Before the trade deadline, Brad Stevens lists the options for the Celtics’ front court.
With a 26-7 record, the Boston Celtics lead the NBA as the trade deadline of February 8 draws near. Although depth hasn’t become an issue as much as some had feared before the season started, as is typically the case with championship contenders approaching the trade deadline, keeping an eye on the market will be vital.
The center position immediately stands out as one of the Celtics’ most pressing requirements. After Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, Luke Kornet and two-way big man Neemias Queta are the last players standing.
However, it’s far easier said than done to add an improvement at the 5.
President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens stated, “First of all, adding a rotation center, that would have to be one hell of a player, right?” at Thursday afternoon’s Celtics practice. “When you consider [that], we have some pretty talented players. I believe there aren’t really many significant things we can do without affecting our key players given what we’re searching for and what we most likely [will do], especially given where we are in terms of tools.
When it comes to this year’s trade deadline, Boston’s main asset is the Traded Player Exception, or approximately $6.2 million, that they acquired in the Grant Williams trade during the summer.
Finding a team willing to trade a player on a deal like that complicates matters even more. It would be challenging to add a quality player at that pay.
Guys making less than that are either on rookie-scale agreements, minor contracts, or minimum contracts that “teams aren’t exactly excited to move on from yet,” according to Stevens during practice.
Perhaps more significantly, he has been pleased with the amount of play Boston’s current center rotation has produced.
We’ve clearly seen some excellent play from Kristaps. Al seems to have done well. When needed, I believe Luke and Neemy have both greatly enhanced the team. Therefore, in the event that we do add someone, I’m not sure if it will fundamentally alter the rotation as you suggested.
Horford and Porzingis have long been regarded as players with significant effect, but Kornet and Queta were unproven entering the season. Stevens, though, isn’t shocked by their strong performance this year.
Stevens responded, “No, they haven’t [surprised me].” “They are skilled athletes. It also makes the task a little simpler when you’re surrounded by talented players, especially our guards and wings. When you get to the rim, your guy will be on you, so they will either toss it up to you or out to the other guy for a wide-open three. They did a fantastic job carrying out their responsibilities.
As Boston’s starting third-string center going into the season, Kornet was injured during warm-ups and missed a significant amount of time in December. Queta stood out in that period and shown that he deserved more chances.
Despite being on a two-way contract, he has averaged 5.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 12 games this season.
Queta is not qualified to play in the playoffs and is limited to playing in 50 games this season.
The Celtics have one open roster space, and Queta has built a case for himself to be awarded a regular deal. However, with the trade deadline drawing near, it may be imperative to remain flexible.
“You do realize that we talk about how we’re going to fill those other spots on our roster every day?” stated Stevens. “Right present, there is one available spot. You must carry fourteen. I believe it’s beneficial to have some roster flexibility heading into a trade deadline or other event. However, we have those conversations every day.
According to Stevens, Boston has informed Queta that he might not only be a G League project but also a valuable member of their big-league team from the beginning.
About Queta, Stevens remarked, “He’s made a great case.” “He works diligently.” He has performed admirably for us as a player. After we acquired him, we told him that he would be spending a great deal more time in Boston than in Maine since we planned to have Al sit back-to-back and Kristaps would be sitting occasionally.
“We weren’t prepared for Luke to get hurt during warm-ups a few weeks ago. However, now that he’s returned, we feel a little bit safer there. He’s performed admirably, and this is clearly acknowledged.
It’s hard to imagine the Celtics adding any big pieces at center, or any position for that matter, given their limited trade tools.
Due to salary and availability, Chicago Bulls center Andre Drummond, Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards, and, depending on their deadline schedules, LA Clippers veteran Mason Plumlee are other candidates that immediately leap out at the center position. Nevertheless, none are noticeably better than Boston’s present group.
Boston is happy with how things are going internally, and on February 9th, it appears like the center position might remain the same.
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