NBA Free Agents 2011: Jamal Crawford and 5 Targets for Boston Celtics

Time is running out for the Boston Celtics to be contenders for the NBA Championship.

Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are all aging, and Garnett and Allen are quite possibly in their last year with the team.

It’s time for the Celtics to make one last run at the NBA Finals. But to do that, they’ll need help.

Let’s take a look at five free agents that can help the Celtics compete for a title this year.

5. Aaron Gray, C

The Celtics need to get bigger on the interior.

Gray is one of the better options on the market to fit that need. He doesn’t score much, but neither did Kendrick Perkins.

The Celtics won a title with Perkins, and until they get a guy who can stuff the lane again, they won’t win another title.

Gray fits that need and is available for a reasonable price.

4. J.R. Smith, G

Smith appears to be stuck in China right now.

But, if he can get out of his contract over there, he’d be the perfect fit for the Celtics.

Boston needs a guy who can come off the bench and carry the offensive load. That’s what they thought they were getting with Jeff Green, but that hasn’t worked out so far.

Smith would be a good sixth man for a championship contender.

3. Shane Battier, F

Battier is a solid defensive wingman.

If he’s willing to accept a role as a sixth man, the Celtics could definitely use him.

When it comes to guarding Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the other scoring guards/forwards in the Eastern Conference, Battier would give the Celtics a definite defensive edge.

2. Samuel Dalembert, C

Dalembert averages nearly two blocks a game for his career.

He also averages more than eight rebounds.

If the Celtics can get him for the mid-level exception, he would be a perfect fit.

He can clog the lane and be exactly the defensive presence the Celtics desperately need in the post.

1. Jamal Crawford, G

Crawford is a savvy veteran sixth man.

He is a dynamic scorer off the bench and would be a perfect complement to Ray Allen.

He averages 13.1 points per game for his career and doesn’t shy away from big shots.

He’d also be a great chemistry guy and would fit in well on the veteran Celtics roster.