Boston Celtics: Stat Projections for Each Offseason Addition

By (Analyst) on August 15, 2012

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Behind all of the Dwight Howard saga and big free-agent signings, the Boston Celtics have made some key additions of their own.

With the team's major stars aging, the window of opportunity is shrinking by the year as the Celtics aim for another title. 

From newly drafted rookies to free-agent signings, let's take a look at what Boston's offseason additions have to offer.

Kris Joseph

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Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

Projected Stats: 4.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.2 APG

Paul Pierce will obviously be getting a lot of minutes here, but Kris Joseph is the Celtics' next option to play at the three.

At 6'7", and with a 6'11" wingspan, Joseph provides the perfect build for a small forward. At Syracuse, he was the reliable, go-to No. 1 guy who could slash.

Joseph should benefit from Pierce and prove to be a serviceable backup.

Fab Melo

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Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Projected Stats: 4.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG

Fab Melo easily has the size to play the position. He's 7'1" with a 7'3" wingspan. His athleticism and physical tools alone make him a shot-blocking threat and strong defensive player overall.

Melo lacks the offensive abilities to score consistently from the post. Therefore, he plays close to the rim as a finisher.

He has a lot of upside and was certainly a low-risk/high-reward selection for Boston. If he properly utilizes his size advantage and gains more effective post-skills, Melo could turn out to be a serviceable replacement for Kevin Garnett in a couple of years.

That being said, Melo will be the third option at center in the upcoming season. He won't be seeing that much playing time immediately.

Jared Sullinger

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Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Projected Stats: 6.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG

With injuries against him, Sullinger's name was surrounded by controversy and question on draft night.

He definitely has the talent, post-skills and strength to be a solid big man. However, questions surround his athleticism and size. Scouts and coaches don't believe he can take control of the paint the way he did in college.

Bigger and faster bigs in this league will try to utilize their physical advantages against him.

I'm not trying to be too critical of Sullinger, since he certainly has the skill set to be an effective player in the league. He simply lacks the physical tools.

Sullinger is currently the next option to Brandon Bass, so he should see a fair amount of playing time.

Jason Terry

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Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

Projected Stats: 14.3 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.1 SPG

For the Celtics, Terry will serve the same "sixth man" scorer role that he did in Dallas.

After the departure of premier three-point shooter Ray Allen, there was no doubt the Celtics needed to find a replacement. Therefore, immediately after Allen's departure, Boston signed Terry for mid-level exception.

Terry, who is 34 years old, was the Sixth Man of the Year in 2009. He also averaged 15.1 points per game last season. Don't let his age fool you, because this man still has his groove.

That being said, Terry is accustomed to receiving over 30 minutes of playing time per game. With the Celtics' depth at the position, it's hard to see that happen.

Nevertheless, Terry was a great addition for Boston. He will provide a scoring spark off the bench and spread the floor because of his three-point threat.

Courtney Lee

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Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

Projected Stats: 13.7 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.1 SPG

With Terry as the sixth man and Avery Bradley recovering from an injury, expect Courtney Lee to begin the season as the starting shooting guard.

Core players like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are getting old. Therefore, it's important for this team to have a fair share of young players.

Lee, who is just 26 years old, supports the cause.

Like Terry, Lee is also a great three-point shooter who is here to fill the void left by Ray Allen's departure. In fact, in three of his last four seasons, Lee has shot over 40 percent from three-point range.

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