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Hasheem Thabeet shouldn’t be even a blip on the radar of the Boston Celtics

By Mark Nilon

MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 14: Hasheem Thabeet #34 of the Memphis Grizzlies scrambles for a loose ball against Sheldon WIlliams #13 of the Boston Celtics on December 14, 2009 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 14: Hasheem Thabeet #34 of the Memphis Grizzlies scrambles for a loose ball against Sheldon WIlliams #13 of the Boston Celtics on December 14, 2009 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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We here at the Houdini admittedly do frequently get giddy about the idea of adding another big man to Boston Celtics training camp. But with teams working out a former #2 overall NBA draft choice, the foot is being put down.

It’s very well-chronicled what we want around these parts. For the betterment of the Boston Celtics, Danny Ainge needs to continue his big-man search. And I mean no disrespect to the international smorgasbord of centers (that includes Germany’s Daniel Theis, France’s Vincent Poirier, Turkey’s Enes Kanter, Senegal’s Tacko Fall and the good ol’ US-of-A’s “Time Lord”, Robert Williams).

More options means a higher likelihood any concerns are put to rest. Ipso facto, Ainge needs to bring  Beantown another big body.

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But let’s not get crazy here. Daydreaming about Karl-Anthony Towns is a soothing exercise. Pondering about poaching Marc Gasol if the Toronto Raptors undergo a teardown is dabbing in hopeful and realistic speculation.

Adding Hasheem Thabeet? Nope, the foot is firmly planted on the ground on that one.

Thabeet has every right to have a comeback tour. He has good hands and decent athleticism for a man that stood at 7-foot-3 and over 260 in his playing days. So far, the Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks are among those taking a look at the 32-year-old.

Well, as previously stated, the Boston Celtics should not throw their hat into the mix. Thabeet had seven years to make a name for himself, but failed to make any tangible impact for several NBA franchises. In fact, his highest points per game total during his five years of NBA service was a paltry three points per game in his rookie season. Granted, he was always an experiment. Now in his early thirties, just how much of a jump could he have made in the last five years since he last suited up in the league?

The question needs to be asked: what new elements would Thabeet bring to the table for Boston? While the popular thought is that the Celtics are lacking a top option, that shouldn’t be misconstrued with the idea they need options in general.

As I listed before, there are several different looks Boston could toss out at center. Oh, and I hadn’t yet listed the possibility of Grant Williams receiving minutes at the five or the Boston Celtics “death lineup” featuring the Team Shamrock quartet and Gordon Hayward.

Basically, if you’re considering Thabeet, it’s because you are going for a specific breed of NBA super-giant. The Knicks could use another mentor for Mitchell Robinson after the Brooklyn Nets spectacularly swiped their center and top free agent targets. The Bucks could use a bit of depth behind the Lopez twins.

Next. Unveiling the Celtics "death lineup". dark

The Boston Celtics already have a super-giant in Fall. There’s no need to revisit someone who never lived up to his potential when there is seven-foot-seven worth of potential already signed to an Exhibit 10 contract.

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