Hardwood Houdini
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Three big-men the Boston Celtics could pursue without sacrificing their core

By Andrew Hughes

ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 30: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic poses for a portrait during media day on September 30, 2019 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 30: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic poses for a portrait during media day on September 30, 2019 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Ivica Zubac

Speaking of Clippers big-men…

Ivica Zubac, while not being the overall talent that Harrell is, could be just as serviceable for the Boston Celtics at the center position. Frankly, he could be much easier to attain than Harrell, due to his modest stats in the early portion of his career.

Zubac has yet to score double digit points in his three-year career. His field goal percentage does hover over 50%, though, making him a candidate to break out if given more minutes. The Boston Celtics could be the perfect fit for Zubac to see the hardwood more than just 20 minutes per game as a starter.

The Clippers, as currently constructed, are not built to maximize Zubac’s talent. Kawhi Leonard and Lou Williams need the ball in their hands offensively, and Paul George is going to need his fair share of catch-and-shoot opportunities. LA has some of the best isolation scorers in the game.

That does not bode well for Zubac to show what he can do.

In Boston, Zubac would have Kemba Walker running the show. While Walker is certainly one to indulge in a little isolation action, his role is set to change this year with so many weapons around him for the first time in his career. If he evolves into a pass-first point guard, the possibilities for any Boston Celtics big man on the offensive end could be endless.

It is Zubac’s defense that makes him a superior two-way option, though. One gander at the advanced stats reveals a 1.5 defensive box plus/minus for the Bosnian big. Zubac’s presence was a big factor in the Clippers becoming a plucky defensive underdog that took the Warriors to six games this past postseason.

At just $7 million per season for the next four years, Zubac is a cost-controlled option. Acquiring him could be as simple as Ainge dangling one of Kanter or Theis attached to a draft pick. The Clippers, of course, emptied their draft cupboard to acquire George this past offseason.

Robert Williams gearing up for ‘Most Improved Player’. dark. Next

For Boston, giving up a lottery-protected draft pick should be worth the price of shoring up their one position of weakness. After years of being gun-shy, Ainge needs to act. Any of the three aforementioned low-cost studs could be the final piece of the puzzle for the Boston Celtics to advance over the hump in the Eastern Conference.

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