Boston Celtics target No. 5) Gorgui Dieng
This may surprise you, seeing as the Boston Celtics currently employ six centers, but, rest assured, that will not be the case by the end of the offseason.
Kornet will most likely walk, and management will probably trade Thompson, leaving a spot in the Celtics’ center rotation available.
Brad Stevens could opt to roll with Moses Brown as the team’s third-string, but it’s doubtful the new President of Basketball Operations settles on the youngster, given his reputation of not trusting unproven commodities.
Instead, Stevens would be wise to look Dieng’s way.
The 31-year-old big man out of Louisville would be a perfect fit for the club. At 6-10, 252-pound he brings some more size to the C’s frontcourt, which will come in handy when Boston faces off against Joel Embiid or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Last season, he averaged a hair under seven points and 3.7 rebounds per game (1.1 offensive), and shot 42.9 percent from deep.
Dieng shot 78 percent under the rim, 43.5 percent from the floater range, and 52.4 percent from midrange.
His value comes with his shooting, as he would be a reliable pop-threat next to the Jays and fill in for Horford or Williams when they need a game.
Gorgui Dieng is coming off a one-year, $1 million contract with the Spurs, so he is anticipated to see no more than a veteran minimum.
His contract value is perfect for the team’s cap situation for, not only does it keep their books free to sign Beal, Curry, or Lavine next summer, but they can hold onto Moses Brown, who’s making about $1 million each year for the next three seasons.
Boston can roll with Robert Williams, Al Horford, Gorgui Dieng, and Moses Brown next season, and then the following season can deal with one of Horford or Williams to free up space for a maximum star while still having two good backups in Dieng and Brown.
Frankly, it’s a no-brainer — if the Boston Celtics can get a meeting with Dieng and his agent, they need to do everything they can to convince him to sign with the team.