5 Moves Celtics should make after trading for Jrue Holiday
By Tyler Watts
The Boston Celtics are all-in on winning the championship in 2024. They traded Marcus Smart to get Kristaps Porzingis this summer and now pulled off a second blockbuster to land Jrue Holiday. Losing Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams, and two first-round picks was a hefty price, but Holiday is a fantastic fit. The 6’3 guard is an elite defender who helped the Bucks win the title in 2021.
It has been a wild week in the Eastern Conference with Damian Lillard heading to Milwaukee, and the Celtics getting the two-time All-Star. The Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers still fancy themselves contenders, and the arms race is just beginning.
Boston still has work to do if they want to win the championship in 2024. They have arguably the best top four in the NBA, but acquiring pieces beyond that is crucial. Brad Stevens is not done, so what is next?
Moves Boston Celtics should make after trading for Jrue Holiday
5. Improve big man depth
Trading Robert Williams to get Jrue Holiday was a significant loss. The 6’9 big man has struggled to stay healthy but provides a massive defensive impact when on the floor. Boston will miss Rob Will’s shot-blocking and rebounding, but it was a necessary price to pay to get an All-Star guard.
The Celtics big man rotation is a bit scary when considering the injury history of Kristaps Porzingis and the age of Al Horford. The Unicorn played 65 games last season, but has met that mark just three times in his eight-year NBA career. Horford hasn’t played more than 69 games since 2018, and Boston will want to give the 37-year-old some rest this season.
Behind those two, Luke Kornet is the only center option. The Boston Celtics need to acquire another big man via free agency or trade. Preferably it is a strong rebounder and rim protector who can fill in when KP or Horford sits.