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3 Daniel Theis replacements the Boston Celtics must consider this summer

By Richard Pereira

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 07: Daniel Theis #27 of the Boston Celtics during the first half of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 07, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 07: Daniel Theis #27 of the Boston Celtics during the first half of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 07, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images) /
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As the Boston Celtics retool their roster with the aspirations of competing for their18th NBA Championship after an inspiring 2021-22 campaign, one of their top priorities must be improving the depth they have at center.

To do so, they should consider replacing Daniel Theis.

The Celtics have enjoyed the dominant tandem of Al Horford and Robert Williams III in the starting lineup. When the duo gets their break on the bench, however, Theis and Grant Williams were typically the main secondary options.

While Williams made significant improvements throughout the course of the season that allowed him to play significant minutes in the playoffs, Theis lost his spot in the rotation as Boston went on their deep run to reach the NBA Finals.

Following the first two rounds against the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks which saw Theis play 10 out of 11 games, respectively, he took a steep decline to appear in just six out of 13 games as the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors played him off the court.

Even though Theis has been serviceable throughout his tenure in Boston, it is time for the team to move on from him… well, again and for good that is.

There are veteran big men available on the open market who can play a similar role without losing their effectiveness on the court during deep playoff runs and, in honor of it being the first official day of free agency, we at HH discuss 3 potential candidates the Boston Celtics must consider replacing Daniel Theis with:

(**Article scheduled 8PM Thursday**)

Boston Celtics target No. 1) JaVale McGee

As the Phoenix Suns recover from their disappointing second-round exit, they have plenty of players entering free agency, especially JaVale McGee.

At the age of 34, the 3x champion has shown he still has the high-flying athleticism and shot-blocking talent that Boston currently loves from Robert Williams III. Should the Time Lord miss significant time due to injury (something that’s plagued him since coming into the league), McGee perfectly fits in as the backup center who can prevent drastic changes from being made to the C’s defensive game-plan.

In his first season with Pheonix, McGee played in 74 games and boasted averages of 9.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks for 15.8 minutes a night. In the playoffs, he put up 6.8 points, four rebounds, and just shy of half a block in just 11.1 minutes per game.

As mentioned, adding McGee not only helps maintain Boston’s defensive structure but also gives the team another option to lob the ball to on offense, especially during pick-and-roll situations where McGee excels.

With the big being a free agent, the Boston Celtics can get him by using the veteran’s minimum contract to improve their frontcourt depth.

Most importantly, his experience of playing consistent rotation minutes in the NBA Finals (most notably with Golden State in 2017 and 2018) allows him to be a mentor to the young players on this roster as they look to return for back-to-back appearances on the grand stage.

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