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Should Celtics Explore Signing J.R. Smith?

BOSTON (CBS) -- The Celtics' biggest need at the moment, besides that bona fide superstar player they've been trying to get for three years, is someone who can knock down shots consistently.

That much was clear in their six-game playoff loss to the Atlanta Hawks, when the Celtics shot just 38 percent from the floor and a horrendous 28 percent from three-point range. There isn't much left on the free agent market, but there is one intriguing option that will likely make C's fans cringe: J.R. Smith.

No, the Cleveland guard isn't perfect. There are some character issues and he may not understand that teams also have to play defense in the game of basketball, but Smith shot 42 percent last season for the Cavs, knocking down 40 percent of his bids from downtown. He was an important piece to Cleveland's title run, averaging 11.5 points per game while hitting 44 percent of his shots.

ESPN recently ranked the top remaining free agents, putting Smith atop the list, and said should he leave Cleveland, the Celtics would be an intriguing option on a one-year deal. 98.5 The Sports Hub's Adam Jones thinks Smith would be a great fit on the 2016-17 Boston Celtics.

"He would come in here and immediately be your best shooter," said Jones. "I know there are character and chemistry concerns with Smith, but he was also on the NBA Champions last year. Would you be willing to roll the dice on that kind of player on a one-year deal on short money?

"I don't know that he would be interested to come here, or that he wants to leave Cleveland, but if he did and [Danny] Ainge could get him for one year at $12 million, he would be a great fit," said Jones. "He would maybe be a perfect fit."

Jones said the Celtics can afford to take on Smith's defensive deficiencies if it means adding someone who can consistently knock down shots. What do you think?


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