Boston Celtics: Complete grades for the 2019 NBA offseason
By Adam Taylor
Signing Enes Kanter
The loss of Al Horford hit the Boston Celtics hard. He was an integral member of the team and system they implement. With holes in both the frontcourt and backcourt to fill and with limited resources in terms of finances, the Celtics found themselves searching for answers.
This free agency class did not offer a host of elite tier big men, instead there were multiple bigs who can play their role within a system. Enes Kanter became the man Boston chose to move into the new season with.
Kanter is coming off an impressive season where he averaged 13.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists across spells with the Knicks and Blazers.
Portland is where Kanter really impressed last year, posting 13.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists while filling in as a starter in Jusuf Nurkic‘s absence.
Kanter help the Blazers reach the Western Conference Finals during his short time there, displaying excellent rebounding ability and flashing a respectable jump shot from 10-15 feet.
Obviously Kanter will not fill the hole left by Horford in terms of play-making, defense or basketball IQ. What he does do, is provide the Celtics with something they have been without for over a decade – rebounding.
Kanter is easily the best rebounder this team has had since Kendrick Perkins or Kevin Garnett.
We are yet to see what schemes Brad Stevens can come up with when provided with a true rebounder who is also capable running the floor. Kanter’s contract is also an asset within itself. At $9,772,350 over two years, he becomes a possible trade candidate down the line.
While he does not fill the holes left by Horford’s departure, he does offer a new dimension which will alter Boston’s playing style next year. And who knows, maybe Kanter will follow the Brook Lopez blueprint and learn to shoot the 3.