Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

Boston Celtics: Rebounding will still be an issue in 2017-18

By Cai Owen

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 16: Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls takes a shot against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at TD Garden on April 16, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 16: Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls takes a shot against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at TD Garden on April 16, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Despite adding Gordon Hayward, the Boston Celtics still find themselves somewhat in no man’s land. The loss of Avery Bradley has set them back, but that isn’t the end of their troubles

Adding who many regarded as this offseason’s top free agent in Gordon Hayward was a step in the right direction for the Boston Celtics. They added offensive firepower to a team already littered with talented perimeter defenders and capable shooters.

However, financial restraints meant that Avery Bradley was dealt to Detroit, in a deal which saw Marcus Morris head to the Celtics.

With Bradley gone, Boston finds themselves without their best defender, one of their best shooters, and a player who was seemingly on the verge of tapping into perennial all-star potential.

More from Sir Charles In Charge

There’s no doubt that the departure of Bradley is a tough pill to swallow for fans. However, there’s also an underlying issue with the Celtics that’s yet to be addressed this offseason.

Apparent in the regular season from time-to-time, and extremely obvious during the playoffs, this issue of course is rebounding.

Boston ranked 27th during the regular season in rebounds per game and rebound percentage. During the playoffs, the Celtics ranked 14th (out of 16 teams) in rebounds per game and dead-last in rebound percentage.

The Boston Celtics do not have a true center. This offseason, it seemed like a priority. Particularly after the scare they received from the Chicago Bulls in the first round.

The only real center on their books is Ante Zizic, who’s yet to play a single minute in the NBA. With Al Horford and Marcus Morris/Jae Crowder out there, Boston is going to get killed on the glass. To a certain extent, with enough offensive firepower, you can get away with it.

In the playoffs, however, that’s when the issue will become apparent. Teams have time to gameplan against their opponent, and Boston’s rebounding deficiencies will be at the front of opposing coaches minds.

The offseason is still ongoing, so Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens still have time to try and bring in a big man that may have slipped through the cracks. If they don’t, then a mid-season trade may have to suffice.

Whatever the case may be, the Boston Celtics must acquire a center in order to go far this upcoming season. Something they failed to do in the offseason.

Home/Boston Celtics