Danny Ainge acquired sharpshooter Evan Fournier to improve the Celtics’ stagnant offensive attack. But perhaps more importantly, he brought in the veteran to boost morale.
In a post-deadline Zoom call with reporters Friday, Ainge said he felt some discouragement around the team. He hopes bringing in Fournier, the club's first deadline acquisition in five years, changes the downtrodden atmosphere.
“I sensed some discouragement internally from our guys,” Ainge said, per Marc D’Amico. “I want our players to feel hope, and I want our coaches to feel hope.”
The Celtics, who have lost six of eight games since the All-Star Break, could certainly use a jolt. Fournier is averaging 19.7 points per game and promises to establish himself as the team’s top option off the bench. He’s nailed 73 three-pointers this season; Celtics reserves have hit just 178.
Though Fournier is in the last year of his deal, Boston retains his Bird Rights, meaning it can pay him more than other suitors on the open market. Ainge said he expects the 28-year-old forward to stay in Boston for the long-term.
Fournier could possibly find his way into the lineup Saturday against Oklahoma City.
"When we acquired Evan, we don’t acquire him with the idea that he’s going to be with us for just this year,” Ainge added. “We acquired him with the idea that he potentially could be here for a long time.”
In addition to adding Fournier, the Celtics shipped big man Daniel Theis to the Bulls, in order to get under the luxury tax — clearing the way for Robert Williams to see the floor more often. Finally, Time Lord will be unleashed.
“Rob has been our best defensive center so far this year,” Ainge said. “He’s improved a great deal ... And we think he still has an even bigger upside ahead of him. It’s going to be a bigger role for Rob at this moment.”
The Celtics are 21-23 and dangling onto the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. They play the Bucks Friday night for the second time in three days.