The recent news that Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis will miss the start of the 2024-25 season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon has created a sense of concern. The Celtics, who are already thin at the center position and have uncertainties heading into the offseason, now face a big decision: Should the Cs prioritize adding another big man?
The Celtics enter this offseason with Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman as free agents and with Al Horford coming back, but at the age of 38. With Porzingis now out until at least November or Christmas, the Celtics need to decide on whether or not to keep Kornet or Tillman or look elsewhere.
There is a strong case to be made that the Cs should sign both Kornet and Tillman as they were both solid contributors this season.
However, I think the Celtics will most likely only be able to keep one of them and I would guess Tillman because he will be cheaper. Even if the Celtics resign Tillman, they will still need another big man. Although some people think Boston can get by with Tatum playing the center position or using Al Horford more, that’s not smart.
I mean, probably not. Especially if they bring back Luke and/or Tillman and Tatum able to play the 5
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) June 27, 2024
You can survive with that rotation, in fact, the Celts just won a title with it https://t.co/WEHUaKn6V6
Boston Celtics should provide depth for longevity of starters
The Cs should prioritize extra depth at the position, so they can continue to rest Horford throughout the season and take any extra load off of Jayson Tatum. The other big issue I have with thinking you already have enough is that it shows complacency. When teams win a championship and they think they’ve figured it all out, that’s when they become one-hit wonders.
Assuming one of Kornet/Tillman (or both) isn't back and you need a minimum salary big...I think you're probably looking at Theis/Muscala reunions? Mo Bamba? Convince Mason Plumlee to ring chase? pic.twitter.com/SdEYloejns
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) June 27, 2024
The Cs need to avoid falling into that category and signing another big man would prove they won’t. One player who'd make sense for the Celtics is free agent center Andre Drummond. The 30-year-old center has spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Bulls, quietly playing good basketball. This past season, Drummond averaged 8.4 points and nine rebounds per game in 17.1 minutes.
Drummond would be a solid addition for the Celtics and he would bring a championship hunger because he has never won a title.