Boston Celtics Interested in Kostas Koufos

Anytime there are any rumours about free agent centers you can bet the Boston Celtics will be linked to the player. It is no secret that the Celtics need to improve their front court and it is no secret that the Celtics intend to be very active in free agency.

A lot of being said about potential max contract free agents but Kostas Koufos could be one one of the stronger value signings this off season. Marc Gasol is sure to be the most sought after free agent center form the Memphis Grizzlies but if he decides to return to Memphis (which is quite likely), Koufos will have an opportunity to start for another team.

Apr 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) is fouled by Memphis Grizzlies center Kosta Koufos (41) as he attempts to move the ball to the basket during the third quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

It would be very interesting to see if Koufos would start for the Celtics. Tyler Zeller had a fantastic season for the Celtics and would certainly be the better offensive option.

Zeller shot the ball very well at the rim and very well from mid range and put up a remarkable 55 shooting percentage. Koufos is no where near as dynamic as Zeller. Koufos shoots under 34% from anywhere beyond 10 feet and does his best work within three feet of the rim.

Koufos may wind up being an offensive liability for the Celtics but the depth and defensive impact he could provide could be vital. Zeller started last season but his minutes were inconsistent. Even if Koufos did not come in and start he could have a greater impact off the Celtics’ bench than any other in the league.

The Celtics can also afford to give Koufos a decent offer even if he does not start. The Celtics know they need to defend the paint better and if they strike out on top tier center free agents such as Gasol and DeAndre Jordan, Koufos could be a great step in the right direction.

Koufos could come in and be the Celtics’ best rebounder. He played limited minutes in Memphis but if his numbers are looked at per 36 minutes Koufos is averaging over 11 rebounds per game and he is doing that on a great rebounding team. Koufos’ rebounds would increase significantly with the Celtics as he would have very little competition from his own teammates.

Koufos would, at the very least, give the Celtics some much needed depth at the center position and finally give them a defensive minded center. Zeller and Olynyk are dynamic scorers but there are certainly times when Stevens would rather have a center with a great defensive impact on the game.

Apr 21, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives against Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) in the fourth quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Koufos would give the Celtics a defensive option off the bench which would be a great compliment to their offensive minded centers. Koufos would also have an opportunity to start for the Celtics. If he can be productive offensively there is no doubting that his defense will make him more valuable than the other centers on the team.

The Celtics need defense and even if Koufos is not a game changer it can begin a bit of a culture shift in Boston. The Celtics are filled with offensive minded bigs and getting someone like Koufos would force the others to do more on the defensive end.

More from Hardwood Houdini

Home/Celtics News