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Boston Celtics Rumors: Nikola Vucevic top on team’s free agency list

By Gio Rivera

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 03: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic is defended by Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings during the game at Amway Center on November 3, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 03: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic is defended by Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings during the game at Amway Center on November 3, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics reportedly preparing for the likely departure of Al Horford, eyeing free agent Nikola Vucevic.

Apparently, Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics front office are quickly set to hunt down a new piece for the Brad Steven’s front-court with the recent Al Hoford reports.

Then came Thursday night’s NBA Draft when the Celtics dealt big man Aron Baynes to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for a 2020 first-round draft selection via the Milwaukee Bucks organization.

The latest Boston Celtics rumor surrounds free agent center Nikola Vucevic. A fairly solid back-up plan in the event that Al Horford indeed lands a three-to-four year contract elsewhere.

During his 80-game season for the Orlando Magic in 2019, Nikola Vucevic averaged 20.8 points, a career-high 12.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in his year seven season. Vucevic, 28, in fact, ranked eighth among all players last season, notching his dozen rebound average for the year. There already we have two pros in the Celtics complying with the expected Big Al departure and going after Vucevic.

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At 28 years old, Nikola Vucevic is five years younger than Horford, and a significantly better rebounder than Horford. An aspect of the game in which Boston can certainly use an upgrade.

Last season Al Horford was the Boston Celtics leading rebounder, averaging 6.7. The second leader was veteran bench leader Marcus Morris with 6.1.

Nikola nearly averaged what Horford and Morris brought on a night-to-night basis by himself. A career-high for a 28-year-old center who’s perhaps set for prime career year next season. That’s a major upgrade in Boston’s front-court to think that they can land one of the leagues most elite rebounders.

How’s about having that prime season for Brad Stevens on the iconic TD Garden parquet floor?

Let’s take a look at the past rebounding leaders for the Boston Celtics:

  • 2018-19: Al Horford (6.7)
  • 2017-18: Al Horford (7.4)
  • 2016-17: Al Horford (6.8)
  • 2015-16: Jared Sullinger (8.3)
  • 2014-15: Jared Sullinger (7.6)
  • 2013-14: Jared Sullinger (8.1)
  • 2012-13: Kevin Garnett (7.8)
  • 2011-12: Kevin Garnett (8.2)
  • 2010-11: Kevin Garnett (8.9)
  • 2009-10: Kendrick Perkins (7.6)

That’s an entire decade of Boston Celtics basketball in which Vucevic completely out-rebounds. Not to say rebounding is the pure recipe for Banner 18 next season. The leader out of that list just happens to be a Hall of Fame talent, one of the top 50 best players of all-time, on one of the greatest assembled Boston Celtics teams of all-time. Yet, post that infamous big three eras the Celtics have struggled greatly protecting the glass and finding an established rim protector to be relied on for a night-to-night basis.

Now, this is anything but an attempt to bash or discredit Al Horford out of anger of his search of free agency pay-day. I’m fully appreciative of his three-year tenure in Boston.

Next. Boston Celtics Rumors: 3 big-name free agents team should avoid signing. dark

Horford displayed sought after excellence in defending big-name perennial stars in the league while making countless impactful plays on both ends of the floor. He delivered a nightly effort that statistical analysis could never measure, making Horford an unappreciated at times, part of the Celtics for the past three seasons. That goes without saying.

Nevertheless, Al Horford is ready to move on, as are the Boston Celtics.

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