NBA 2018-19: 3 Free Agents the Boston Celtics could target ahead of the playoffs

The Boston Celtics have been one of the most disappointing stories of the NBA season so far. The Celtics entered the 2018-19 season coming off a year in which they were just one win away from the NBA Finals, and LeBron James' summer move to the Western Conference left the Celtics as the overwhelming favorites to win the East.

However, Boston have struggled for cohesion on the court all season long, and last night's defeat to the San Antonio Spurs was their fourth consecutive loss. The team now look unlikely to reach 50 wins for the season, and doubts remain over their ability to compete in the East playoffs against the likes of the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors.

However, Brad Stevens' men are still set to secure home-court advantage in Round 1 of the Playoffs, and the team still has time for everything to fall into place. The Celtics also have room on their roster to add another body ahead of the post-season, and here we will look at three of the most likely candidates.

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#3 Nick Young

Nick Young spent last year with the Golden State Warriors

Nick Young has been without a team since leaving the Denver Nuggets back in December. Young played just four games for the team before being waived, although as a career 38% three-point shooter, he would undoubtedly add some further range to the Celtics roster.

If signed, the 33-year-old is unlikely to get more than 10 minutes of action per night. But Young is someone who can catch fire from deep, which could ultimately turn a playoff game in the Celtics' favor.

Thanks to his spell with the Warriors last season, Young also has the experience of winning a Championship. There is no doubting that his experience could help some of the younger members of the Celtics locker room.

#2 Alex Abrines

Alex Abrines recently departed the Oklahoma City Thunder

It is currently unknown if Alex Abrines is looking to sign with a new team ahead of the post-season. But if he is, the Spanish guard remains one of the best Free Agents on the market.

The 25-year-old recently left the Oklahoma City Thunder after missing much of 2019 through personal matters. He remains eligible to take part in the playoffs.

Abrines was into his third season with the Thunder before being waived, and the former Barcelona man has improved with each passing season. He hit a career-high 25 points against the Charlotte Hornets earlier this season, and alongside Paul George, Abrines was the Thunder's go-to man from beyond the arc.

He has also amassed playoff experience during his three seasons on the Thunder roster, and during the 2018 playoffs, Abrines connected with 46% of his attempts from beyond the arc.

#1 Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony's time in Houston was brief

After a year of resisting to come off the bench with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Carmelo Anthony finally accepted a reserve role from the Houston Rockets bench. Nevertheless, Houston surprisingly lost seven of their first 11 games of the season, and Anthony was told to find a new team after making just 10 appearances.

Anthony's search has been on-going since November, and while the veteran was on the cusp of a move to the Los Angeles Lakers, the deal fell apart due to the Lakers' inability to compete for a playoff spot.

Still, Melo remains hopeful of finding a team ahead of the playoffs, and there is no doubting that he would jump at the chance to join the Celtics.

While no longer an All-Star, the 35-year-old has shown over the last 18 months that he can still put up big offensive numbers. And in terms of talent alone, Anthony remains the stand-out Free Agent available to Brad Steven and his team.

Admittedly, Melo's defense remains a major weakness. However, the Celtics have an open roster spot to fill, and the 10-time All-Star would be a major wildcard for the playoffs.