The Celtics aren’t getting any younger, but they don’t seem to care.
The latest whispers around the NBA are that Boston is reportedly looking at veteran guard Larry Hughes and could be fitting him for a green and white jersey soon, FanNation.com reports. At 31 years old, Hughes doesn’t provide an answer for the future, but would give the Celtics a tall guard who is versatile on defense and can create his own shots.
Hughes remains unsigned and has bounced around his entire career, playing on seven different teams in 12 years. Most recently, he was shipped from New York to Charlotte during last season and saw limited playing time. In 14 games with the Bobcats, Hughes played only 21 minutes per game and averaged 8.1 points and two assists. His point totals have steadily decreased since averaging 22 points per game in the 2004-05 season, and that trend is unlikely to be reversed.
Still, the addition of Hughes would bolster the Celtics’ depth at shooting guard, a position currently filled by Ray Allen and Nate Robinson. Head coach Doc Rivers craves the freedom to switch up his lineup, and Hughes would provide the potential for double-digit points and solid defending.
Boston is not completely opposed to bringing in players under 30, though. Rudy Fernandez, frustrated with playing second fiddle to Brandon Roy in Portland, wants out, and Boston is one likely destination.
In his rookie season in 2008-09, Fernandez averaged a strong 10.4 points per game, but dipped in his sophomore season to 8.1. He can clearly shoot from 3-point range, having led all rookies in 3-pointers made in the 2008-09 season, and has a good deal of height for a guard at 6-foot-5. At just 185 pounds, though, he isn’t the greatest defender and can get backed down easily by big men. The Celtics’ help defense should make that easier.
There are no reports about whom the Celtics would send to the Trail Blazers in exchange for Fernandez.
The Bulls also are reportedly interested in Fernandez, though nothing has been confirmed.
