As things are right now, Celticsthe team's frontcourt depth has remained strong. Kristaps Porzingis participated in 57 games this season and missed 25, mainly due to minor injuries and rest. Al Horford also had a good season, playing 65 games and averaging 8.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in 28.6 minutes. Both players have been resting before the NBA postseason and should be ready for the long run the Celtics are hoping to start this weekend. In addition, the team has strengthened their depth by adding Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman as backups. The Celtics have done well. However, there are concerns about the reliability of their big men in the long term. Both Kornet and Tillman will be free agents this summer, and it's likely they'll be seeking more playing time elsewhere. This may lead to changes in the team's lineup. If that happens, the Celtics could try to sign one of the most accomplished centers on the market, Andre Drummond, as suggested by Bleacher Report this week.
In an article titled 'Celtics’ Early 2024 Free Agent Targets,' B/R’s Zach Buckley suggests that the Celtics may pursue Andre Drummond as their top potential signee once free agency begins. Despite Drummond's desire for more playing time and higher pay, the Celtics would want him as the third option behind Porzingis and Horford and would only be able to offer him the NBA minimum salary.
However, the Celtics could offer Drummond something few other teams can—a real opportunity to compete for a championship.
Bleacher Report is proposing that the Boston Celtics may consider Andre Drummond as an offseason target. Bulls Andre Drummond managed to put up impressive stats despite playing limited minutes.
The Celtics are interested in versatile big men who can score from the 3-point line, but there's also talk that they might be interested in a different type of big guy.
According to some executives, the team has been keeping an eye on Purdue’s 7-foot-4 post-up specialist Zach Edey in the 2024 draft, as they value players who can score points from inside the defense.Drummond, who is a free agent, fits that description if the team's plans for Edey in the draft don't work out.According to NBA statistics, the Celtics use post-up plays in 7.5% of their plays, which is the second highest after the Nuggets at 7.9%. However, they are tied for first place in the NBA with the Pacers for points-per-possession efficiency in the post, at 1.12. They were 24
in post-up frequency (2.8%) last year.
Celtics' big men have performed well and stayed relatively healthy this season. Nonetheless, they will be seeking additional depth next summer.
“With his 31st birthday on the horizon and precious little postseason success behind him, he might be open to ring-chasing on a minimum contract.”
Celtics Among Top Post-Up Teams in NBA
Like most teams, the Celtics want big guys who can be versatile and can score from the 3-point line. Both Porzingis (37.5%) and Horford (41.9%) are excellent 3-point shooters. But there’s also some thought around the league that the team would be interested in a change-of-pace big guy. Some executives speculated that the Celtics have had an eye on Purdue’s 7-foot-4 post-up master Zach Edey in the 2024 draft.
“They like to post you up,” one league assistant coach told Heavy. “The 3-pointers are what gets all the attention but they know how to get inside the defense and post you up. So, if you have a kid like Edey and he has all these drop-steps and moves and counters, they’re good with that, especially if you’re putting him on the floor for 15-18 minutes a game and just giving you a different look.”
Drummond as a free agent fits that mold should designs on Edey not work out in the draft.
According to NBA stats, the Celtics run post-ups 7.5% of their plays, which is second only to the Nuggets, at 7.9%. But they are tied for first in the NBA with the Pacers for points-per-possession efficiency in the post, at 1.12. They were 24th in post-up frequency (2.8%) last year.
