Celtics solve shooting guard issue by trading for Courtney Lee
Written by Adrian Gregory Glover // July 21, 2012 // NBA // No comments
BOSTON- The Celtics have placed shooting guard Courtney Lee on their roster after they worked out a sign-and-trade deal with the Houston Rockets that also utilized help from the Portland Trailblazers.
According to a team statement the Rockets received acquired JaJuan Johnson, E’Twaun Moore, Sean Williams and a future second round pick.
The Trail Blazers received acquired guard Sasha Pavlovic, two future second round picks and cash considerations.
“We are very excited that we were able to acquire Courtney Lee,” said Danny Ainge, Celtics President of Basketball Operations. “Courtney brings a vast set of tools on both ends of the court and will be a great fit on our roster.”
This is a prime opportunity for Lee if Avery Bradley is not ready to play at the start of the season.
Bradley was just coming on as the heir apparent to Ray Allen last season when he was injured during the playoffs.
It would have taken another season of dominant performances over guys like Dwyane Wade to cement his status as the man of the future.
If Lee can step in and keep his numbers consistent as his minutes increase, he and Bradley may have to battle it out upon Bradley’s return.
The Celtics love to shoot the three-pointer and Lee shot 40.1 percent from that area of the court in 58 appearances last year.
Ray Allen could have done them a favor by stepping off to Miami. Lee is 26 years-old and Bradley is 21 years-old.
By the second quarter of the season the Celtics will have shooting guard depth that possesses both skill and youth. Jason Terry is a veteran presence to round that group out.
Rajon Rondo will also have some help as Terry and Bradley can handle playing the point with relative ease.
