The Boston Celtics have been rolling this season, as they currently own the best record in the NBA at 26-10. They have a deep, talented roster that doesn’t really have any holes as they are first in the league in offensive rating and seventh in defensive rating.
Despite being linked to Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets in the offseason, it is hard to imagine the Celtics making any big trades during the season with how well they are playing. If they are going to make a deal, it will likely be a smaller one to plug a hole here and there or upgrade their overall depth.
If there was one area that you would even consider calling a weakness for the Celtics it is their frontcourt. One of their goals this season was to limit the minutes of Al Horford, but that has been tough with Robert Williams III only making his debut a few weeks ago.
Beyond those two on the depth chart, Joe Mazzulla has been using Grant Williams, Blake Griffin and Noah Vonleh to soak up minutes in the frontcourt. While Williams is locked into a rotation role, the Celtics would likely be in some trouble if Griffin or Vonleh are receiving heavy minutes in a playoff push.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mo Bamba, Orlando Magic & Boston Celtics Updates
To avoid that from happening, they should be on the lookout for some help at the center spot in the coming weeks. One player that could fit their needs is Mo Bamba of the Orlando Magic. Unlike some of the other center options that could be available ahead of the deadline, such as Jakob Poeltl and Myles Turner, Bamba will come at a fraction of the price.
Bamba has shown the ability to be a good rim protector and can step out on the perimeter offensively and knock down some 3-pointers. That kind of skill set would provide Mazzulla with a versatile piece that he could mix and match with any of the other frontcourt members on the team.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mo Bamba, Orlando Magic & Boston Celtics Updates
Major minutes aren’t needed for Bamba to make an impact, either. This season he is averaging only 18.9 minutes per game with the Magic but he is averaging 8.1 points, making 37.9 percent of his 3-point attempts. He is also grabbing 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
No longer a long-term piece in Orlando, the price to acquire him should be manageable for a Celtics squad that is all-in on competing for a championship.