The Boston Celtics should capitalize on their need for a center and acquire this low-maintenance seven-footer.
Celtics predicted to cut ties $100 million guard, acquire seven-foot high-flying denier originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Boston Celtics' biggest hole heading into next season is their need for a center.
With Al Horford’s next team likely being the Golden State Warriors, and Kristaps Porziņģis no longer on the team, the Celtics are left with a question mark for their center next season.
If they want to fill that need, Nathaniel Holloway of Athlon Sports has a solution that would be perfect for Boston.
“For the Celtics, adding (Walker) Kessler gives them a major upgrade at the center position while also giving them a young player who could play a key role in the future,” Holloway said Friday.
“Last season, the 24-year-old center averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 66.3% from the field.”
Holloway’s trade has Anfernee Simons landing with the Utah Jazz in exchange for Walker Kessler and Jusu Nurkić.
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Kessler is one of the league's most elite rim-protecting bigs and isn’t a guy who is going to be asking for the ball on offense.
A big reason for his success is his ability to pick his spots, knowing when he can put the ball in the hoop, hence his freakishly above-average shooting splits.
Utah can also make the case that they want to go with Kyle Filipowski for their future because of his shooting ability.
Boston can expend Simons, with Payton Pritchard and Derrick White as their main guards, and would hold on to Kessler as long as possible.
It may take some draft capital on Boston’s end to get it done, but it should be worth considering if you’re either team's front office.
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