Celtics just missed out on a potential fix to a problem with no clear solution

Even as Jayson Tatum rehabs from a torn Achilles, the Boston Celtics' top-four players form a competitive quartet.

Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Anfernee Simons could help the franchise exceed expectations this season.

However, some label their depth chart at center as the worst in the NBA. Boston could have added to its options at the pivot by signing free-agent Richaun Holmes.

However, he is taking his talents overseas. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Holmes is joining Panathinaikos on a deal that will make him one of the highest-paid players in Europe.

The 10-year veteran appeared in 31 games with the Washington Wizards last season. He averaged 7.4 points and 5.7 rebounds in 17.2 minutes of floor time. The six-foot-nine center shot 64.7 percent from the field. That's a reflection of the caliber of lob threat he represents.

The Celtics go another route to address the center position

While Holmes is headed overseas, Boston subsequently landed a more intriguing option, in this author's opinion.

The Celtics signed Chris Boucher as part of a series of transactions it made this week. The eight-year veteran has spent his entire career with the Toronto Raptors.

Boucher ranks sixth in team history in blocks and 10th in rebounds. He is the franchise's all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks, minutes, and games played off the bench.

The six-foot-nine center averaged 10 points and 4.5 rebounds in 17.2 minutes of playing time across 50 games last season. Boucher hoisted 3.9 attempts from behind the arc and converted them at a 36.3 percent clip.

He's a career 33.9 percent three-point shooter, though. Time will tell if how he fared on that front in the previous campaign is the start of him becoming a more reliable long-range threat.

The Saint Lucia native is also a lob threat, whose vertical spacing can create clean looks from three-point range for his teammates. Plus, he has a level of comfort attacking the basket off the dribble.

Boucher has blocked nearly 1.0 shots per contest in his career. His length and athleticism make him an effective rim protector.

The former Oregon Duck, who now reunites with Payton Pritchard, is joining the Celtics on a one-year, $3.3 million deal. He will turn 33 next season. That's older than some may realize. However, he is still a productive player.

ESPN's Shams Charania reports Boucher is expected to have a significant role in Boston. If he capitalizes on the opportunity in front of him and helps bolster a center spot in need, he could stick around beyond the upcoming campaign.