NBA History: 5 Worst Boston Celtics players since 2010

The Boston Celtics started the decade by narrowly missing out on winning the 2010 NBA Finals as they succumbed to a thrilling 4-3 series defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics haven't been to the NBA Finals since, however, the organization has remained solid over the past nine seasons - only missing out on the playoffs once (2013-14).

Over the past 10 years, the Celtics have been able to call upon an array of stars including Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Isaiah Thomas, and Kyrie Irving - although the front office has also made a number of missteps in terms of player recruitment. So with 2020 quickly approaching, here we will take a look at the 5 worst Boston Celtics players since 2010.

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#5 Ryan Hollins (2012)

Ryan Hollins was signed to add depth during the final months of the 2011-12 season

Back in March 2012, Ryan Hollins joined the Celtics for the final months of the season after Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett had recommended the free-agent center to the Boston front office. Hollins had been waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers after averaging just 3.7 points and 2.2 rebounds over 24 appearances and the center contributed little during a forgettable three-month spell with the Celtics.

After making 10-regular season appearances during the final weeks of the campaign, Hollins retained his rotation spot for the playoffs, but his only noteworthy contribution came during Game 2 of the first round against the Hawks. He finished the playoffs averaging 1.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 10 minutes per contest, and it quickly became apparent that he was not the answer for the Celtics. Hollins wasn't offered a new deal following the playoffs, and eventually made his final NBA appearance in 2016 at the age of 31.

#4 Tyler Zeller (2014-17)

Tyler Zeller spent three seasons in Boston

After being selected 17th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft, Tyler Zeller enjoyed an impressive debut season with the Cleveland Cavaliers and was named to the 2013 NBA All-Rookie Second Team. However, following an underwhelming second year, Zeller was sent to Boston in a three-team trade - and the 7ft center once again faded following a good start.

Zeller started 59 times during the 14-15 season, averaging 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds, although after starting the 15-16 campaign slowly, he was moved to the bench after just three games. After being dropped, Zeller would start just five more games over two seasons, and his minutes and production continued to decline. His skillset became increasingly outdated in a league that was embracing small-ball.

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#3 Mickaël Piétrus (2011-12)

Mickaël Piétrus failed to add a perimeter threat for the Celtics

Mickaël Piétrus had proved to be an above-average swingman during his early years in the league with the Golden State Warriors, although after agreeing to a $1.3 million deal with the Celtics in December 2011, Piétrus made little impact on a playoff-chasing team. Piétrus averaged 21.9 minutes over 42 appearances (6 starts), although the then 29-year-old posted his lowest points total (6.9) since his rookie year while also shooting an underwhelming 38% from the field.

Despite his reputation as a three-point specialist, Piétrus connected with just 33 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc during the regular season, and his accuracy plummeted to 22% over 20 appearances in the 2012 playoffs. Evidently, Piétrus' performances were a major disappointment, and the Celtics decided to target other wings during the 2012 offseason.

#2 Vítor Faverani (2013-14)

Vítor Faverani played just 37 times for the Celtics despite being signed to a three-year contract

Vitor Faverani went undrafted in the 2009 NBA Draft, although following a successful spell in Europe, Faverani signed a three-year deal with the Boston Celtics ahead of the 2013-14 season. The then 25-year-old rookie began the campaign as a starter, although the 6 ft 11 in center offered little on the offensive end, while his rebounding numbers were also disappointing. Unable to make a positive impact, he soon dropped to the bench and was sent to the G-League during the final months of the season.

In all, Faverani made just 37 appearances (8 starts) for the Celtics, averaging 4.4 points and 3.5 rebounds in 13.2 minutes per game. Towards the end of the 2013-14 season, Faverani underwent knee surgery and was eventually released by the Celtics without making another appearance.

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#1 Gerald Wallace (2013-15)

Gerald Wallace's career was on the decline when he joined the Celtics

When Gerald Wallace signed for the Boston Celtics back in 2013, he was just three-seasons removed from being named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, and the then 31-year-old had developed a reputation as one of the NBA's toughest players. However, he managed just 3 points in 40 minutes on his Boston debut and soon found himself on the bench following a series of poor performances.

Wallace managed to force himself back into the starting lineup at the turn of the year, although the veteran's season ended in February after tearing his meniscus. The 2010 All-Star battled back to return for the 2014-15 season, although he managed just 1.1 points and 1.8 rebounds in a career-low 8.9 minutes per game. He was subsequently traded to the Sixers, although Wallace was waived and forced to retire at the age of 33.