The Boston Celtics were eliminated by the Brooklyn Nets in 5 games during the 2020-21 playoffs, and it’s clear that the team made some moves to build a more competitive roster around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. They have added veterans such as Al Horford and Dennis Schroder to their roster, and there’s no doubt that they have improved their depth.
Despite all of the new faces now on their team, it seems as though the Boston Celtics could make yet another addition to their roster. It has recently been reported by Keith Smith that the Boston Celtics could be interested in adding another big man to the squad. It seems as if the reason for that would be concerns about the availability of Al Horford due to him testing positive for COVID-19, as well as “knee soreness” from young center Robert Williams.
Celtics’ C/F Al Horford has tested positive for coronavirus and is in quarantine, team says. Celtics forward Jaylen Brown tested positive Friday.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 12, 2021
There has been some buzz that the Celtics are looking at adding another big man, given the uncertainty of Al Horford's early-season availability. Robert Williams' recent knee soreness likely factors in here as well.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 17, 2021
There is a number of solid center options for the Boston Celtics that are currently free agents. Former All-Star DeMarcus Cousins is one of the players available, and he would provide the Celtics with some interior defense and perimeter shooting. Another player is Aron Baynes, who had a miserable year with the Toronto Raptors but showed his viability as a stretch 5 during his 2019-20 season with the Phoenix Suns.
Whoever the Boston Celtics sign likely won’t play heavy minutes once Al Horford and Robert Williams are at full strength. However, depth is certainly important during the regular season, and an addition of an extra big man wouldn’t hurt the team.
There are many people who have lauded the duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, and they were reportedly untradeable for the Boston Celtics in June. The Boston Celtics seem to be committed to building a contender around the star duo, and it’s clear that a move to shore up the roster’s big man rotation is just a small part of their efforts.
