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Boston Celtics: What free agent centers could fill in for Aron Baynes?

By Adam Kemp

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 4: Kyrie Irving #11 and Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics sit on the bench during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 4, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 4: Kyrie Irving #11 and Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics sit on the bench during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 4, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With Boston Celtics center Aron Baynes on the injury report again for the third time this season, Boston needs to explore options to fill his absence. 

Aron Baynes has struggled to stay healthy this season as he has appeared in just 43 games due to injuries including a broken hand, foot contusion, and now a Grade 2 sprain ankle. Baynes left the game early in Wednesday night’s loss to Philadelphia. Although Celtics GM Danny Ainge shared a positive outlook on the injuries to both Baynes and Gordon Hayward, with those two out, Boston’s depth is being tested and it couldn’t hurt to explore options to fill that gap.

Marcin Gortat

The 36-year-old, “Polish Hammer” isn’t getting any younger but could provide the bench with a veteran presence and still has the ability to post a double-double. Asking for less than ten minutes from Gortat would boost Boston’s rebounding when both Irving and Rozier are on the court. After being waived by the Clippers, the Celtics should give him a workout just to see how he’s holding up.

Gortat’s career stats:

9.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.1 APG & 1.1 BPG (55.1% FG)

Marreese Speights

A former first-round pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, Mo-Buckets is a big body who can knock down the three ball, shooting 35.6 percent on his career. Speights is most known for his brief tenure with the Golden State Warriors during the first and second finals appearances but now at 31 years old, Boston could add his shooting touch along with strength inside to grab boards.

But Instead of searching on the unrestricted free agent market, the C’s can dip into what they already have.

Thomas Robinson

Robinson is currently a member of the Maine Red Claws and could be called up by the Celtics with Baynes on the bench for the foreseeable future. In his two games with Maine, Robinson is averaging a double-double with an impressive 15.5 points & 13 rebounds while shooting 60 percent from the field. This type of rebounding is exactly what Boston is looking for and could use him for just five to ten minutes during a few stretches while Al Horford takes a breather.

Next. What to watch for as the Celtics' season comes to a close. dark

Robert Williams III

Not a free agent, but Time Lord hasn’t been getting any time for the C’s lately and could change with the most recent injury to Baynes. When he’s played, Williams hasn’t shown us much, outside of a couple of blocked shots and above-the-rim highlight flashes, but increased minutes could prove to strengthen his development. No need to sign anybody when the guy the Celtics need is already sitting on the bench.

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