Celtics Rumors: Courtney Lee Now Best Free Agent Option Left for Boston

The Boston Celtics have targeted shooting guards throughout the free agency period, and Courtney Lee is the best option still available.

Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe quoted Lee on July 9 recapping a discussion he had with Doc Rivers. 

"

There’s interest there but there was no verbal agreement or anything, just hearing each other out. He expressed his interest. I expressed my interest. It’s not basketball-wise that needs to be discussed, it’s the front office and my agent that needs to communicate and go from there.

"

The Celtics were unable to bring back Ray Allen this offseason, and he signed with the Miami Heat.

Their woes at shooting guard continued as Avery Bradley had his second shoulder surgery in recent months on July 10, and there is currently no set schedule for his return.

The team was able to add new talent to their perimeter attack by signing Jason Terry to a three-year deal shortly after free agency started. 

But with Allen gone and Bradley starting the rehabilitation process, Boston looks poised to add one more scorer. 

In addition to Lee, Boston had been looking at O.J. Mayo, as noted by CSN New England’s A. Sherrod Blakely. But Mayo reported via his Twitter that he would be joining the Dallas Mavericks.

"

I will be signing with dallas! #Mavsnation

— OJ Mayo (@JuiceMayo32) July 17, 2012"

This leaves Lee as the Celtics best option to add depth on the wing, and if the team can sign him, the shooting guard will improve the team. 

Lee averaged 11.4 points per game for the Houston Rockets this past season. He is an efficient shooter and has hit more than 40 percent of his three-point attempts in three of his four seasons as a pro. 

He has spent significant time during his career coming off the bench, and knows how to play this role well. In addition to being a reliable shooter, he hustles relentlessly on defense and is effective on that end of the floor. 

He has a well-rounded game and is willing to come off the bench in order to help his team win. Lee is the right man for the Celtics both on the court and in the locker room.

While Lee is really the only option left for Boston, they are still getting a solid player who fits well with their roster.