Boston Celtics viewed as viable landing spot for Rudy Gobert this summer

The Boston Celtics are just a mere three wins away from achieving ultimate glory and once again claiming the title of the NBA’s winningest franchise solely to themselves (currently tied with the Los Angeles Lakers with 17 total titles).

That said, the path towards attaining these much-needed victories will be far from a simple walk in the park, as the C’s find themselves tied up at one game apiece against the Golden State Warriors who, over the last eight years, have advanced to the NBA Finals on six separate occasions, winning three along the way.

While we at HH are certainly still confident in their chances of winning it all come season’s end, such an outcome is by no means a done deal and, should they succumb to the dynastic Dubs, it is the belief of many that Brad Stevens and co. could head into the summer with a desire to drastically shift things up to better position them for a run for gold as soon as 2022-23.

If this were to ultimately become their fate (we certainly hope not, for, again, we feel they have a great chance of hoisting banner No. 18 into the rafters at TD Garden) there are many routes in which the front office could take to enhance the team’s rotation moving forward and, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, one position they could look to address is the pivot, and one player they could look to pursue is Utah center, Rudy Gobert.

Citing the injury woes that have plagued current starting center, Robert Williams III, throughout his four-year career, O’Connor is of the belief that if they fall short of the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the Boston Celtics could wind up going for more stability within their core group of players, and the estranged Jazz star could be the answer they’re looking for:

"I could also theoretically see a team like the Grizzlies viewing Gobert as a worthy upgrade over Steven Adams. Maybe the Suns feel the same about him over Deandre Ayton. Or maybe the Celtics lose in the Finals and decide they can’t trust Robert Williams III to stay healthy, so Brad Stevens calls Ainge to offer Williams, Aaron Nesmith, Derrick White, and multiple firsts? Gobert in the Williams role could potentially unleash the best version of him that we’ve ever seen."

Now, don’t get things twisted folks–we absolutely adore Time Lord and would love to see him not only win a title this year with the Boston Celtics but serve as their starting five for many years to come.

Having said that, it is rather hard to get past the fact that he’s struggled mightily to stay on the floor during his tenure with the shamrocks, playing in just 142 out of a potential 226 games since 2019. And this isn’t including playoff games where, this season alone, he’s missed seven contests whilst being hobbled due to a knee ailment in the games he has actually suited up for.

Gobert, on the other hand, has missed just 21 games during this time frame and, in the process, has been selected to three All-Star appearances, won one of three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and has boasted averages of 15 points, 13.9 boards, and 2.3 blocks per game on 69 percent shooting from deep.

Again, while we love the breakout stud that is Robert Williams III and hope to see him in green and white threads for many years to come, should the Boston Celtics fall short of the 2022 NBA Championship, the idea of seeing some considerable roster shakeups may not be so appalling and, with this, the concept of seeing him be replaced with the stellar talent that is Rudy Gobert should not be viewed as a horrendous idea.