Boston Celtics: With Horford likely gone, who will play center next season?

With Al Horford likely leaving in free agency, we explore who the Boston Celtics could target as his replacement for next season

Things did not go as hoped for the Boston Celtics when their 2019 playoff run ended in the second round at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks. After getting thumped in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in five games, questions surfaced as to whether the Kyrie Irving era in Beantown would soon come to an end.

As events have unfolded over the last several days, both Kyrie Irving and Al Horford decided to opt out of their contracts to become free agents.

The Irving decision should not come as a surprise. It’s a bit disappointing on a personal level. Irving was my son’s favorite Celtic. My wife and I even bought our son a Kyrie Irving Celtics #11 Jersey for his birthday. Although I had my reservations about that purchase, I had suggested a Jayson Tatum jersey instead, but oh well, what can you do?

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While the point guard position may be uncertain for next season, the Celtics could hand those responsibilities over to Terry Rozier (if he is retained for next season) or Marcus Smart (if he isn’t part of a trade package)

But who fills the hole vacated by Horford? Horford, a natural power forward coming out of college from the University of Florida, followed by nine seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, played center for the Celtics.

While he found success playing that position on offense particularly in 1-5 pick and roll situations with Irving, or becoming a legitimate threat from beyond the arc in coach Brad Stevens system, he shot 38 percent from downtown in his three seasons with Boston.

On the defensive end, Horford would struggle to contain some of the bigger frontcourt players who would use their size and strength in the post to their advantage.

With Horford on his way out and backup center, Aron Baynes traded to the Phoenix Suns on draft night, that leaves only Robert “Timelord” Williams, and Daniel Theis as the only two options who could play center.

With the return of Tatum, along with Marcus Smart Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward, the Celtics still have a solid core of players who could get them back in the playoffs next season but who could be the man in the middle starting next season?

The person may already be on the roster.

Williams who selected by the Celtics in the first round last season. He did not initially make a good impression, being criticized for showing up late and missing team functions. There are some health concerns. Last July, it was revealed that he had an artery condition in his legs, which if it degenerates, the vascular disease could require a surgical procedure in the future.

When he was healthy, he appeared in 32 games with averages of 2.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. If he or Daniel Theis (6 points and 3 rebounds per game in 66 games) are not suitable actions. The Celtics could consider another path.

Free agent options

First-time NBA champion Marc Gasol of the Toronto Raptors, who has a player option on his contract, would add solid defense and rim protection which has been a weak area for the Celtics. He would not need to have the ball in his hands much and would do the little things to help a team win. For the season, he finished by averaging 13.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.

Brook Lopez is an unrestricted free agent with the Bucks. His numbers (12.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 36.5 3P%) aren’t eye-popping, and he is in his 30s, but very much like Gasol would add veteran leadership to a young squad.

According to reports, the Celtics may in play for the services of Nikola Vucevic. The 29-year-old Magic center is coming off an All-Star season in which he averaged nearly 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists, leading the Magic to their first playoff appearance since 2013.

Trade Options

Danny Ainge could also look to add another big via the trade route. While the salary matching would need to be taken into consideration, there are a few options that may be worth inquiring about.

One potential target is Steven Adams, who the Thunder are reportedly open to trading.

In 80 games this past season, Adams averaged 13.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per game. Those are great numbers.

However, he’s under contract for two more seasons and was signed using Bird Rights, carrying a $25.8 million cap hit for next season and $27.5 million the following campaign before hitting unrestricted free agency. Those numbers are gaudy, but with the recent moves Ainge has been making, he could be a fit on the court and in the books.

These are just some of the options the Celtics could consider. Others worth mentioning may include Hassan Whiteside, Jonas Valanciunas or perhaps a long shot in DeMarcus Cousins.

No matter how it all plays out, the Celtics will be active in the offseason as they retool for the 2019-20 season.