Michael Finley Signs On

The savvy vet brings bona fide playoff experience.

Michael Finley will be joining the Boston Celtics for the remainder of the season. The 6'7" 17-year NBA veteran was bought out by the San Antonio Spurs last week as they granted his request for release. Despite his enthusiasm, he is not the 20 point, 5 rebound, 5 assist per game superstar as he was on the Mavericks back in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Coming off of a season in which he played 30 minutes per game (81 games for the Spurs), Finley has struggled to get off of the pine this year. Finley has appeared in just 28 games this season and is only averaging 16 minutes per contest.

You may ask, what are the Celtics getting here with a veteran in the twilight of his career? Last night's Celtics game marked the first time that they have had every player healthy. If nothing else, Finley provides insurance for injury risks Tony Allen and Marquis Daniels.

Best case scenario: Finley overtakes one of those two in the rotation and can help spread the floor on the second unit. He has become a better three point shooter late in his career and, if given the opportunity, may be capable of getting hot and draining over a three a game.

While the signing may seem insignificant at first glance, Finley may have an intangible impact on team chemistry that could aid in their pursuit of an 18th ring.