Report: Boston Celtics could be interested in PG Kendall Marshall

According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, the Boston Celtics could be in the market for another point guard, and there happens to be one available that might fit with the organization.

Former North Carolina and Phoenix Suns point guard Kendall Marshall is currently a free agent after being waived by the Washington Wizards despite being part of the trade to move Marcin Gortat to Washington. Marshall is a former 1st-round pick, however, and Washburn speculates that the Celtics could be persuaded to bring him aboard in short order.

"“Marshall is a pass-first point guard whose style never fit with the Suns, but he could serve as a solid backup for a building team. The Celtics would likely be interested in Marshall if his salary didn’t push them above the luxury tax and make them a repeat offender, something ownership desperately wants to avoid during this rebuilding phase.”"

Of course, Washburn stops short of actually reporting interest from Boston (instead saying “would likely be interested”), but the move certainly would make a great deal of sense. Boston is currently without a reliable, pass-first point guard on the roster in the absence of Rajon Rondo (see Avery Bradley and Paul Pressey), and there is certainly pedigree with Marshall.

However, the 22-year-old struggled mightily in Phoenix last year (37% FG, 7.85 PER in 48 games) and it’s never a good sign to see a team virtually give up on a former #13 overall pick after one season. Marshall could certainly be a fit as a low-cost “flyer” for Boston, and I would wholeheartedly endorse that gamble.