BOSTON — The Celtics enter the 2024 offseason in a terrific spot general. Brad Stevens has his prime eight gamers beneath contract, a few that are on cut price contracts (Derrick White, Sam Hauser). Nonetheless, there’s a little bit of vulnerability immediately within the crew’s middle spot on the depth chart. Kristaps Porzingis underwent profitable surgical procedure this week however gained’t swimsuit up till at the very least December subsequent yr. His backup Al Horford is 38 years outdated and in addition doesn’t play back-to-back video games.
“I believe the way in which that impacts us is simply ensuring we have now the correct quantity of our bodies for the beginning of the season,” Stevens mentioned Thursday of Porzingis’ surgical procedure. “Clearly he’ll be again at some point into the season, and we’ll go from there. However our guys did a extremely good job of taking part in with out him this yr and determining one of the best ways to navigate these occasions. There’s no query we’re higher when he’s on the ground. And so, get him again, get him absolutely wholesome, and get him able to go.”
Boston has a few their very own free brokers facilities (Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman) that the crew has expressed curiosity in retaining, per sources. Nonetheless, there’s the likelihood that Boston seems to be outdoors the group to discover a completely different form of match for a type of spots or Neemias Queta’s spot on the 15-man roster.
So what sort of bigs may very well be obtainable for Boston at a cut price basement worth of the veteran’s minimal? Let’s take a more in-depth take a look at among the names anticipated to hit the free-agent market on Sunday.
Mo Bamba: The 26-year-old served as Joel Embiid’s major backup final season. The 76ers may have some huge free company plans of their very own with cap dimension so he’s unlikely to get far more from them than the minimal. Boston may pitch the chance to play greater minutes on account of their growing older facilities.
Jaxson Hayes (participant choice): It’s unclear nonetheless if he will likely be obtainable (deadline to choose in is Saturday). The 24-year-old is an efficient rim protector with very restricted offensive vary.
Mason Plumlee: The 33-year-old noticed his function decline for the second straight yr with the Clippers in a crowded entrance court docket. The Clippers can retain him for greater than the minimal however he’s unlikely to get a giant deal from them with their probably second apron standing. Can be a pleasant cut price on the minimal for a powerful rebounding and passing huge.
Daniel Theis: The Celtics tried to reunite with Theis final yr when he grew to become a free agent however he opted to signal with the Clippers, who had extra minutes obtainable. The equation could change now although with Boston having loads of minutes obtainable for at the very least the primary two months of the season and doubtlessly past at middle. Theis nonetheless has followers within the entrance workplace so this can be a title to regulate.
Andre Drummond: One other title that has been linked to Boston in previous commerce talks. It appears like Drummond has been round ceaselessly however he’s nonetheless solely 30 years outdated. A extra confirmed commodity than Neemias Queta at this level however he’ll have loads of suitors for the minimal.
Alex Len: A high-turnover, restricted offensive participant but additionally rim protector and rebounder off the bench. He’s been Kings major middle backup for final couple of years.
Drew Eubanks: One of many extra intriguing names on this record. He performed a giant function off the bench for the Suns final yr however opted out of his deal there for the upcoming season. He may return there for a increase however the Celtics needs to be knocking on his door if he’s in search of a contemporary begin.
Goga Bitadze: Performed a surprisingly huge function for the Magic final yr, beginning 33 video games. Restricted as a giant physique offensively however a terrific rebounder with some upside at age 24.