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Boston Celtics: 3 options to replace Tristan Thompson in starting lineup

By Mark Nilon

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 04: Serge Ibaka #9 of the Los Angeles Clippers in action against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 04, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 04: Serge Ibaka #9 of the Los Angeles Clippers in action against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 04, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

The Boston Celtics may have found a way to nab a victory in this best-of-seven first-round series against the star-studded Brooklyn Nets thanks to Jayson Tatum‘s electrifying heroics, but they are still far from being the title-contending team they were once viewed as when coming into this year’s campaign.

This offseason, it would appear that everyone outside of the likes of Tatum and Jaylen Brown should be considered expendable, and General Manager, Danny Ainge, all but said this during a recent interview with Boston Globe writer, Dan Shaughnessy:

When looking around the C’s roster, there are quite a few positions that could be viewed as areas that should be improved upon this offseason.

Though many may view the point guard slot as a position of need, the folks at Bleacher Report recently stated that Boston should strongly consider finding a replacement for Tristan Thompson at the team’s starting five.

While it’s well known that the franchise will have little wiggle room in the salary department to pursue any top-tier names this summer, should the Celtics wish to upgrade their starting center slot, we at the Houdini believe there are 3 players that could be viewed as viable replacements for Thompson in the starting rotation that would not have them “breaking the bank”:

Boston Celtics replacement option No. 1) Robert Williams III

First up on the list, we have the cheapest and, perhaps, the simplest method of finding a replacement for Tristan Thompson in the starting lineup come next season — sliding Robert Williams III back into the top-five.

Now, this is a bit of an “easy way out” solution, as Time Lord served as the C’s starting pivot for a decent portion of his season until sustaining a knee injury in mid-April, but, nevertheless, should he remain on the roster come next season, once healthy, the 23-year-old should re-claim his role right off the bat.

A true difference maker during his time in the first five, Williams posted averages of 9.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game on an impressive 71 percent shooting from the floor.

Boating a +7.2 box plus-minus rating and an 8-4 record in said role, his stats simply match the eye test when showing just how well the third-year big played for the ball club.

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