4. Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are one player away from becoming legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference. Joakim Noah may or may not be that player, but he’s the type of contributor who Brad Stevens knows how to utilize.
As a high post facilitator, ferocious rebounder, and relentless defender, Noah could be the player who elevates Boston to the next tier.
Boston still needs a go-to scorer, which President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge publicly acknowledged, but Noah would help complete the shaping of a hard-nosed and versatile identity. Noah would help the offense flow with his passing ability from the elbow, simultaneously serving as the perfect anchor for Stevens’ defense.
It may cost one or some of Boston’s promising young big men or wings, but Noah is the type of missing piece that Ainge needs to gamble on.
Health concerns exist, but Noah is still one of the league’s most productive rebounders and facilitators from the center position. He won’t score as often as one might like, but his selflessness and tenacity are great tools for a young team.
If it doesn’t work out, Boston could let Noah walk in free agency and still have a slew of draft picks.
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