Al Horford’s Unexpected Move Shakes Up Celtics
The Boston Celtics faced a significant setback this offseason, with the departures of Luke Kornet and Kristaps Porzingis creating a void in their frontcourt. In a shocking twist, Al Horford, a veteran presence and cornerstone of the franchise, opted to sign a multi-year deal with the Golden State Warriors just weeks before training camp. This decision has left the Celtics reeling and scrambling for solutions to bolster their roster.
Celtics’ Struggles in the Frontcourt
The loss of Horford is a critical blow for Boston, as he was expected to play a key role in their lineup. Now, with players like Chris Boucher, Luke Garza, and Neemias Queta filling the gaps, the Celtics face a daunting challenge. Cal Durrett from Hoops Habit voiced the sentiment that Boston is in dire need of reinforcements. He noted, “I can save them some time: they don’t have much with Chris Boucher, Luke Garza, and Neemias Queta. Some of that isn’t on them, with Al Horford and Luke Kornet both leaving in free agency.”
The Celtics’ trade of Porzingis only exacerbated their frontcourt dilemma, leaving them with a glaring hole to fill. However, hope may be on the horizon in the form of a potential trade target: Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz.
Walker Kessler: A Possible Solution
Kessler, a 7-foot center, is reportedly not expected to reach an agreement on an extension that would prevent him from hitting restricted free agency next summer. This situation positions him as a valuable asset for teams in need of a young, skilled big man, particularly the Celtics as they seek to recover from their offseason losses.
Durrett emphasized the urgency of pursuing Kessler, stating, “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.” He also mentioned that acquiring Kessler may require Boston to part with at least a first-round pick and matching salary, a cost that could be justified if Kessler proves to be a legitimate starting-caliber center on a championship contender.
Kessler’s Impressive Performance
Walker Kessler has quickly established himself as an elite performer in the league, despite only being in the NBA for three years. His game may not be as flashy as some of his counterparts, but he excels in critical areas. He has demonstrated a soft touch around the rim and the ability to deliver game-changing blocks. In his third season, Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, all while shooting an impressive 66.3% from the field.
For Kessler, joining a Celtics team that is only two seasons removed from a championship could align perfectly with his aspirations of playing winning basketball. As Boston navigates this challenging offseason, the potential acquisition of Walker Kessler could serve as a turning point, offering a path toward redemption in the low post.
