Current Situation: 3-year, $4.3million
Offseason Contract: RFA in 2020 offseason
Semi Ojeleye isn’t quite the prototypical free agent in the way we’ve discussed the aforementioned three. Whereas Jones Jr., Napier and Giles are unrestricted free agents, Ojeleye is still somewhat tied to Boston, but with a twist.
The Boston Celtics are going to have some tough questions to tackle, as it relates to how they’ll round out their roster. Considering their core, Ojeleye figures to be one of the candidates fighting for one of the final roster spots on the roster, alongside the likes of Javonte Green, Brad Wanamaker, and Tacko Fall.
From a pure numbers standpoint, it doesn’t look as though Ojeleye has made many changes from Year 1 to Year 3, but he’s found a way to become a 36.7 percent 3-point shooter, a notch above league average. Above all else, though, his best strength has been, well, his strength and defense.
The Celtics have been 0.73 points better on defense with Ojeleye on the floor, and he’s found success in guarding some of the game’s best. Per Keith P. Smith of SB Nation’s CelticsBlog: Ojeleye has defended Giannis Antetokounmpo on 34 possessions, and held him to 3-of-9 shooting for 10 points. Players shoot 4.6 worse when defended by him, too.
But one big question he asks: does Boston feel it can find something more compatible in the NBA Draft — a Danny Ainge specialty?
Ojeleye’s $1.7 million price tag makes him an excellent value player. But with him being a restricted free agent, chances are, more than a few teams will put the pressure on the Celtics with a higher price tag. Perhaps Portland could be one of them?