Days after waiving forward Justin Champaignie, the Boston Celtics are continuing to look for ways to improve their three-point shooting. The latest rumors suggest they have found it. According to SDNA, a Greek news outlet, the Celtics are reportedly offering a contract to Svi Mykhailiuk, a young wing with perimeter prowess.
Background
Drafted 47th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, Mykhailiuk, a former Kansas Jayhawk, entered the league known for his three-point shooting. Midway through his rookie year, Svi was traded to the Detroit Pistons along with a second-round pick for Reggie Bullock. He only began receiving significant minutes during his second year (2019-20). He played 22 minutes a night and averaged nine points per game on 41% shooting from the field and 40% from three. His time in the Motor City didn’t last much longer, however, as he was dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2021 before subsequent stops with the Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, and Charlotte Hornets. This past season was a career year for Mykhailiuk, as he averaged 10.6 points per game on 44/40/67 splits. Many believed he would re-sign with the team given his strong season, but the Hornets had other plans.
Through it all, Mykhailiuk remained a steady shooter and solid rotation player. Though he may not have been the best defender, he was a source of offense off the bench and played his role well. Though he is mulling this offer with one from Panathinaikos, BC, it would give Mykhailiuk a chance to remain in the NBA while contributing to a title contender.
What Mykhailiuk Brings to the Table
The Celtics finished sixth in three-point percentage in the regular season (37.7 percent with an average of 16 made threes a game) and fifth in the playoffs (36.4 percent, 14.1 made per game). With a roster seeking to maximize its strengths around Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, offering an opportunity to Mykhailiuk is a no-brainer.
As it stands right now, Boston has Sam Hauser, Oshae Brissett, and Jordan Walsh as the backup wings behind Brown. Bringing Mykhailiuk into the fold would add immense value to the team’s frontcourt depth. He also bolsters the team’s perimeter shooting. It’s worth noting that Mykhailiuk shot nearly 44 percent on catch-and-shoot threes (and 46 percent on twos). He also made 40 percent of his pull-up triples. In short, Mykhailiuk is a skilled shooter and overall offensive talent, one that the Celtics would be lucky to have.
The Last Word on Svi Mykhailiuk
Whether or not Mykhailiuk chooses the NBA or Europe next season remains unclear. If the Celtics rumors hold weight, then he has the potential to make a playoff-bound roster and help them in spurts. Mykhailiuk has shown his ability to play adequate minutes on younger, developing teams, and he has used the past four years to grow his game and prove his worth.
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