Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics
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Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics have a decision to make regarding Nikola Vucevic’s long-term future with the franchise. The veteran big man was acquired at the Feb. 5 trade deadline in a deal with the Chicago Bulls.
Unfortunately for Vucevic, his tenure with the Celtics hasn’t gotten off to a great start. He’s missed the past 10 games due to injury. As such, it’s hard to gauge whether Boston will look to re-sign Vucevic this summer, when he enters unrestricted free agency.
However, if the Celtics decide to look elsewhere, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley believes Brook Lopez would be the dream free agency target.
“If the Los Angeles Clippers complete the transition away from their veteran core, Lopez could wind up as an affordable option,” Buckley wrote. “His three-point touch would keep the offense properly spaced, and he’d add even more bulk and paint protection to what’s already a dominant defense.”
Like Vucevic, Lopez is at the tail-end of his career. Nevertheless, he’s still a reliable perimeter threat and impactful drop defender. Lopez, 37, has played in 67 games for the Clippers this season, averaging 8.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per night. He’s shooting 42.5% from the field and 36.3% from deep.
Celtics May Keep Vucevic
Despite his injury, Vucevic was making a positive impact upon arriving in Boston. In the 12 games he played, he averaged 10.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. He’s shooting 49.3% from 2-point range and 35.1% from deep.
Interestingly, Vucevic’s defense was nowhere near as poor as originally advertised. He did well as a drop defender, cutting off driving lanes and protecting the rim. With Jayson Tatum now back in the rotation, a lineup including Vucevic and Tatum would be elite on the defensive glass, too.
Therefore, assuming Vucevic is willing to take a team-friendly deal, there’s still a chance he will remain in Boston. If that does happen, the “dream” addition of Lopez would be highly unlikely.
Celtics Could Target John Collins
If the Celtics do opt to keep Vucevic or feel comfortable elevating Luka Garza in the rotation, they will likely look to improve another position on the roster. In the same article for Bleacher Report, Buckley cited John Collins as being a ‘realistic’ free agency target.
“The Celtics have gotten good mileage up front by pairing Neemias Queta with a rangier, more offensive-minded big,” Buckley wrote. “Collins could thrive in that role while costing a lot less than his numbers might make you think. If his defensive shortcomings keep his pay rate in check, he could really jolt this frontcourt as a bouncy, in-prime play-finisher.”
Collins is also part of the LA Clippers roster this season. He’s impressed in the 61 regular-season games he’s played so far. Collins is averaging 13.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1 assist per outing, shooting 62.5% from two-point range and 40.6% from deep.
The veteran forward brings perimeter shooting, explosive interior finishing and rebounding. He could certainly add to Boston’s front-court rotation. However, given Boston’s strength on the wings, Collins would need to accept a bench role.
Brad Stevens has put the Celtics in a strong position heading into free agency. If the front office can locate one or two upgrades, the Celtics will have one of the best rosters in the NBA moving forward.