NBA Rumors: 3 Potential Centers For Celtics To Pursue

So the Boston Celtics are hurting. That's an understatement. Aside from the Ime Udoka mess, they're also now facing three months without their starting center and defensive anchor Robert Williams.

There isn't anyone on the free agent market that can provide all the minutes or defense that Williams can, but if the Celtics are willing to go there, they'll find plenty of former veteran big men that could help plug some of that hole.

Without further ado, here's a look at three centers that Boston could consider adding to help tide them over until Williams gets back.

1. Hassan Whiteside

He has his detractors, but Whiteside has been one of the top shot-blockers and rebounders in the NBA for years. His minutes and impact have declined in the past couple of seasons, but at 33, he can still replace some of that rim protection that Williams provided.

Most blocks in the last 5 seasons:

Rudy Gobert: 992
Myles Turner: 898
Anthony Davis: 787
Hassan Whiteside: 736
Brook Lopez: 682

It's clearly not easy to score a basket in front of these shot-blocking masters🚫❌ pic.twitter.com/NaKlHlsf42
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) September 6, 2022

Yes, even despite a reduced workload, this guy can still be a defensive force. He has the 4th-most blocked shots of any player in the NBA over the past five years.

2. Dwight Howard

Howard is an 8-time NBA All-Star, and two-time league leader in blocks. Problem is, of course, that was in another lifetime. Howard's last All-Star appearance was in 2014. And while he used to regularly average over two blocks per game, his impact in that area has diminished, as have his minutes. But for short stretches, he can still provide some strength and beef down low.

3. Tristan Thompson

There were reports during Thompson's first go-round with the Celtics in 2020-21 that there were tensions between him and others in the locker room. However, that was flatly refuted by Jaylen Brown.

🧢 https://t.co/LaaVB2svZL
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) March 23, 2021

Brown simply posted a 'cap' (meaning: bullsh*t) to a report of such tensions. Even Brad Stevens (head coach at the time) came out to say there was no truth to it. Stevens can prove it now by giving Thompson another shot in Celtics green; he can certainly fill some center/power forward minutes to help plug the gaping Williams hole.

NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski also recently mentioned that the Celtics had had some interest in free agent LaMarcus Aldridge earlier in the summer, and perhaps that's rekindled now. But the latest reports on Aldridge have him heading in a completely different direction this year.

We can also provide here, a list of all the free agent centers still available.