The Boston Celtics have a roster spot to fill. After waiving David Lee, the Celtics are looking for a piece to help get the team into the playoffs as contenders in the Eastern Conference. With several players getting their contracts bought out in the near future, Danny Ainge and company are looking at options which could include Reggie Evans off the free agent market.
According to Moke Hamilton of BasketballInsiders.com, the Celtics are eyeing Evans who might not be the most exciting signing, but could help fill a need for the team. Evans has been available all year after averaging just 3.7 points and 6.4 rebounds for the Sacramento Kings last season, but the Celtics need rebounding help and he could be the ideal player to acquire considering he is still an above average defender.
"Based on all of our discussions, we're only filling our roster with people that we think can help us," head coach Brad Stevens said, via CBSBoston.com. "I think it's more important that we find the right fit for our roster if we're going to fill that spot. And we don't have to fill that spot."
The interest in Evans is odd, but not out of nowhere. Right now, Boston is dealing with an injury to Kelly Olynyk which hurts their already weak defense. Ainge told ESPN.com that Olynyk has just a bone bruise on his right shoulder and is expected to miss potentially a few weeks while things heal. The Celtics were hoping to have Olynyk back on the court by now, but that has not happened which is now opening the door for Evans.
The issue is that bringing Evans on means the Celtics one again have a log jam in the front court. The reason Lee was waived was because the Celtics simply could not find him playing time to justify his contract. Tyler Zeller, Jared Sullinger and Amir Johnson are all battling for time on the court. Evans will only make things more crowded, but he could be viewed as an upgrade over soom.
The Celtics are not championship contenders which could impact Evans' interest. If another team better suited to win comes calling, he could head elsewhere. The Rockets and Heat have reportedly shown interest in Evans as well and he could have some decisions to make soon.
