Unsigned to Crunch Time: Shane Larkin Bet on Himself With Boston and it’s Paid Off

Boston Celtics’ guard Shane Larkin is living the dream right now. He is one of the few human beings on earth right now getting regular minutes for an NBA Playoff team. There are eight teams remaining, with about eight rotation players per team. That means Shane Larkin is, at least at the moment, one of the 64 most important basketball players in the world.

Last year, nobody wanted him.

Larkin, the son of baseball legend Barry Larkin, was forced to play overseas for the entirety of the 2016-17 season. In an interview with HoopsHype, Larkin revealed that only a few teams came calling and none with fully-guaranteed contracts.

During his season abroad, the point guard played well, though, and established himself as a steady hand. He averaged a respectable 13.6 points and 5.3 assists per game for Baskonia, a big-time Euroleague team. Baskonia loved what he brought to the table and was ready to bring him back on a two-year deal worth $6.5 million.

Instead of taking the big payday, however, Larkin bet on himself.

With his stock improved, the Boston Celtics offered him a fully-guaranteed, veteran’s minimum deal worth $1.5 million. Although he knew it was literally the last spot on Brad Stevens’ bench, he took the NBA gig and the rest, well, is history.

Larkin, thanks to numerous injuries and solid performances when given the chance, has proven he can be a legit backup point guard in this league. He’s averaged over 15 minutes per game during Boston’s current playoff run, controlling the tempo on offense and providing gritty defense on the other end. Plus, he’s shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. Boston currently holds a 2-0 series lead over the heavily-favored 76ers.

It’s clear: the bet has paid off in more ways than one.

Next year, Larkin should get a contract at least on par with what he turned down from Baskonia — likely a little bit better. And regardless of how the money turns out, the Euroleague is the Euroleague…this is the NBA Playoffs! He’s currently on the biggest stage, getting real minutes during key situations. If you talked to him, I think he’d take that scenario every single time.