He’s back, Boston Celtics fans!
Just before the close of this year’s NBA trade deadline, Brad Stevens made a move that could help to shape the C’s season down the stretch. In a deal that sent Dennis Schroder, Enes Freedom, and Bruno Fernando to Houston, Daniel Theis would be sent back to where it all began in Boston.
The six-foot-eight big man returns after being shipped out of Boston to Chicago just under a year ago. After spending the last half of 2021 with an underwhelming Bulls team, Theis hit the free-agent market.
The Rockets inked the German-born baller to a four-year deal worth north of $35 million, with a club option for 2024-25.
After sitting on the bench the last few weeks as the Rockets played younger talent, Theis was finally moved to a situation where he’ll see his skillset maximized.
That situation: the Boston Celtics.
Theis will join a team that has yet to see someone grasp consistent minutes as the backup big off the bench. He has a serious chance to help the Celtics finish the season as Eastern Conference contenders.
From his versatility on both ends of the floor to his heart and hustle, the veteran big has a chance to provide Boston with a significant jolt of energy. Riding this recent surge of success, Theis joins Boston and could help to make this team a real contender.
Today, we take a look at just how important Daniel Theis will be for Boston. He may seem like your average backup big man, but he’s much more than that.
Check out the 5 reasons why Theis can transform this team into a serious threat:
Reason #1 Daniel Theis makes Boston Celtics contenders: Defensive versatility
During his last stint with the Boston Celtics, Daniel Theis found himself in the starting lineup, oftentimes as the starting 5.
With this year’s roster much different than last, and the ascension of Robert Williams III, Theis will have a chance to fluctuate between the four and the five spot. His ability to guard both of these positions will help the C’s “switch everything” defensive style.
The veteran won’t have to be counted on for 30 minutes a game guarding top-notch bigs like Joel Embiid this time around.
He has a chance to slide in a role he can better succeed at. A role in which he may accumulate 15-20 minutes a night.
Theis’s ability to step out to the perimeter and contest a shot when asked to play next to Rob Williams will be quite helpful against bigger teams. He can also hold his own in the post when both Horford and Williams may need a breather.
In 2019-20 with Boston, Theis averaged 1.3 blocks in 24 minutes per game.
The ability to mix and match with the current roster is part of the reason why Boston jumped on the chance to reunite with the 29-year-old.
Brad Stevens talked about this versatility in discussing the C’s deadline moves, saying “you can plug Theis in and it’ll be a seamless transition.”
If Horford or Williams miss anytime, Boston now has a more reliable backup on their roster.
Reason #2 Daniel Theis makes Boston Celtics contenders: Pick & roll defense
One of the most underrated parts of Daniel Theis’ game is his ability to play the pick and roll. Many NBA players have the physical skills and intent to guard this play type, but Theis’ IQ helps to set him ahead in this department.
He seemingly always understands when to roll with his man, or when to step up and guard a shot.
Theis possesses an above-average ability to judge these tough reads and communicate with his guards.
He’s already used to playing with the likes of Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown, so there should not be much of a delay in their communication on these plays.
Oftentimes backup bigs in the NBA get exposed in the pick and roll, as they don’t have the speed or agility to contest a smaller offensive player’s jumper.
Theis is not exactly a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, but he does exactly what a coach wants in these scenarios.
For coach Ime Udoka, Theis can help the C’s improve their already stout defense.
If they square off against a smaller team such as the Hornets who play more transition basketball, DT can easily pick up more minutes to add a bit more speed to the lineup.
Reason #3 Daniel Theis makes Boston Celtics contenders: Offensive spacing
Listen, we all know Daniel Theis is far from a knock-down 3-point shooter or a true stretch big.
That said, he does offers much more to the offense than both Enes Freedom and Bruno Fernando did.
In the 2020-21 season, Theis was a 34.7% shooter from beyond the arc in 42 games with the Boston Celtics.
He may not have the most consistent stroke, but he also can’t be left wide open by defenses.
This allows the Celtics to play big throughout the game, where they could not do so when Enes Freedom was the backup big off the bench.
They also no longer have to play small with Grant Williams at the five when Al Horford and Rob Williams are both off the court. Boston can still stretch the floor without having to give up as much on the defensive side.
Theis also possesses the ability to hammer home a pick and roll dunk when need be.
The C’s will not get as much shot creation or passing down low from Theis as they might like, but in the role he’s coming in to play, he likely won’t be asked to do anything extraordinary anyway.
Daniel Theis adds another player to this Boston Celtics roster who can score near ten points on a nightly basis. Seemingly poised to see a bulk of minutes off the bench alongside Derrick White, the veteran should have a chance to take a handful of shots a night.
Reason #4 Daniel Theis makes Boston Celtics contenders: The intangibles
Heart and hustle don’t show up on the stat sheet, but neither does making your superstar teammate happy.
Jayson Tatum has already given his stamp of approval on the Theis trade, stating that he’s “very happy” to have the big man back in town.
It’s important to bring in players who complement the stars and Theis happens to be someone who does just that. He does a masterful job at creating space for attacking teammates.
Not only this, but he has the grit and heart that matches Marcus Smart and helps to provide a boost to the Celtics when needed.
The hustle and energy Theis brings to the court is much needed. The Celtics lacked someone with explosiveness and flair who can attack the rim at times off the bench. Someone who competes on a nightly basis and seems to care about winning.
Especially in the city of Boston, someone who plays their heart out each and every night is valued. Fans should not have to wait long to see that heart and hustle on full display.
To hear Brad Stevens and Jayson Tatum’s comments on Theis adds a smile to the face of shamrocks fans.
Whether the franchise’s faithful followers love or hate Theis, this team adores him and what he brings to the table.
So, while we can’t measure or quantify some of what Theis adds to the team, we can at least say he makes the Jays happy.
Reason #5 Daniel Theis makes Boston Celtics contenders: The Theis seal
Often imitated, never duplicated: the trademarked Daniel Theis seal.
There are truly not many better than Theis at what is pictured above. He knows how to utilize his body to seal off a defender and let his teammates get a better look at a bucket.
No matter who it is, Theis knows how to box out the other team’s big and fend off a would-be shot blocker.
While every C’s player who drives to the rack will undoubtedly benefit from the Theis seal, Jayson Tatum seems to be the direct beneficiary of this regularly.
This may be part of the reason Tatum was so elated to have Theis back. It not only creates more space for Tatum when he takes it to the rack, but it prevents that second defender that Tatum often draws.
It should not take much time to see DT bring the seal back to Boston.
Whether it’s lurking down low and waiting for the opportunity, or coming off of setting a screen, Daniel Theis knows how to use his body to block out and create easier buckets for his teammates.
These five things about the German big can easily transform this Celtics bench and, if asked, the starting five. It should not take long for Theis to get back into a groove and hopefully help Boston make the leap.