Boston Celtics: Former first-round pick thanks 5x All-Star after Cs debut
The Boston Celtics have had several injuries in their frontcourt — most notably the arthroscopic knee surgery that will keep Robert Williams III out of the lineup for 8-12 weeks and Luke Kornet’s ankle sprain that could keep him out of the preseason — and must figure out who will carry the torch in the paint until the team’s 2021-22 starter and emergency training camp fill-in are able to return.
Based on the C’s preseason debut victory over the Hornets, one in which the C’s assisted on 41 of 48 field goals and outscored Charlotte by 41 points, Boston has a possible solution in the form of Mfiondu Kabengele.
The former 2019 No. 27 pick scored 10 points in 11 minutes of floor-time and looked the part of a potential rotation member. Kabengele is on a two-way contract following an impressive Summer League run in Las Vegas, but it’s possible he could have his deal converted to a fully-guaranteed one if his play continues.
After such an impressive, needle-moving debut for both himself and the Boston Celtics, Kabengele shouted out the C’s 5x All-Star starting power forward, Al Horford, in the post-game media scrum:
"“I can ask him (Horford) any question, smart questions, dumb questions, he’ll answer it – he’s been really helpful since I’ve been here… Most of the questions I ask him are about pick-and-roll coverages, sometimes I have a hard time gauging where I should be at, playing cat-and-mouse with the ball-handler, and figuring out how I should guard it. Al gives me good tips on how I should angle it (his coverage) properly, especially with different personnel and stuff.”"
Mfiondu Kabengele can solve Boston Celtics big man injury problems
Through one game in the NBA preseason and four Summer League games, Mfiondu Kabengele has proven capable of providing needed energy on both ends of the floor while showing a penchant for finishing at the rim off of pick-and-roll and backdoor sets.
With Robert Williams’ easy buckets at the rim not being a thing until the new year, and Luke Kornet possibly taking some time integrating back into the lineup given his 7-foot-1 frame, Kabengele could ease plenty of concerns for the Boston Celtics until their top options at center return.