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Boston Celtics: 3 backup center options for C’s to pursue

By Andrew DiIorio

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 15: Daniel Theis #27 of the Houston Rockets during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 15, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 15: Daniel Theis #27 of the Houston Rockets during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 15, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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One of the biggest issues the Boston Celtics have seen during this disappointing 2021-22 season has been their backup center minutes.

With Ime Udoka choosing to run a double big lineup to start the game consisting of Al Horford and Robert Williams, the team’s frontcourt depth has been tested extensively throughout the season.

Unfortunately, Enes Freedom hasn’t been able to maintain solid play at the center position, causing the team’s defensive scheme to fall apart whenever he’s in the game.

Additionally, his once-generational offensive rebounding and put-back ability hasn’t translated to this year’s campaign, failing to be productive under the basket.

His true shooting percentage has fallen under 59 percent while he sat around 63 percent last season. Beginning the year, he was brought in to be a depth frontcourt piece who excelled at a specific set of skills.

So far, however, those skills haven’t been a worthy reason for him to get playing time, causing the Boston Celtics to search for other potential options at backup center.

Around this time of year, tons of teams are looking to trade their veteran assets for any sort of draft capital. For the backup center position, this is even more emphasized, with teams looking for a viable player to just hold his own down low for 12 to 15 minutes a game.

With tons of potential moves they could look to make, including one potential reunion, let’s look at 3 candidates to fill this need.

Boston Celtics backup center option No. 1) Daniel Theis

Spending his first 3.5 years in Boston, Daniel Theis was once a major part of the C’s rotation in deep playoff runs. He was the starting center for the majority of his last two seasons in green and continued to do so in both Chicago and Houston.

The Rockets have no desire to compete anytime soon, just one year after their blockbuster trade of James Harden, signifying a major rebuild for the franchise. Although they did just sign Theis to a four-year deal this offseason, it wouldn’t be outlandish to move on from the German considering the state of the team.

Getting any draft capital in return for Theis would be beneficial in the long run, as the Rockets aren’t particularly close to contention. Currently 20 games under .500, the 29-year-old Theis will out-age Houston’s rebuilding timeline, which is centered around the young backcourt of Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr.

For Boston, Theis provides reasonable play at both ends of the court, with the ability to stretch the floor if need be. He was picked on by Bam Adebayo in the 2020 Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, but this time around he won’t be asked to guard the team’s starting center.

As a backup, he’d contribute more than a simple depth piece, while not being asked to play 30 minutes a night.

With rumors of the C’s shopping around Al Horford, Theis’ role could become a significant one, claiming the backup five spot for himself.

A reunion would be beneficial for both sides, as Theis played the best basketball of his career for the Celtics.

His contract fits perfectly into the $9.7 million TPE created by the Tristan Thompson trade, making it a relatively simple acquisition if Boston wishes to pull the trigger.

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