NBA Free Agency 2020 - 5 Players Boston Celtics could sign to stop Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant in the Eastern Conference

After a disheartening loss in the playoffs last season, the Boston Celtics will be looking to go the distance next year. The Celtics are loaded with talent, as young wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, will be taking a leap next year. Boston Celtics have been linked to several stars in NBA free agency, as the front office will try to put the right pieces around the duo.

---

NBA Free agency 2020: 5 players Boston Celtics can add to stop Giannis Antetokoumpo in the playoffs

Boston Celtics have especially struggled in the playoffs against Giannis Antetokounmpo in the past and will have to add a wing defender who can guard him. In this article, we will take a look at five players who can help the Boston Celtics do that in the postseason.

---

#1 Wes Iwundu

Orlando Magic v Milwaukee Bucks - Game Five

Iwundu is a 6'6 athletic wing that is known for his energy on both ends of the floor and the ability to play off the ball. He is a spot-up shooter, so the Boston Celtics will have the option to start him over the likes of Semi Ojeleye. Iwundu will hit NBA free agency this offseason, and his $2 million qualifying offer makes it cheap for the front office to ensure they can match other contract offers.

He fits the mold for a special assignment wing to put on opposing stars and can be utilized to guard Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Links to my entire Offseason Preview Series for @celticsblog can be found in one place:P1- HaywardP2- 2020 draft strategiesP3- Options & guaranteedP4- Trade ideasP5- Mid-Level targetsP6- Minimum targetsP7- Tatum's extensionP8- 2021 roster scenarioshttps://t.co/tfEEXUgJZh

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 30, 2020

---

#2 Torrey Craig

Denver Nuggets v Los Angeles Clippers - Game Two

In an era of pace and power, Torrey Craig is the biggest catch in terms of being a defensive specialist in the 2020 NBA free agency. The only downside to signing the forward is that he’ll turn 30 this year. But the 6-foot-7 wing will only cost $4-5 million and will be a cost-effective option for the Boston Celtics.

The Denver Nuggets are not expecting many offers for Torrey Craig this offseason, and the Boston Celtics can easily sign him up if the right offer is made.

Jumping off the rumor mill from yesterday, we present to you 2 trades in which the Boston Celtics could land All-Star center Rudy Gobert #Celtics #BleedGreen https://t.co/2TWCoSi5vh

— Hardwood Houdini (@HoudiniCeltics) October 30, 2020

#3 Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Los Angeles Clippers v Dallas Mavericks - Game Four

Although he is only effective on the court's defensive side, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will be a very viable option for the Boston Celtics as he will be available for a minimum contract. He looked solid covering Kawhi Leonard in the first round for the Dallas Mavericks and could do the same job for the Boston Celtics on Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Boston Celtics' head coach Brad Stevens is a defensive mastermind and can use Michael Kidd-Gilchrist in the right manner.

---

#4 Derrick Jones Jr.

Indiana Pacers v Miami Heat

Derrick Jones Jr. was solid when called upon during the playoffs for the Miami Heat. Jones Jr. hasn’t shown he can be a role man and essentially play the five, and his limitations mean that he won't be able to find a core rotation role in the league.

This means that he could be available in the offseason. Jones Jr. is a smart cutter who dominates the glass and works hard. He will hit the NBA free agency, and the Boston Celtics will have the opportunity to nab a defensively stable and athletic player for a reasonable contract.

Derrick Jones Jr. is a disciplined player, and that could be key for the Boston Celtics if they face Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in the postseason.

---

#5 Treveon Graham

Minnesota Timberwolves v Los Angeles Lakers

Treveon Graham is a well-built 6-foot-6 guard who can handle point guards and most wings fairly well. Graham was actually starting in Minnesota earlier this year before being traded to Atlanta, who have too much depth to offer him much of a role.

Atlanta will probably pay his qualifying offer to give them matching rights, and they already have D'Andre Bembry. This means that the Boston Celtics can pounce on a player that might be available for less than his market value in NBA free agency.

Treveon Graham is a good point-of-attack defender who can mirror the ball well and contest shots. That could prove to be key against a strong athlete like Giannis Antetokounmpo.