Although the Boston Celtics were likely devastated after losing Luke Kornet and Kristaps Porzingis during the offseason, they still believed there was a chance Al Horford would remain with the franchise.
Less than two weeks before the start of training camp, Horford destroyed the Celtics’ dream by signing a multi-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, essentially leaving their frontcourt in shambles.
That said, there’s hope for Boston in the low post if they acquire the Utah Jazz's star 7-foot center, according to Hoops Habit’s Cal Durrett.
“I can save them (Celtics) some time: they don't have much with Chris Boucher, Luke Garza, and Neemias Queta,” Durrett wrote last Friday. “Some of that isn't on them, with Al Horford and Luke Kornet both leaving in free agency.”
“However, they traded Kristaps Porzingis, exasperating their biggest flaw. Luckily for them, they may have been gifted the perfect trade target. Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler isn't expected to reach an agreement on an extension that will keep him from hitting restricted free agency next summer.”
“That means that he could be available ahead of the trade deadline for any teams looking for a young, talented big man. As a result, the Celtics should be very interested in Kessler.”
"It might cost the Celtics at least a first-round pick and matching salary, but that could well be worth it if Kessler is a legit starting-caliber center on a championship-caliber team."
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Kessler was on the Celtics’ radar before last season’s Feb. 6 trade deadline. The Auburn product has only been in the NBA for three years, yet he has consistently earned a reputation for being an elite performer on both ends.
Although Kessler’s game isn’t as flashy as some of the other standout big men in the league, there isn’t much he can’t do on the hardwood.
From using his soft touch to finish around the rim at a high clip to elevating for possession-deflating blocks, the 24-year-old makes it known that he’s among the most talented centers in the league regardless of age.
Kessler contributed 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in Year 3, connecting on 66.3% of his field goals on the 17-65 Jazz.
If Kessler’s primary goal is to play winning basketball moving forward, he shouldn’t be opposed to potentially joining a Celtics squad that’s only two seasons removed from a championship.
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