GM Brad Stevens is putting his final touches on the Boston Celtics roster. At the trade deadline, they moved on from Jaden Springer and signed Torrey Craig. Before the deadlines for two-way contracts passed earlier this week, the Celtics [waived two-way forward Anton Watson](https://chowderandchampions.com/celtics-cut-recent-draft-pick-make-room-new-signing-playoffs-approach-01jne7jjpbt1) and replaced him with Miles Norris.
With playoffs five weeks away, the Celtics still have an open roster spot. They can choose to convert one of their two-way players, Drew Peterson or JD Davison, to a guaranteed contract to fill that spot. Or, they could target a more experienced veteran free agent.
One name that has recently become available is Dennis Smith Jr. The 27-year-old guard spent some time this season with the Wisconsin Herd and Real Madrid before parting ways with the latter on February 18.
Why Dennis Smith Jr. is the Right Fit For Celtics
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The reason Smith would be an intriguing addition to the Celtics is that he fills an immediate need. As talented and deep as the Celtics are, they could use more backcourt help at the end of their bench. Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Payton Pritchard share the bulk of the minutes at the backcourt. Behind them, however, Joe Mazzulla's options are limited.
The only other guard on the roster is rookie Baylor Scheierman, but the Celtics haven't shown that they fully trust him yet. Obviously, Jaylen Brown and Sam Hauser can play minutes at the shooting guard and defend smaller players, but one more ballhandler could be useful in case of an emergency.
Smith isn't the three-point bomber the Celtics generally look for, but he is an excellent defender. If any team can make up for his shooting deficiencies, it is the Celtics. The former Brooklyn Net can defend multiple positions and provide intensity. He can also help the Celtics get out in transition by forcing turnovers while being able to run some pick-and-roll in the halfcourt when needed.
With Jrue Holiday showing some signs of age and injury-related decline, getting another defense-first guard in the mix may not be the worst idea for the Celtics. Whether Brad Stevens agrees remains to be seen.
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