Celtics are focusing on additional scoring at the trade deadline

The Boston Celtics boast the best record in the NBA. They're also a top-three offensive and defensive team in the league. However, their bench rotation is missing one key ingredient: an out-and-out scoring threat. It would now appear that Brad Stevens is looking to resolve that issue ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

In a recent article by Jake Fischer for Yahoo Sports, he reported that Boston is keeping tabs on Otto Porter Jr. and Lonnie Walker IV. Both of them are known for their ability to put up points in bunches.

"Elsewhere atop the Eastern Conference, Boston has been weighing various options who could deepen the Celtics’ bench, according to league sources," Fischer reported. "Boston will likely be limited to adding pieces through its $6.25 million traded-player exception with which the Celtics could bring on a veteran target such as Otto Porter Jr., sources said. Another name on Boston’s radar: Nets guard Lonnie Walker, who’s generated a wealth of interest from playoff teams while playing well on a minimum contract, sources said."

The Celtics boast one of the most talented eight-man rotations in the league. Whoever they bring in will likely find themselves filling a situational role. The key for Stevens is finding someone who can plug a gap in the roster construction and provide a different skillset when called upon. 

While Porter Jr. has championship experience, he may not be the ideal bench-scoring piece the Celtics are looking for. He hasn't averaged double-digit scoring since the 2019-20 season. On the other hand, Walker IV has continued to prove himself since joining the Brooklyn Nets. This season, he's averaging 12 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per night, shooting 43.6% from three-point range on five attempts per game and 47.6% from the field. 

Whatever option the Celtics choose, it's unlikely to be a needle-moving acquisition. Given the position the Celtics find themselves in, they're likely searching for insurance and rotation variance. Considering the number of players the team has been linked with in the past week, it will be interesting to see who they acquire and how it affects Joe Mazzulla's minutes distribution for the remainder of the season.