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Boston Celtics: Report card grades for C’s centers in 2021-22

By Michael Ivanoskos

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 31: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden on December 31, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 31: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden on December 31, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /

Primary Boston Celtics reserve

Daniel Theis

Man oh man, aren’t we glad to have Daniel Theis back in green and white threads, huh?!

After getting traded in a questionable move last season to the Chicago Bulls for the big man pair of Luke Kornet and Moritz Wagner, the German-born baller went on to sign with the Houston Rockets on a four-year deal this past offseason.

This year’s trade deadline would roll around and Brad Stevens would ship out a package of Dennis Schroder, Enes Freedom, and Bruno Fernando for the veteran big.

In 21 games played, which includes six starts with the Celtics, Theis would go on to average 7.9 points and 4.7 rebounds on 60 percent shooting from the field and 36 percent shooting from distance.

Since making his way back to the franchise, he has helped fill in a huge void left behind by Robert Williams after suffering a devastating meniscus tear and has eased off heavy minutes for an aging Al Horford.

Daniel Theis still struggles to get any respect from an NBA official, but he has managed to stay in games for the Celts by avoiding early foul trouble.

Defensively he is a capable rim protector and solid at pounding the glass for boards. Not at the level of Williams, per se, but he’s honestly a huge upgrade over the likes of Enes Freedom.

Offensively, the big man has a more diversified skill-set than most big men on the roster what with his solid in-between game, being a reliable pick-and-roll partner, and a great help with his vertical game as a lob threat.

He also draws big men out of the paint with his range extending beyond the arc. Defenses have to respect his abilities from long range.

Grade: B

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