The Boston Celtics don’t haven’t had the most consistent frontcourt play this season, so here are some possible solutions
Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks, 29, 6’10
This past deadline, Danny Ainge tried to work his magic and pull off a blockbuster trade. Al Horford is to the Celtics as peanut butter is to jelly. This has two meanings. One, the two commonly circulate with one another, and two, they go perfect together. Horford’s 1.5 blocks and 7.1 rebounds per game will finally give Boston a true center. He also would bring his offensive fire power and give the Celtics another All-Star to compliment Isaiah Thomas.
Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls, 35, 7’0
The Celtics and Pau Gasol, not so long ago, were fierce rivals, however, that is when Gasol donned Lakers purple and gold. That era has since past and the Spaniard is in the twilight of his career, although he never fails to amaze as he is coming off an All-Star campaign.
Gasol is fifth league-wide in blocks per game, averaging 1.98, to go along with his sixth ranked 11.1 rebounds. Gasol truly is defying his age, but would a player of his age want to join a team still a couple of seasons away from being a true title contender? Personally, I would love to see Gasol wear Celtic green and anger Lakers’ fans across the country, but I don’t see that materializing.
Bismack Biyombo, Toronto Raptors, 23, 6’9
Bismack Biyombo is possibly the shortest center the league has, but he can truly bang with the best of the bigs. He averages 7.9 boards and 1.5 blocks per game. He is very young and won’t demand a top-level contract.
He could be a real option for the Celtics on a mid-level deal. He is one of the most underrated talents in the Association and could be the steal of free agency.
More from Hardwood Houdini
- Boston Celtics’ two-way contract decision will be made after training camp
- Proposed trade sends Boston Celtics playoff killer to the Cs from rival
- ‘Face of Germany’s stunning run’ in FIBA World Cup not the only ex-Boston Celtics player to win gold
- Proposed Boston Celtics trade target pitched for reunion with fired coach
- Battle For Banner 18: Will Boston Celtics battle historical foe in 2024 Finals?
Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets, 30, 6’11
Dwight Howard use to be one of the NBA’s most loved and marketable players. A back-to-back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year winner and a Sprite Slam Dunk Champion, he was a star waiting for his moment. Then his free agency in Orlando came around.
He promised the fans he would stay, but then he broke his promise and left for the bright lights of L.A. He signed with the Lakers, he was ready to be Kobe Bryant’s successor, however, him and Kobe clashed on several occasions, and again he sought greener pastures, still hoping to be the face of a championship team.
Enter Houston and James Harden. Now, Howard is reportedly again unhappy. Yes, he does average 12.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, but who wants to deal with a headcase such as himself.
Next: With Crowder missing, can Jonas Jerebko Shine?
My favorite resolution to this problem is not listed above, but that is because he already calls Boston home. That would be Jordan Mickey, the 6’8 rookie from LSU. Mickey averages 0.6 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per contest, but he averages only 2.6 minutes of play per game. Per 36 minutes, he brings in 8.7 boards and blocks 11.2 blocks per game. Mickey is a great, young talent and should be a building block for this Celtic team.