Evaluating Whether Celtics Should Sign Free-Agent Sharpshooter to Help Fill Roster

The Celtics must fill at least one of their two open full-time roster spots and are $4.2 million below the second apron.

Earlier this summer, the Celtics reportedly made a contract offer to Svi Mykhailiuk. But there's another free-agent sharpshooter who fits Joe Mazzulla's offense and would boost Boston's depth.

Mykhailiuk, a former Kansas Jayhawks star, averaged 4.7 attempts from beyond the arc in 19 appearances with the Hornets last season, converting them at a 40.4 percent clip.

Over his five-year career, the six-foot-seven wing is a 36-percent three-point shooter on 3.7 tries.

Rodney McGruder, a seven-year veteran, is also a career 36 percent three-point shooter, albeit on fewer attempts (2.6). In the last three seasons, each spent playing for the Pistons, going from the oldest of the trio, 2020-21, to the 2022-23 campaign, he knocked down 45.8 percent, 39.7 percent, and 42.3 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. He did so on 1.5, 2.9, and 3.0 three-point tries.

While Mykhailiuk's had three seasons where he shot below 33.5 percent from beyond the arc, he's also had two where he hoisted at least 4.8 three-point attempts, including 5.1 in 2019-20. McGruder's career-high in the latter category is 3.4.

While the two are comparable marksmen, given that the former's three inches taller than the six-foot-four McGruder and at 26, he's six years younger, Mykhailiuk's a slightly better option, in this author's opinion.

However, signing the latter would also bolster Boston's depth, and, like the former, he could make his primary contributions in games where the Celtics are without one of the guards or wings higher up on the depth chart.

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