The Celtics might have found a hidden gem in German All-Star Daniel Theis
The Boston Celtics had a very active offseason. From trading away their number one pick to acquiring Gordon Hayward and Marcus Morris, the Celtics improved their roster in many departments.
One move that went under the radar was the signing of German power forward, Daniel Theis. The Celtics inked the big man to a two year, minimum deal. Thies comes to the Celtics as their first overseas signing since Vitor Faverani in 2013.
Theis, 25, stands 6’9” and has a sturdy frame weighing in at just over 240 pounds. Thies began playing for SG Braunschweig and eventually worked his way up to the EuroLeague as a member of Brose Bamberg.
Last year, he averaged 9.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and recorded just under one block per game. He also shot an impressive 41% from the three point line and 59.8% from the field. While his stats do not look amazing on paper, Thies lacked opportunities on the floor, as he only played around 19 minutes per game.
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?
Also, it is important to remember that at only 25, Thies, is going up against quality competition. The Euro League is the most competitive professional basketball league outside of the NBA as it features 16 teams from nine different countries. Some players actually forgo playing in the NBA in order to play in the Euro League. Theis is still at the point where he has not reached is peak in terms of production.
Another positive for Theis is that he has created a winning culture. In the past four years, Thies won three German League championships. He was also named as German’s Best Young Player during the 2013-2014 season, won the Basketball Bundesliga League (BBL) Defensive Player of the Year award, as we was also a three-time All-Star in the BBL. He has also been apart of the NBA Summer League as a younger prospect.
In Theis, the Celtics pickup a cheap and reliable inside presence. As the role man he is very talented in the pick and role game, as he also possesses a knack for gathering offensive rebounds. Even with Ante Zizic being a backup center, the Celtics simply lack size as well as rebounding ability.
As the first German player signed by the Celtics, Theis do a bit of everything. He will mainly be called upon to rebound the ball and bring energy off the bench.
Next: How the NBA Estimates Annual Salary Cap Space
With that being said, Thies can play both the center and small forward position as his versatility will help the Celtics in many departments. Look for Theis to come off the bench and give the Celtics a healthy 10-15 minutes a game.