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Boston Celtics: 3 free agent bigs that fit better than Tristan Thompson

By Mark Nilon

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 09: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets reacts to a call during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 09, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 09: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets reacts to a call during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 09, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics big man option No. 2) P.J. Tucker

Long viewed as an ideal fit with the Boston Celtics, P.J. Tucker seemingly embodies everything that the shamrocks were lacking in when it came to their frontcourt production during the 2020-21 campaign.

From his energy and proven leadership experience to his floor spacing abilities (36 percent career 3-point shooter) and his consistent availability, the 36-year-old is truly one of the most prized gems in the league when it comes to role players aiding in a team’s success, and he’s proving this sentiment even further with his production as a part of the Eastern Conference Champion, Milwaukee Bucks.

Finally getting over the Conference Finals hump after so many years of falling short, the forward finds himself serving as a starter for the Bucks in this year’s NBA Finals where, as of this publication, is averaging seven points and four boards per game on 54 percent shooting from the floor and a whopping 67 percent shooting from deep.

When it comes to a guy like P.J. Tucker, the box score doesn’t even begin to show the impact he has on a franchise, as his main attributes are really found in undocumented hustle stats (absorbing contact to force a foul, diving for loose balls, outworking his opponent when on defense, etc.).

With what he brings to the table in regard to defense, shooting, intensity, and experience, the power forward should be viewed as being worthy of a heavy pursuit this coming summer from the Boston Celtics, especially considering they’ve already made it clear they wish to get more veterans on the roster for next season.