After another failed bid to reach the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics are eager to reload their weapons in preparation for another playoff run in the 2020-2021 NBA season.
However, they are reportedly not putting their attention solely on upgrading the center position which has already linked them to acquiring notable big men in the past including Rudy Gobert, Myles Turner, Aron Baynes, and Andre Drummond among others.
“I do not think they are ignoring that spot, but I do not think they’re all that uncomfortable with what they have,” one general manager said. “That is the impression they leave. They are excited about those guys on the roster. They have decent options there. The narrative that is out there, that they need a change with their 5s, but I do not think that is accurate. I have not seen or heard anything to that extent.”
German national Daniel Theis has been the main man in the middle for the Celtics playing alongside their borderline All-Star caliber starters. Despite not being a big name player, he still held the fort for the Celtics and averaged 9.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game last season.
Another key front liner for the Celtics is veteran Enes Kanter who has a player option and whose future with the team remains uncertain heading into next season. Third-year big man Robert Williams dealt with a nagging hip injury in the early stages of last season but still continued to show flashes of potential.
According to Forbes, the Celtics scored 47.8 points per game in the paint, which puts them in 15th place. They also allowed 43.4 points in the paint which was third-fewest in the league. In the playoffs, they allowed 39.8, which was sixth, and scored 42.4 to nab the sixth spot.
Although the Celtics are not known for their firepower down low, the team is also not allowing themselves to be pushovers either. As per Deveney, heading into the offseason, Boston maintains interest in bulking up on the wings more than in the middle.
According to The Ringer, the Celtics also have plans to make a run at New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday while Auburn's Isaac Okoro also emerged as a potential target for the team if they decide to package their three picks for a move up into the lottery.
Regardless of their plans in the offseason, expect the Celtics to make moves that will allow them to have the best shot at the title next season.