The Boston Celtics, despite boasting what some consider the NBA’s best roster, are still exploring ways to enhance their team’s frontcourt. When the storied ball club elected to trade for star big man Kristaps Porzingis and veteran point guard Jrue Holiday, the Celtics knew that those deals might present a problem in the future with several frontcourt players going out in the trades (or in the case of Grant Williams, signed-and-traded).
Now, with Porzingis already missing time for his first — thankfully minor — injury of the season, it is clear that Boston should be looking for some additional frontcourt depth able to play well enough to stay on the floor in the postseason.
With the Chicago Bulls clearly in a spiral that will almost certainly end in the lottery, should the Celtics inquire after the availability of veteran center Andre Drummond?
Celtics Lab 229: Assessing the East at the 2023-24 NBA season's quarter-mark with Ky Carlin https://t.co/GhCtpFeorG pic.twitter.com/lUkQPBlOCG
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 29, 2023
According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, both sides might want to consider it. “With trade winds swirling around Zach LaVine, it’s possible the Bulls have finally accepted what so many have thought for years: A rebuild is inevitable,” writes the B/R analyst.
“If Chicago starts tearing things apart, Andre Drummond is almost certain to be moved. The 30-year-old isn’t signed past this season, so the chance to turn him into any kind of asset is a now-or-never situation. If the Celtics don’t want to pay much for interior depth, he could be their guy. His perimeter limitations at both ends hurt his value in the modern game, but he’s still an active rebounder who can finish around the basket and protect the paint.”
“He could be the kind of player Boston acquires to keep behind emergency glass,” suggests Buckley.
Did Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls sell you on the in-season tournament? https://t.co/mHqXwL5QMH pic.twitter.com/b9JCPzmWCq
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 29, 2023
“If this team faces a low-post bruiser in the playoffs—several could wind up on this club’s road to a title—it might get more mileage out of Drummond than Kornet in that matchup,” offers the author.
“That insurance alone would justify Drummond’s trade cost, which would be minimal.”
Chicago Bulls' Billy Donovan no fan of in-season point differentials https://t.co/HMmf70JRQX pic.twitter.com/lFwZKXqs0N
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 29, 2023
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
