Boston Celtics: 3 regular season goals for Daniel Theis in 2018-19

1. Be a better free throw shooter

You could write this goal down for a myriad of the Boston Celtics on this roster.

Theis shot 75 percent from the free throw line in 2017-2018. That percentage isn’t going to cut it in the NBA, especially when those are free points. Yes the C’s are more offensively equipped this year, but when a referee rewards you with foul shots you better knock those down.

I think he started to become a pretty reliable bench player last season. However, in order for Theis to really make that jump and go from ‘pretty reliable’ to very reliable, he needs to be more consistent at the line. Theis ranked 10th on the Boston Celtics in free throw percentage, in front of Marcus Smart, Guerschon Yabusele, Jaylen Brown and Semi Ojeleye. 

I do think during his rehab Theis worked on his shooting overall, especially at the line. When you can’t go full throttle, free throws are usually something guys work on until they’re 100 percent. It would be nice knowing if he gets fouled in a game Theis can knock down two free throws with no problem.

If he can get up to 80 percent that would be a huge win for both the Boston Celtics and Daniel Theis. In an offense driven league, nothing makes coaches happier than when they don’t have to worry about one of their big men hitting big-time shots.