Daniel Theis started last season with the New Orleans Pelicans. The former Boston Celtics center appeared in 38 games, including nine starts. However, at the trade deadline, he got rerouted to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
They proceeded to waive Theis. That opened the door for him to sign with the New York Knicks. However, he instead opted to join AS Monaco.
"I could have gone to the Knicks, for example, but it was more for insurance that Mitchell Robinson came back from the long injury," Theis shared on the Euro Insiders podcast. "Talked to [head coach Tom] Thibodeau and he said, 'Yeah, you will be an insurance in case he can't play. Basically, what I did with PJ Tucker.'
"For me, it was like, 'OK, if I sit for the rest of the year, what are my chances in the summer?' So if I'm like, 'OK, if I go overseas to Europe, play and play great, I might have a better chance.' So that was my whole intention and thought behind it. Just to consider Europe and see what it is."
Daniel Theis made a wise decision
Theis's approach was a practical one. And considering how impactful Mitchell Robinson was in the postseason, especially against the Celtics, his concerns about spending much of his time with the Knicks on the bench would have come to fruition.
Now he is poised to return to AS Monaco next season. The opportunities he is receiving there could help him earn another shot in the NBA. However, as a six-foot-eight undersized 33-year-old center, his time in the Association may be up.
The German native has built a productive eight-year NBA career. He spent his first 3.5 years in the league in Boston. Theis returned at the 2022 trade deadline, contributing to the Celtics' run to the Finals.
In his two stints with the franchise, totaling five seasons, he averaged 7.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and nearly 1.0 blocks per contest. He started in 112 of the 257 tilts he appeared in with Boston.
While undersized, his combination of intelligence and tenacity made him a productive player. It enabled him to effectively step into the Celtics' starting center position after Al Horford departed for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency in the summer of 2019. His ascent immediately squashed concerns about the team's uncertainty at the pivot.
For his career, Theis generated 7.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks. An NBA journeyman, he also suited up for the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, and Pelicans.