Former 1st round pick Nolan Smith expected to join Celtics for training camp


The Celtics roster may be overcrowded as is, but that isn't stopping them from inviting former Duke Blue Devil and Portland Trailblazer Nolan Smith to training camp. From Alex Kennedy.





With 14 players under guaranteed contracts, and three others (Shavlik Randolph, Phil Pressey and Colton Iverson) under team control, Smith is a longshot to make the club barring a roster shrinking trade. But that doesn't mean this isn't a solid move in terms of depth.

Smith was drafted 21st overall in the 2011 draft but Portland decided he wasn't worth his $1.4 million option, allowing him to be an unrestricted free agent. Smith has averaged 3.3 points, 1.2 assists and 1 rebound in 9.9 minutes per game over his first two NBA seasons, proving to be a first round disappointment.

His biggest issue has been inefficiency on offense, as he has shot just 37.1% from the field and a putrid 26% from three point range in 84 career games. However, considering his college pedigree (he averaged 20.6 points, 5.1 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game as a senior at Duke), inviting him to camp seems like a no brainer. If the Celtics are able to pull off a trade that sheds both players and salary, Smith would be a solid guard option on minimum money.

Consider it a no risk, moderate reward invitation.

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