Hardwood Houdini
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3 last-chance free agents the Boston Celtics could consider signing

By Mark Nilon

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 123-108. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the New York Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 123-108. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics target No. 3) Willie Cauley-Stein

An old-school center in a new school game–honestly it shouldn’t be shocking that Willie Cauley-Stein has struggled to make his mark on a league that, since being drafted back in 2015, has seemingly shied completely away from interior play.

However, if placed in the right setting, perhaps the 28-year-old can finally go on to find his groove at the pro level and, to us, the Boston Celtics could be an ideal destination for him.

The former sixth overall selection back in 2015 came into the NBA viewed as a dominant defender, sensational shot blocker, and an athletic rim-runner and, though he may not be blowing fans and spectators away in this modern-age, floor spacing style of play, these aspects of his game are still present when he’s found on the hardwood.

For his career, the center finds himself sporting averages of 14.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per 75 possessions on 54 percent shooting from the field and, during this time span, not once has he finished a season off with a negative defensive box plus-minus rating.

A true seven-footer with a 7-3 wingspan, Cauley-Stein is a big-bodied presence who, despite being a draft bust, is by no means someone who would hurt the Boston Celtics is put into a game.

In fact, one could argue that he’s simply a light version of Robert Williams III (minus his passing skills), and we all have seen just how beneficial the rim-gunning and shot-swatting style of play down low has been for the team alongside Al Horford.

Considering the fact that the C’s have a need for some extra heads within their frontcourt now that Daniel Theis is in Indiana, Brad Stevens and co. should strongly consider taking a chance on a guy like Willie Cauley-Stein.

Next. 3 former All-Stars the C's should still pursue this summer. dark