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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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Boston Celtics (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics target No. 2) Serge Ibaka

Having played a key role in helping the Toronto Raptors win their first title in 2019, Serge Ibaka was hoping to get his second ring when he joined the Milwaukee Bucks after the Los Angeles Clippers offloaded him there this past season.

Unfortunately for the big man, he went from averaging seven points and 5.3 rebounds in 17.8 minutes per game in 19 appearances with the Bucks to becoming a bench warmer in the postseason.

He made cameos of under four minutes a night for six games as a reserve, though he was unable to make a significant impact when Boston dethroned the 2021 champions in the second round.

When utilized properly, Ibaka is an incredibly efficient shooter at his position.

He’s knocked down 3-pointers at a 36 percent clip throughout his career, with his best performance from the beyond the perimeter coming at 51 percent during the 2020 playoffs with Toronto.

Even though his days of blocking three shots a game in the early part of his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder are gone, he still provides quality defense in the paint and out on the perimeter as he can play the role of a defensive anchor within the second unit.

That’s where Boston makes a perfect fit for Ibaka.

Not only will the team maximize his excellent shooting ability to stretch the floor in a way Theis never could, but they can also use him to ensure the defense does not waver when the second unit enters the game. On top of this, his addition could help keep Al Horford’s minutes under control, therefore greatly limiting fatigue in the 36-year-old veteran as a result.

At the age of 32, Ibaka still has plenty of gas left in the tank and the Boston Celtics can almost certainly sign him in free agency with the veteran’s minimum.

With multiple years of showing he can come through for his team when needed, Boston would be more than happy to obtain his services.

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