball in his hand. He becomes our 2nd best 3pt shooting non- guard on the team. Depending on how well the bigs can offset the poor defense of the other guards he might even be worthy of major minutes at the 3.
I don’t see what swag has to do with anything you’re saying but yeah I agree he might be decent option for them off the bench for some offense.
How much is swag worth and how is it measured? Also, how much of this measurement contributes to Ws and Ls? I’m intrigued
can you maybe describe said swag for the jury?
He is a crutch on a team like that.
Good! Smart. Let’s let Coach Udoka see what he can do with Celts new additions before going out & picking up anyone else. Go Celtics!