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Getty Derrick Favors, Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are still one step away from having a complete roster, or at least, that’s the common consensus.
Now that Daniel Theis is no longer with the team, having been dealt to the Indiana Pacers as part of Malcolm Brogdon’s trade package, the Celtics’ core rotation is short on talent and depth.
Fortunately, Boston has a $17.2 million trade exception, which could allow them to acquire a center rotation without sending too much talent in the opposite direction. Looking around the league, a big man stands out as the most logical target, given his projected availability and his fit within the Celtics’ offensive and defensive systems.
If the Celtics use a piece of TPE big time, some names:
Richaun HolmesDerrick FavorsJakob PoeltlLauri MarkkanenMason Plumlee—Or you could go the FA veteran route:
LaMarcus AldridgeHarry GilesCody ZellerMoses Brown—Other (realistic) suggestions?#allabout18 #BleedGreen pic.twitter.com/A6PO9XIJYT
— Dan Kelley (@DanKelley66) 9 de julio de 2022
Derrick Favors is currently under contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but, as CelticsBlog’s Keith Smith recently pointed out, “OKC clearly doesn’t need the veteran big man. And it worked out pretty well the last time Boston got a big major from the Thunder!
If the Thunder are willing to part ways with Favors for a limited return, then the veteran big man could be the ideal addition for Boston due to his defensive IQ and ability to protect the paint.
What would Favors add to Boston?
At just 30 years old, Favors still has a lot to offer a team, assuming they can find a role that suits his skill set. The veteran big man is more of a drop center, relying on his size, strength and post moves to be an offensive weapon while relying on positioning and cutting angles to protect the rim.
Beyond Favor’s ability to manipulate angles on defense, he’s also a viable rebounder who can control glass on both ends of the court thanks to his burly frame and impressive strength. Throughout his career, the veteran center has averaged 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game during the regular season, along with 7.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per postseason game.
Celtics sign Derrick Favors: I like it. Useful veteran depth.
The Sixers sign Derrick Favors: he’s washed.
— Ryan Bernardoni (@dangercart) February 20, 2022
The Celtics aren’t known for using a floor-space center within their offensive system, so Favor’s limited jump shot wouldn’t be a deal breaker, as long as he can set up solid screens and score in the post or on dropbacks: things in which he has been successful throughout his career.
Downtown Boston’s rotation is shaky
Without Daniel Theis on the Celtics’ roster, his depth at center position leaves a lot to be desired. Ime Udoka likes to operate with two big men on the floor at all times, which means Al Horford and Grant Williams are usually deployed at power forward. Given their success this season, where the Celtics fell just two games short against the Golden State Warriors, it’s likely they’ll continue to use the same offensive scheme.
That leaves only Robert Williams and Luke Kornet as the team’s notable centers, and while Kornet’s size and shooting ability are intriguing, his lack of defensive versatility makes him a situational option, rather than a genuine candidate for ‘ first great player off the bench’.
As such, Boston would likely view Favors and his expiring $10.1 million contract as an ideal candidate to be Robert Williams’ backup, while also feeling confident should the veteran center need to start a few games during the season.
Of course, with Boston already projecting to be a tax-paying team, taking on Favors’ salary could prove to be a sticking point, but Brad Stevens has proven to be a canny member of the front office, so his unlikely contract from Favors would prove be a great stumbling block.
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