The Boston Celtics are unquestionably one of the best stories in the NBA this season. But despite their unexpected success, the center spot is still the weakest positional group. As they look at potential options ahead of next month's trade deadline, Bill Simmons believes the Celtics will try to add another center through the buyout market, not by making a trade.
When asked if he'd like to see Boston bolster the frontcourt a bit even despite the great play of Neemias Queta, Simmons was skeptical. "I think there's buyout potential with somebody," he said. "I'd be really surprised if they did a trade. I think Phoenix is probably in the same boat. When you have something really special going on with a group of guys that just like playing basketball with each other, I don't want to f--- with it."
A lot of Celtics fans would agree with this. Boston hasn't been winning this season because of overwhelming size or some dominant center rotation. They’re winning because they know exactly who they are and how they want to play.
Of course, Queta’s been a big part of that story. He’s exceeded expectations with his physicality and willingness to play within himself. But even with that progress, the limitations are obvious. Boston doesn’t have a true matchup answer for elite frontcourts, and they’ve been able to mask that weakness more than solve it. That’s fine in January, but it gets a lot more complicated in April and May.
The Celtics should be adding low-cost insurance at center
That’s why the buyout route makes so much sense. A trade would almost certainly require disrupting the rotation or sacrificing assets this front office clearly values. Boston’s already proven this version of the roster can compete at a high level, and now the goal is to supplement it instead of re-form it completely.
The Celtics are on a roll right now. Everyone understands where shots are coming from, how possessions are supposed to flow, and where the defensive help is coming from. Dropping a new player into that environment is much easier if that player knows he’s there to fill a narrow role.
That’s where a veteran center becomes appealing. Someone who can rebound and survive defensively without needing to be featured. Getting insurance at a low cost is one of the best options this team has right now.
Simmons is right to caution against tinkering too much. There’s something rare about a team that genuinely enjoys playing together, and Boston has very much tapped into that. The challenge now is finding help without disturbing the chemistry that’s gotten them here. Making a more quiet move is the way to go.