In Germany’s 107-88 clobbering of Lithuania at EuroBasket on Saturday, former Boston Celtics center Daniel Theis was (literally) perfect. And with the current state of the Celtics’ center position, his performance at EuroBasket thus far begs a very important question: Should a return be in the cards?
Theis finished the game against Lithuania with 23 points, six rebounds, and one assist while shooting a perfect 9-of-9 from the floor, including 3-of-3 from beyond the three-point arc. It continued a solid stretch of play for Germany throughout the start of EuroBasket. He’s a staple of Germany’s lineup, starting alongside Dennis Schroder, Franz Wagner, Andreas Obst, and Johannes Voigtmann.
Could a Theis return to Boston make sense for both sides?
Should Celtics consider signing Daniel Theis?
Theis spent this past season with the New Orleans Pelicans, appearing in 38 games for the club and playing 16.3 minutes per contest. However, he signed with AS Monaco in February, finished the season with them, and is set up to play overseas ball again next year.
Obviously, the fact that Theis has already signed on to play in Monaco next year makes a Celtics reunion all the more unlikely, but depending on whether he has an NBA release clause in his contract or not, it may not be impossible.
If Boston had really wanted to bring Theis back, they likely would have done so already, but his play at EuroBasket could make them reconsider. He’s been incredible for Germany thus far.
Through the first four group stage games, Theis has averaged 12.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 18.0 minutes per contest. But perhaps most impressively, he’s shot 20-of-25 from the floor (80.0%) and 3-of-4 from three-point range (75.0%).
As it stands, the Celtics’ center room is made up of Neemias Queta, Chris Boucher, Luka Garza, Xavier Tillman Sr., and rookie two-way player Amari Williams.
Of those guys, Queta is projected to be the starter, and Boucher is the only one who is already established in the NBA. Adding another veteran to the mix would give Joe Mazzulla another option he knows he can depend on for solid minutes.
Theis’ defensive presence and impressive understanding of floor spacing would make him an ideal fit in Boston. Even just to have him as a veteran presence would be a win for the Celtics as they continue to aid Queta’s development.
A return may be unlikely for the 33-year-old, but it could be just what the Celtics need.