Marquis Needs to Peace

From the beginning of his Celtics career, Marquis Daniels has been a question mark for Doc Rivers.  After a successful 08-09 season with the Indiana Pacers in which he averaged 13.6 points per game on 45% shooting, 4.6 rpg and 2.1 apg, he had somewhat high expectations to provide the Celtics with bench scoring depth and playmaking.  In addition to this, Daniels has always had exceptionally strong defensive play throughout his career.

He was relinquished from a part-time starting role to the bench upon his arrival to Boston in 2009, and while his defensive play continued to be a bright spot for the Celtics his scoring numbers rapidly diminished.  In his 09-10 and 10-11 seasons his ppg was reduced to about 5.5. While he remained consistent in his field goal percentage and low scoring, his defense was often the most needed aspect of his game and he was able to defend the NBAs premier shooters. 

Daniels immediately following his injury

Daniels suffered from a horrific spine injury playing in Boston on February 6, 2011.  He collided with Orlando’s Gilbert Arenas while driving to the net and hit his head and neck awkwardly.  This injury kept Daniels out until December 2011. He suffered a bruised spine and had to undergo almost a year of therapy in order to get back on the court.  However, it could be argued, that he has yet to fully recover. 

His points per game dropped to 3.2 in the 11-12 season, and his field goal percentage dropped to a career low 36.2%.  His .672 points per offensive play placed him in the ninth percentile among all NBA players.  Despite this, his defense is still solid, allowing .775 points per play placing him in the 81^st percentile among all NBA players.  While he has had streaky success, like during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference where he scored 9 points on 4 of 6 shooting, he has no place on the Celtics roster anymore.

He's part of the Celtics future, for sure

Take into consideration the return of injured rising star Avery Bradley, whose offense and defense could have very well taken the Celtics to the NBA finals this year.  His sophomore season for the Celtics proved to be a breakout season. In addition to providing 7.6 points per game on 50% shooting, he has been able to provide the Celtics with incredible shutdown defense.  In addition, with the potential resigning of Mikael Pietrus who brings a 3-point shooting threat as well great defensive energy and a locker-room presence, Daniels absolutely has no spot on the Celtics roster in the upcoming 2012-2013 season.    

I wish him well, but I think I speak for all Boston fans when I say that the Celtics would be better off without Marquis Daniels.  He is not playing championship caliber basketball at this point in his career.  With Bradley and Pietrus on the roster, the Celtics have no need for another defensive minded guard.