Boston Celtics: Keyon Dooling’s Suprising Retirement

Keyon Dooling, Celtics

Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

In a surprising development today, Keyon Dooling was waived by the Boston Celtics today and subsequently retired immediately after.  Why did this happen?  It’s pretty much out of the blue as Dooling is only in his low 30’s and seemed to have a little bit more left in the tank.  The Celtics must have known about this before waiving him as there are now pretty thin at the point guard position, not really having a true back up to starting point guard Rajon RondoJason Terry, who was signed in the off season from the Dallas Mavericks, can help the team out in that spot, but it would probably be wise for GM Danny Ainge to look on the free agent market for a backup point guard.

What free agents are still available you ask?  Not many.  The best of the bunch probably starts with former Los Angeles Lakers point guard Derek Fisher, but I really can’t see the Celtics going in that direction.  There is too much bad blood between the two sides and it would be very difficult to picture Fisher in a Celtics uniform, but crazier things have happened as the Celtics signed Shaquille O’Neal a few seasons ago.

Other point guards still available include Johnny Flynn, Baron Davis, Gilbert Arenas, Jannero Pargo, and Mike Bibby.  The two that stick out in my mind that the team might realistically pursue are Flynn and Pargo.  The Celtics are now deep with Syracuse guys and adding Flynn would add a third former Orangeman to the roster.  He can give you 5-10 minutes a game as a backup.  I can’t believe I am writing this about Flynn as he was taken with the 4th overall pick in the draft not more than a few years ago.  Pargo is a solid veteran who can make some shots and deliver some productive minutes.  I think either player can help out in the role.  There is, however, a reason they are all still available so scale back your expectations on these guys.

The sudden departure of Dooling does leave the Celtics in a little bit of a bind, but nothing that anyone should worry about.

 

Rob Lunder covers the Boston Celtics for Rant Sports.  For all Celtics news check out the Celtics team page on Rant Sports.