Precious Achiuwa's playing time decreased last season with the Knicks.
Precious Achiuwa's playing time decreased last season with the Knicks.Heather Khalifa/Associated Press
This story originally appeared in the Globe’s Sunday Basketball Notes.Read the rest here.
Free agency is essentially over for acquiring impactful players but there are a handful of quality players available, although they may come with baggage. The Bucks just signed former Clippers swingman Amir Coffey to a one-year deal, and other clubs are lining up their training camp rosters with veteran invites.
Unfortunately, the new CBA has created a system in which the middle and especially the lower class gets squeezed out of the free agent market, left scrambling for veteran minimum deals. Remember a few years ago when Dennis Schröder landed in the Celtics’ lap because he was priced out of the market? There are still talented players who could help teams, including the Celtics:
Precious Achiuwa
Previous team: Knicks
Achiuwa was once a quality backup big man, but his playing time decreased last season and now he’s fighting for a contract. Achiuwa rebounds well for being undersized (6 feet, 9 inches, 234 pounds) and had his moments during his Toronto years. But when the Knicks really needed him to deliver in backing up Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, he struggled.
Gary Payton II
Previous team: Warriors
A defensive ace with an improving shot, he entered free agency seeking a lucrative contract. Payton’s major detractor is health and he’s 32. But when he’s near 100 percent, he’s a nuisance on defense and can knock down corner 3-pointers. He seems like a cinch for a minimum contract because he’s considered a solid team player and won’t demand many offensive touches.
Malcolm Brogdon
Previous team: Wizards
He was Sixth Man of the Year in 2023 with the Celtics but his career has taken a major nosedive. He’s played 63 games in two years with the Trail Blazers and Wizards. Brogdon doesn’t have a great reputation as a locker room presence, but he’s always been a professional and showed the ability to play effectively for a playoff team just two years ago.
Ben Simmons
Previous team: Clippers
There were rumors the Celtics were interested in the former No. 1 overall pick and he did have his moments in his stint with the Clippers, but coming off that max deal he signed five years ago with the 76ers, Simmons is little more than a backup point guard with declining offensive skills. Some around the league question Simmons’s love for the game and desire to continue his career when the pay will be minimal. If he’s completely healthy and invested, Simmons could bring something to a playoff team because of his passing and rebounding skills.
Garrison Mathews
Previous team: Hawks
A sharpshooter with a mean streak, he has yet to find an NBA home and consistent minutes. He shot 39 percent from the 3-point line last season but the Hawks had so many moving parts, he couldn’t get a steady role. NBA teams are always seeking premium shooters, and Mathews could be a third guard and specialist.
Talen Horton-Tucker
Previous team: Bulls
Remember when he was a rising prospect and the Lakers would not part with him in a deal for Kyle Lowry? Ancient history as Horton-Tucker has descended into a husky bench player without much to offer besides scoring. He can score in bunches but he’s not gotten into premium shape. Probably a candidate for a training camp invitation.
Daniel Theis
Previous team: Pelicans
The former Celtic is still hanging around and could be a big option if Boston chooses to add more depth. As of now, Neemias Queta is likely the starter in the middle on opening night with Luka Garza pushing him for minutes. But the Celtics lack a third center, unless you include two-way big Amari Williams or the undersized Chris Boucher and Josh Minott. Theis plays physical and tough and is foul prone but gives teams quality minutes. While he has seen better days in the NBA, he could be a training camp invite or nonguaranteed option if he doesn’t return to Europe.
Alec Burks
Previous team: Heat
Burks is a quality scorer off the bench whom the Heat signed to get buckets. But nothing really worked out well and Burks is looking for work. Health always has been an issue for the former first-round pick but when he gets hot he can score in bunches. Burks really doesn’t do much else and plus-30 players aren’t really a premium in free agency. The best Burks might be able to do is a minimum deal or even take an overseas offer.
Mo Bamba
Previous team: Clippers
The former lottery pick has not gained traction as a rotational player, and now he’s just a journeyman. He’s a third center at best for a contending team, but he does have the ability to shoot the 3-pointer. There have been a couple of teams hoping that Bamba plays with the fire and prowess that encouraged Orlando to take him sixth overall in 2018, but that guy has not shown. There may be better center options to fill needed roles.
Gary Washburn is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at gary.washburn@globe.com. Follow him @GwashburnGlobe.