Going into this season, the Boston Celtics knew they would struggle finding a center to give them quality minutes.
Things like rebounding, paint defense, and rim protection were not going to be their strong suit.
Right now, they have relied on Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, two underqualified candidates looking to make their mark.
When Jayson Tatum comes back, maybe they will have enough experience and less of a load to carry that they can pass with that as their center rotation.
However, they are looking to compete right now, and Bobby Krivitsky of Fansided believes they should explore a trade for their dream center.
“If the Clippers are sellers around the trade deadline, perhaps that would include a willingness to part with starting center Ivica Zubac,” Krivitsky said Tuesday.
“The former All-Defensive team selection is averaging 16.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks this season.”
“If the Celtics are willing to send two first-round draft picks with (Anfernee) Simons, it's as good an offer as one could expect them to make.”
Ivica Zubac has come into his own as a player, and he averaged 16.8 points per game along with 12.6 rebounds per game last season.
This season, it has been much of the same production.
He has a soft touch around the rim, is a great screener, and has defensive instincts that landed him on the All-Defensive Second team last season.
Boston hasn’t had a player like Zubac since their first stint with Al Horford.
A guy who prefers to be in the low post and does the dirty work in the paint.
His usage would go through the roof if they acquired him this season.
Derrick White and Payton Pritchard are super effective off screens, and he could lighten Jaylen Brown’s workload.
Zubac is worth looking into if you are the Boston Celtics.
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