The Boston Celtics remain in the hunt for a few pieces to complete the puzzle post-Danilo Gallinari ACL tear. For starters, there’s the Carmelo Anthony conversation. There have been hints that Melo could be making his way to Beantown in a shocking late-career turn of events — though quite frankly, it wouldn’t even be more shocking in hindsight than him teaming up with LeBron James. Jayson Tatum seemingly liked the idea. That feels important that the max-contract First-Teamer likes that.
Either way, that’s the popular Gallinari replacement rumor, but that doesn’t feel close just yet. The NBA does tend to ramp up when least expected though, so hold on tight.
Then, there’s the big man question behind Robert Williams and Al Horford. Both are clear starters, but how many games in the season that’ll be isn’t clear. Horford needs to be preserved with the mileage already, and Williams has had injury woes on account of his massive frame. The strain could be too much throughout 82 games not to truly invest in a backup big man.
Onto that. Luke Kornet could well be promoted from the Maine Celtics to make the G-League-to-pro pipeline system an enticing one for undrafted talent to want to sign on with. He has over four years of NBA experience, has shown potential in his outside shot and has natural defensive aptitude at the rim.
On a side note, Trevion Williams becoming the next unearthed gem on the Golden State Warriors is a nightmarish thought. Setting screens for Steph Curry. Ugh.
A training camp competition could also reveal that the offseason has already covered that department. Mfiondu Kabengele has NBA experience and could also rise to the occasion after being a star of the summer. Perhaps he’s set for the pipeline himself, though, currently on a two-way deal. Training camp is his chance to have his contract guaranteed.
Noah Vonleh is also on a non-guaranteed camp deal. Perhaps the 2020-21 Brooklyn Net for four games could make a return to his prime level of play with the New York Knicks and gets his contract guaranteed.
Or, maybe, the veteran route could unearth the Cs luring a ring-chaser who has had his hopes dashed several times in Brooklyn, most recently riding the pine as the Nets were swept by Boston…
LaMarcus Aldridge had the case to be signed by the Boston Celtics
FanNation’s Bobby Krivitsky believes LaMarcus Aldridge could relieve the scoring strain, and in general, fill the center role when needed, to relieve the burden on the Boston Celtics frontcourt duo of Robert Williams and Al Horford.
As a vet with Ime Udoka ties from the last decade and this as well, Aldridge makes sense on some levels. At minimum, which will coincidentally be what the free agent price for the former Net and Spur, Aldridge makes as much sense as Melo.