The state of the Boston Celtics’ center position is in complete disarray. Luke Kornet [signed with the San Antonio Spurs](https://hardwoodhoudini.com/boston-celtics-luke-kornet-nba-free-agency-san-antonio-spurs-contract-gut-punch-disaster-scenario-center-position) in free agency, and Al Horford seems to be on his way out the door, too. Boston signed Luka Garza in free agency, drafted Amari Williams, and still has Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman on board, but none seem fully ready to be a starting center in the NBA.
There isn’t anyone left in free agency who seems equipped to fill the void that Kornet and Horford left, but the Celtics should be willing to take some chances at the five spot.
Summer League could provide Boston with a perfect opportunity to evaluate some centers. It’s improbable that any will be ready to help the Celtics next season, but not impossible. Here are five centers the Celtics should keep tabs on this July.
**Will Magnay could be perfect Celtics center swing**
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At 27 years old, Will Magnay has spent the bulk of his career in the NBL. He spent a short stint on a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2020-21 season but only appeared in one NBA game.
The Brisbane-born big man is 6-foot-10 and played for both Mersin BSB of the Turkish BSL and the Tasmania JackJumpers of the NBL throughout the 2024-25 campaign. However, he earned significantly more minutes during his time with the JackJumpers.
Magnay appeared in 13 NBL games with the JackJumpers, playing 25.8 minutes per contest. He averaged 13.8 points, 7.1 rebounds (3.0 OREBs), 2.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 63.3% from the field. His season was cut short due to a toe injury in December.
Despite being listed at just 6-foot-10, Magnay is a mountain of a man, and he moves like one. He’s very much a traditional center, but his bone-crushing screens make that fact a positive, rather than a negative.
His long arms and massive frame allow him to run the pick-and-roll beautifully, diving into the lane at the perfect time to catch passes and position himself for offensive rebounds.
With Kornet gone and Horford likely to follow, the Celtics should be looking to take stabs at the center position. Garza is a unique offensive talent, Queta has all the explosiveness without the discipline, and Williams is an elite passer for the position.
Adding Magnay would give them some insurance with upside. He’ll always set good screens, he’ll always position himself well around the rim on defense, and he’ll always be able to run the pick-and-roll. Magnay could be an ideal low-ceiling, high-floor option for the Celtics.
On the one hand, he could simply give them some screen and rim protection help, but on the other, he could turn into a quality bench piece right under their noses.
As Summer League unfolds, keep a close eye on Magnay, who will be suiting up for the Memphis Grizzlies. There’s a chance an injury could hold him out of some games, but when he hits the floor, the Celtics should be watching.