The Celtics face uncertainty in their frontcourt this season, especially at the center position. While Boston will consider starting Neemias Queta at center, his limited experience — having started only six games throughout his four-year NBA career — complicates this choice.
If Boston hopes to secure a playoff spot next April, it needs to add another experienced center to strengthen its lineup.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz highlighted Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler as a potential trade target for the Celtics.
“If Utah is willing to move on from the premier shot-blocker, the Boston Celtics desperately need a new starting center and should make a call,” Swartz wrote on Tuesday. “With a depleted center position following the departures of Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet, Boston needs a new starting center and won’t want to break the bank after shedding so much salary this past offseason. Kessler’s $4.8 million salary would be easy to match.”
Kessler has spent three seasons in Utah, where he has averaged 9.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 196 games.
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With Porzingis gone, the Celtics need someone who can protect the rim, and Kessler ranks among the NBA’s elite shot blockers. If Boston can acquire the 24-year-old center, it will be tough for opposing teams to attack the hoop.
