Boston Celtics: Possible reunion, 3 All-Star bigs on table for free agent center signing

The Boston Celtics were dealt a huge pre-media day blow with the news that Robert Williams III was set to undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee this week in what is being described as a ‘cleanup’ designed to allow Williams to return to full strength early in the regular season.

Without their starting center, the Cs may be forced to rely on niche lineups to get through an early season stretch relying on 36-year-old Al Horford and potential contract-year Grant Williams, who could sign a $55 million deal to extend his stay in Boston beyond this year.

That, or Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens can aim to sign a stop-gap option capable of filling in during Williams’ absence off the free agent market in the coming weeks.

Adrian Wojnarowski has already tabbed 8x All-Star Dwight Howard and 7x All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge as potential Cs singings. Brian Robb of MassLive added another All-Star, a player who, at his peak, fell right below an All-Star level, and a player who once played for Stevens when he was head coach to the list of veteran big men targets:

"“LaMarcus Aldridge, DeMarcus Cousins, Dwight Howard, Greg Monroe, and Hassan Whiteside are all names that are still unsigned.”"

Dwight Howard would be the Boston Celtics’ most logical stopgap signing

Out of all the players mentioned, Dwight Howard would be the one best equipped to keep things as close to the same as possible with Robert Williams out of the lineup. Both are vertical threats capable of blocking shots, rebounding the ball at a high level, and finishing lobs at the rim.

Howard would’ve made sense as a center insurance signing even before Williams went down, but he definitely makes the most sense from that group now that the Boston Celtics are looking for someone to step in and contribute to a championship situation. He’s the only player from that bunch with NBA Finals experience.