MassLive's Brian Robb believes the Boston Celtics would be willing to give Mo Bamba big-time minutes during the 2024-25 season at the pivot after Kristaps Porzingis's injury was announced to keep him out of the season's first few months, and with Al Horford moving closer to his twilight years.
"The 26-year-old served as Joel Embiid’s primary backup last season," Robb prefaced before saying, "The 76ers could have some big free agency plans of their own with cap size so he’s unlikely to get much more from them than the minimum. Boston could pitch the opportunity to play bigger minutes due to their aging centers."
Robb named Bamba among several other free agent targets the Cs could target with minutes potentially open at the 5 and Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman Sr. not guaranteed to re-sign in the offseason. Bamba was the first name listed and the only one besides Daniel Theis who was pitched as a potential spot-starter.
Boston Celtics should not rock the boat with any signing
Veterans like DeMarcus Cousins and Dwight Howard are aiming to make themselves viable as free agent options in Taiwan, but the Celtics shouldn't bite on locker room-shifting guys like that. Finding a past fit like Theis or a young gun like Bamba is a good gamble for the Celtics instead.
A Theis return is particularly intriguing. With the Cs core having gotten over the Banner 18 hump, it'd be nice to see players who played for Brad Stevens as a head coach make a return to the franchise. In Theis's case, it'd be his second return and third stint.
Beyond the center spot, no Celtics signing should be a boat-rocker. Big personalities aren't needed. Just players who are willing to blend in and make minimal noise as Boston's top six looks for a repeat.
