The Celtics currently sit in a four way tie for the third seed in the Eastern conference. Cleveland currently sits in the one seed, and show no signs of slowing down. Instead of being content with number one, they are bolstering their roster with more key players. Lebron and the Cavs have added 3-point specialist Kyle Korver and made his debut last night. If the Celtics plan on keeping pace with Cleveland, they need to make some upgrades.
Even though the Celtics rank in the top ten in points per games, but their biggest weakness is consistently low rebounding numbers.
Boston ranks 28th in rebounds per game, and the only two teams that rank below them have losing records. Somehow, the Celtics have managed to stay afloat even though those numbers are so low. Their leading rebounder is Avery Bradley, who doesn’t break 6’3″. While other more conventional rebounders are on their roster, the Celtics don’t have an offense that revolves around big men. Out of the five players with the most minutes per game, only Horford and Crowder are over 6’5″. So what has to change?
One of the most interesting trade rumors in Boston has been the possibility of getting Kings PF Demarcus Cousins. At 6’11”, Cousins averages 28 points per game and 10 rebounds. Obviously, the scoring can’t hurt the Celtics, and the added height and rebounding ability greatly improves their starting lineup. In many people’s opinions he is the best big man in the game.
Acquiring him wouldn’t be as difficult as many think. The C’s have a wealth of young talent, not to mention their draft potential. They still have Brooklyn’s pick from the massive trade involving Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. Offering that pick, along with a few big men would be more than enough to entice the Kings.
If this trade were made possible, the Celtics would have more variety in their lineup, instead of constantly playing small ball. Having Horford and Cousins as the starting frontcourt could finally make the Celtics a serious contender in the East.
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