Celtics’ Pursuit of Zubac Faces Stiff Resistance from Clippers
As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, the Boston Celtics find themselves in a precarious position in their quest for a reliable big man. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has extinguished hopes that Ivica Zubac, the Los Angeles Clippers center, could be pried away. During a recent Q&A on Threads, Windhorst emphatically stated that Zubac “is absolutely not available and absolutely not a stretch big.” This declaration raises significant questions for the Celtics, especially in light of their recent roster changes.
Celtics’ Need for Reinforcements
In the wake of Al Horford’s departure to the Golden State Warriors in free agency and the trade of Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks, the Celtics are feeling the pressure to shore up their frontcourt. Windhorst commented on this pressing need, stating, “this is an area where Boston needs to replenish after losing Porzingis and Horford, and they will be looking for opportunities.” The urgency for a suitable big man is palpable, but the options may be limited.
Steep Price for Zubac
MassLive’s Brian Robb echoed Windhorst’s skepticism regarding a potential trade for Zubac, suggesting that the Celtics may not be willing to meet the Clippers’ steep asking price of two first-round picks. Robb noted, “The Zubac suggestion is a popular one I’ve gotten a lot in recent weeks. It depends a lot on the direction the Clippers take with their core.” Given Zubac’s cost-controlled contract, the likelihood of a trade hinges on whether the Clippers are willing to dismantle their roster at the deadline.
Robb further analyzed the situation, indicating that even if the Clippers were to consider a rebuild, parting with Zubac at such a high cost could jeopardize the Celtics’ future flexibility. He pointed out that “two first-round picks for Zubac would be a steep price to pay since it would essentially lock Boston in for the future with that core.” This raises the question of whether Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens would view Zubac as worthy of such an investment.
Celtics’ Current Lineup Dynamics
Despite the challenges of securing a player like Zubac, the Celtics have been managing with Neemias Queta at the center position. Queta, however, is not the prototypical stretch big; he has yet to make a three-point shot in his career, going 0-for-6 overall. This limitation could be a concern, but the Celtics have shifted their playing style, relying heavily on a mid-range game spearheaded by Jaylen Brown.
With Jayson Tatum expected to return and potentially adopt a similar approach to Brown, the Celtics may find that their need for a stretch big is not as critical. Zubac’s physical presence allows him to dominate in the post, utilizing his size for effective hook shots. Meanwhile, Queta brings a different skill set, thriving on alley-oops and rim runs, which can diversify the Celtics’ offensive options.
Looking Ahead
While the Celtics appear to be navigating their current roster challenges, the road to acquiring a player like Zubac remains fraught with obstacles. If Stevens and his front office are unable to negotiate a more favorable trade, they may need to explore alternative options, likely settling for lower-tier players as the deadline looms. The dynamic of the Celtics’ roster continues to evolve, and their approach to filling the void left by Horford and Porzingis will be crucial as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the NBA.
