Boston Celtics: 3 players C’s should consider on one year deals this offseason

Hassan Whiteside, C

Perhaps the best fit at center that the Boston Celtics could realistically nab this offseason to a reasonable deal, Hassan Whiteside makes a lot of sense for the team.

Acquired by the Portland Trailblazers this offseason to fill in for the injured Jusif Nurkić, Whiteside has impressed during his 61 game tenure. Averaging 31.3 minutes the center finds himself putting up 16.3 points, 14.2 rebounds and a league leading 3.1 blocks per game on 62 percent shooting from the field.

On the year he finds himself ranked second behind superstar Damian Lillard in box plus/ minus & win shares and first on the team in defensive box plus/minus. He has appeared locked in all season and, because of this, has produced at a high level.

However, he must prove he can sustain this level of success for more than one year, which likely will force him into signing one more “prove it” deal before potentially cashing in on a long-term contract.

With the likelihood of Portland moving on from the center by season’s end, as Nurkić will be healthy for the start of next season, Whiteside will presumedly be looking for another home this offseason, and Beantown could be a great fit for the veteran.

At 7-0, 235 pounds the 30-year-old has proven to be an intimidating talent in the paint for a team’s starting unit. His specific skillset would mesh quite nicely with Boston’s core group of perimeter players.

On offense, he would thrive in the pick-and-roll with the likes of Kemba Walker, Gordon Hayward and Marcus Smart while also feasting on put backs and securing second chance opportunities with his phenomenal offensive rebounding skills. He also has shown to have an underrated postgame in his arsenal that would only benefit the team’s fifth ranked offensive rating.

Defensively, he would be the unquestionable enforcer the Celtics are missing down low and would be a sensational counter to the likes of Embiid and Antetokounmpo in the playoffs.

If he can keep this level of play up, he might be exactly what Boston has been looking for at the pivot spot all season and would be a great addition for the C’s in 2020-21… especially on a one-year, cost efficient deal which is likely what he will need to sign this offseason.