After the departure of Greg Stiemsma, the Boston Celtics move quickly to secure the services of 11 year veteran Jason Collins
The Boston Celtics, shortly after losing Greg Stiemsma on whom they were unable to match the offer sheet forwarded by the Minnesota Timberwolves, went ahead to quickly add a quality big man to their roster in the form of Jason
Collins.
In what will be a one year deal, Boston are set to pay Collins close to $854,389 – a move that has helped them monetarily. Not only will they get a seven foot defensive specialist, the remaining $1.35 million of his salary will
be taken up by the league as Collins has spent more than 10 years in the NBA. This move is a significant plus point for the Celtics who have managed to stay under the luxury tax.
A former first round draft pick of the Houston Rockets, Collins was quickly dealt over to the New Jersey Nets. In his first year, Collins had the honour of playing alongside Jason Kidd and went all the way to the NBA Finals to
take on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Even at the start of his career, he did not believe in scoring much but make his contributions on the defensive end – a trait which has taken him all around the NBA. After spending the first 7 years with the Nets, Collins had a
short run with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves before joining Atlanta Hawks in 2009.
In the 30 games he played for the Hawks last season, Collins only allowed 0.748 points per play which ranks 88th among the all time NBA rankings. He holds a career average of 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds but can cause
some serious trouble to oppositions when he guards the painted area.
By adding the 33 year old to their rotation, Boston are set to add a defensively capable player to their bench who can play some productive minutes with the second unit. He will be joined by Chris Wilcox on the reserve centre list,
and together the duo will have to ensure that Kevin Garnett keeps getting all the rest he needs.
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