The Boston Celtics missed a chance to stabilize their frontcourt now that Jock Landale has joined the Memphis Grizzlies.
Instead of emerging as a low-cost insurance policy for Boston, the 29-year-old Australian big man signed with Memphis over the weekend after being waived by the Houston Rockets.
The move — first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN — came swiftly after Memphis traded Jay Huff to the Indiana Pacers to fill the hole left by Myles Turner’s departure to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Landale had quietly been efficient for the Houston Rockets last season, shooting a career-high 53.3 percent from the field while logging 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in limited minutes.
The Celtics, meanwhile, had reasons to pounce. With Kristaps Porzingis traded, Luke Kornet signing in San Antonio, and Al Horford drawing serious interest from contenders out West, Boston has seen its frontcourt depth evaporate.
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The trio of Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman, and recent addition Luka Garza offers potential but little in the way of reliable size. Josh Minott adds athleticism but not heft.
Landale could have been a bridge between Boston’s proven frontcourt veterans and its untested bench options. His four-year deal from Houston last summer proved teams saw value in his role-player profile — physical, experienced and low-maintenance. He would not have solved every problem but might have helped stabilize a depth chart in flux.
The Celtics will have to continue to rummage through what is left on the UFA market.
Bol Bol remains unsigned, though his long frame has yet to translate into consistent NBA impact. Thomas Bryant offers rim protection and playoff seasoning but will likely command more than the Boston Celtics are willing or able to spend.
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Charles Bassey, Kai Jones, Micah Potter and P.J. Hall represent younger, less tested options. Veterans like Bismack Biyombo, Alex Len and Tristan Thompson are available too but come with major mileage concerns.
Landale was never going to change the Boston Celtics’ ceiling. But given how bare the cupboard now looks, he might have raised the floor.