The Boston Celtics made some moves at the NBA trade deadline, adding a young guard and a future draft pick to their roster. The Celtics traded for Jaden Springer from the Philadelphia 76ers and a second-round pick from the Portland Trail Blazers in separate deals.
Who is Jaden Springer?
Jaden Springer is a 21-year-old guard who was drafted by the 76ers with the 28th pick in the 2021 NBA draft. He played one season at Tennessee, where he averaged 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He was known for his defense, athleticism, and potential as a shooter.
Springer struggled to find a consistent role with the 76ers, playing mostly in the G League and averaging 4 points per game in 32 appearances with the main team. He was part of the Sixers’ rotation in the last month, showing some flashes of his talent.
Why did the Celtics trade for him?
The Celtics traded for Springer to add some depth and youth to their backcourt. The Celtics have been dealing with injuries and inconsistency from their guards, especially Marcus Smart and Dennis Schroder. Springer could provide some defense, energy, and shooting off the bench.
The Celtics also traded for Springer because they liked his potential and fit with their core. The Celtics have been looking for a long-term solution at the point guard position, and Springer could develop into that role. He is still on his rookie contract, which gives the Celtics some flexibility and cost control.
What did the Celtics give up?
The Celtics gave up a second-round pick to the 76ers for Springer. The pick was originally from the Charlotte Hornets and is projected to be in the late 40s or early 50s in the 2024 draft. The Celtics have plenty of draft picks in the future, so they did not mind parting with one for a young player.
The Celtics also traded Dalano Banton to the Trail Blazers for a second-round pick. Banton was a second-round pick by the Raptors in the 2021 draft and was acquired by the Celtics in a previous trade. He played sparingly for the Celtics, averaging 2.3 points per game in 15 appearances. He is a 6-foot-9 guard with good passing and rebounding skills, but he needs to improve his shooting and defense.
The second-round pick that the Celtics received from the Blazers is protected and will convey if it falls between 31 and 55 in the 2024 draft. The Celtics could use this pick to draft another young player or trade it for another asset.
How will Springer fit with the Celtics?
Springer will join a crowded backcourt that includes Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, Dennis Schroder, Josh Richardson, and Payton Pritchard. He will have to compete for minutes and prove himself to the coaching staff and his teammates.
Springer could benefit from playing alongside Brown and Tatum, who are two of the best young stars in the league. He could learn from them and complement them with his defense and shooting. He could also form a dynamic duo with Pritchard, who is another young guard with a similar skill set.
Springer will have to work on his consistency, confidence, and decision-making to earn the trust of the Celtics. He will have to show that he can handle the pressure and expectations of playing for a storied franchise. He will also have to adapt to a new system and culture under coach Ime Udoka.
Springer has the talent and potential to be a valuable addition to the Celtics. He could help them in the present and the future, as they aim to contend for a championship.
