Marquis Daniels Is an Inexpensive Solution to the Boston Celtics' Bench Needs

The Celtics reserves were playing extremely well during the first half of the season, with every backup position doing what they needed to help the team win games. Injuries began to pile up as the trade deadline came near, and one injury in particular scared the team more than any.

During a game against the Orlando Magic, Marquis Daniels caught the ball and swung it to the right in an attempt to get to the basket. A minor collision between his head and Gilbert Arenas's shoulder caused Daniels to crash to the floor motionless. 

The crowd went quiet and everyone feared the worst from the accident as Daniels lay on the floor face down and the trainers ran to his side. The whole team was clearly emotional, with Kevin Garnett close by trying to reassure his fallen comrade he would be alright. As Daniels was carried from the court on a stretcher he gave a thumbs up to the crowd, giving some hope from the fans that he would be alright. 

Initially diagnosed with a bruised spinal cord, it appeared that Daniels would be able to play at some point during the season, but out of necessity the Celtics moved him at the trade deadline. The Kings gave up a 2017 second-round draft pick for him, and Daniels was more or less all but forgotten about in Boston.

He didn't play a single game while playing for Sacramento this year as he found out that his injury was related to his spinal stenosis, a spinal canal narrowing that would require surgery to relieve the pressure.

Now Daniels is recovering well and it appears that he will be back in basketball shape for the upcoming season, which he will enter as a free agent. He has expressed that he was disappointed to leave Boston, but he understood that his teammates needed help off the bench and he would be unable to provide the back up they needed.

During the season he still rooted for the Celtics and he remains close to his teammates still. It is clear that Daniels would love a chance to return to the team that he was forced to leave so tragically.

He should absolutely be given the chance to return as the backup swingman for the Celtics in the upcoming season. He averaged 5.5 points per game while shooting an efficient 49.1 percent from the field and averaged 1.3 assists a game to provide support on offense for the team. Daniels contributed most on defense, providing the Celtics much-needed support for when Paul Pierce or Ray Allen required a rest.

Daniels allowed only .731 points per play and ranked No. 1 in the league for players of at least 250 defensive plays in the season, finishing ahead of Dwight Howard and LeBron James. He only average 2.3 rebounds, but his .8 steals in only 19 minutes per game showed his ability.

Beyond stats, Daniels showed a great defensive IQ by rarely allowing his man to get the ball and breaking down the offensive plays. The Celtics focus much of their game on denying the other team the opportunity to score and Marquis was the best option coming off the bench for the team in this area.

The Celtics only have six players signed to the roster for next season and are in need of another small forward/swingman is who could help provide the aging core relief during the regular season. Daniels has been working extremely hard to come back from the injury that could have ended his career. He currently is able to train for the upcoming season but he must avoid contact in practice for a bit longer.

If Daniels can show that he is up to speed by the time the lockout comes to a close, the Celtics should extend an offer to him to help fill the remaining spots on their roster.