Celtics' Jaden Springer faces battle for minutes next season
The Boston Celtics acquired Jaden Springer from the Philadelphia 76ers at the Feb. 8 trade deadline. The 21-year-old guard has already developed a reputation for being a high-level point-of-attack defender. After joining Boston, Springer struggled to earn a consistent role in Joe Mazzulla's rotation. He was firmly behind Jrue Holiday, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard in the pecking order.
Nevertheless, Springer reminded the world of what he was capable of with a strong showing during the Celtics' opening Summer League game in Las Vegas. Boston's coaching staff quickly shut him down for the rest of the tournament. Still, Springer will continue to face an uphill battle as he tries to earn a consistent role within Mazzulla's championship-winning rotation.
To make matters worse, Springer is entering the final year of his current contract. He will undoubtedly want to impress when given the opportunity in the hope of raising his value, both with the Celtics and around the league. According to Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus, Springer may be forced to remain patient and wait until his next deal before he can truly become a rotation-level guard in the NBA.
"Jaden Springer's trade from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Celtics led to his first championship ring. He didn't play a significant role, but perhaps that will change with a full training camp and greater familiarity with the team," Pincus wrote. "...Unless the Celtics see something substantial in Springer, he probably needs to wait for his next contract."
Springer is in a tough spot. Contending teams aren't in a position to give developmental minutes to younger talent. If he wants to earn a spot in the rotation, he must prove himself during training camp and practice sessions throughout the season. However, his defensive versatility may entice Mazzulla to give him some playing time to begin the season.
No matter what happens, Springer should find himself negotiating a new NBA contract next season. High level perimeter defenders are in short supply, especially when they can operate without the ball and knock down catch-and-shoot threes. Whether his next contract comes from the Celtics will remain to be seen.
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