Celtics Named 'Best Fit' for Future Hall of Fame Free Agent by NBA Insider

Apr 23, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations signs autographs before game 2 of first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images | Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics already have 14 players inked to standard roster spots heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, although wing Jordan Walsh and center Neemias Queta's deals aren't fully guaranteed.

Would the team really want to add a 15th name before the start of the year?

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Robbie Stratakos of Fox Sports advocates for Boston considering former nine-time All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook, who surprisingly remains unsigned deep into free agency.

The Pacers, Celtics and Bucks are the best fits for Russell Westbrook: https://t.co/Ld0bKloUMQ

— Robbie Stratakos (@RPStratakos) September 5, 2025

"Westbrook would be a bargain-bin addition for a team needing a boost," posits Stratakos.

The Celtics offloaded six-time All-Defensive Team guard Jrue Holiday in a deal to the Portland Trail Blazers that netted them scoring guard Anfernee Simons. The team lost a lot of dynamic scoring when Boston ditched Kristaps Porzingis for a net return of two-way wing RJ Luis Jr. and a trade exception, thanks to multiple deals.

Five-time All-NBA power forward Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles tendon during the playoffs, and Boston will be sorely missing his scoring acumen and defense.

Boston will be trotting out three talented guards in their backcourt already, but could Westbrook on a minimum be a low-risk flier for a team that could use some scoring and creation?

"Yes, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard remain present and will inevitably have larger roles, while Anfernee Simons – who the Celtics acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers in their trade return for Holiday – is a plausible scorer in his own right," writes Stratakos. "At the same time, Westbrook could be himself on the Celtics, coming off the bench as the second unit's leading scorer."

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The Celtics' 3-and-D attack proved a bit self-defeating during the playoffs. Westbrook offering none of that — but being a plus in other respects — could be the exact wrinkle that Boston needs, argues Stratakos.

"Relying on being a dominant defensive team – Boston was second in the NBA in opponent points per game and opponent field goal percentage last season – that can stretch the floor – Boston led the NBA with 48.2 3-point attempts per game last season – won't work for the Celtics in 2025-2026," Stratakos notes. "They need variety and, more than anything, capable and willing scorers. Westbrook fits the bill."

But would Boston really want a 37-year-old (by the time the season starts) guard on its roster, during a doomed season?

"What could stop the Celtics from pursuing Westbrook, though, is them potentially feeling that they have enough veteran guards in their rotation, making the veteran a superfluous addition," Stratakos reveals.

For more news and notes on the Boston Celtics, visit Boston Celtics on SI.