Damian Lillard isn't the answer for Celtics

Damian Lillard is an unrestricted free agent. The nine-time All-Star was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, with the remaining value of his contract being stretched over multiple years. Lillard is now free to discuss contractual terms with any team in the NBA. 

In a July 12 report from Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, the Boston Celtics were linked with significant interest in adding the veteran guard to the rotation. 

“Damian Lillard remains a free agent but is considering his options, and the Celtics are indeed one of them,” Washburn wrote. “According to NBA sources, Tatum has been active in recruiting Lillard to Boston, and the market for the point guard is limited because his injury will prevent him from likely playing most of next season. Lillard sustained his injury on April 27, 15 days prior to Tatum’s injury.”

Lillard is currently sidelined with an Achilles tear. It's the same injury that has Jayson Tatum sitting out the upcoming season. Should the Celtics acquire Lillard, two of their 15 roster spots will be committed to talent with long-term injuries. 

Even if you ignore Lillard's current injury issues, his fit with the Celtics is questionable at best. Boston has tried pairing guard Jaylen Brown and Tatum with ball-dominant guards in the past, with poor results each time. 

Tatum has developed into one of the best point forwards in the NBA. He is the table-setter Boston leans on in half-court situations. Brown has improved his passing and decision-making to be a reliable tertiary option. Therefore, guard Derrick White often fills the gaps between ball-handling and playmaking. 

Lillard, however, needs the ball in his hands to be effective. Last season, he dominated the Bucks in touches, leading the team with an average of 85.9 per game. Furthermore, he ranked second in usage rate, sitting slightly behind superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

Perhaps pairing Lillard with Tatum could work. But asking Lillard to be the third star in a rotation, and to embrace an off-ball scoring role, is a recipe for disaster. Lillard has been in the NBA for 13 years; he is who he is at this point. Furthermore, Lillard's defense is seriously bad. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla has shown an affinity toward players who can impact the game on both sides of the floor. 

On paper, Lillard would be a strong addition to Boston's roster. However, in reality, it could wind up being a move that forces the Celtics to stumble once Tatum and Lillard are back on the floor. President of basketball operations Brad Stevens would be wise to resist temptation and look elsewhere.