Boston Celtics: The 5 most important players during a playoff series

Daniel Theis

Daniel Theis has been the unsung hero all season long for the Boston Celtics. His unique ability to run a pick-and-roll and then seal it off down under the basket has been a game-changer, as it has opened up driving lanes for any of his teammates.

Theis is averaging 9.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game this season. He has taken over the center position for the Celtics this season and handles all the dirty work that goes along with it.

He also put on a great month of February by averaging 12.5 points, nine rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 58.2 percent from the field in 10 games during the month.

Theis currently ranks in the top 10 for offensive and defensive ratings this season. His 130.1 offensive rating is good for the fifth-highest in the NBA and his 104.8 defensive rating ranks him eighth highest in the NBA.

The Celtics’ German big man has been extremely underrated this season and deserves to start to be looked at as one of the best centers in the league for his team. Theis certainly has the ability to score big in every game, but more often than not, defers to his teammates.

It is safe to say that the Boston Celtics do not stand a chance in a playoff series without Theis.