5 Moves the Boston Celtics should make after the 2024 NBA Draft
By Tyler Watts
2. Acquire a big man
This is crucial. Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman are both unrestricted free agents. Boston cannot afford to give them significant raises, which means both may depart for greener pastures. That would leave Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford as the only two true big men on the Celtics roster.
KP had surgery and will miss five-to-six months of action. If the 7’3 big man is out until Christmas, Boston cannot go into next season relying solely on Horford at the five. The 38-year-old is best in a 25-minute per-game role at this stage of his career, which leaves the Celtics with a significant hole.
Boston likely must add two big men. They may re-sign Kornet if he is willing to accept a minimum contract and add another option. The Celtics may explore trading Payton Pritchard or Jaden Springer to find an upgrade. If not, they will be limited to finding a minimum option in free agency.
Adding a center is a must. The newest Celtic is a stopgap option as Porzingis recovers from the rare injury he suffered in the NBA Finals. Boston will use KP and Horford in the frontcourt when healthy. Fans saw Tillman get crucial minutes against the Mavericks, which is why the franchise needs another option here.