Boston Celtics: Vincent Poirier addition should not be undervalued

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan | Jul 16, 2019

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots against Vincent Poirier #17 of the Brooklyn Nets during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 115-106. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

French big man Vincent Poirier is excited to join the “mythical franchise” known as the Boston Celtics and his addition should not be undervalued.

There’s a new big man joining the Boston Celtics and his name is not Tacko Fall. Although that day may eventually come for the 7-foot-6 Summer League phenomenon, a player the team signed who has gone under the radar so far is French big man Vincent Poirier.

On Monday, Poirier and his former EuroLeague team, Baskonia, officially announced that he was signing with the Celtics, a team he referred to as a “mythical franchise.” Like Daniel Theis a couple seasons ago, the 6-foot-11 center comes with some skill around the basket that should help the team right away.

With both Al Horford and Aron Baynes now long gone, he should at least be in the mix for solid playing time in the front court. That may not over excite Boston Celtics fans as of mid-July, but his energized play will win them over once he starts contributing on the court.

More from Boston Celtics

Besides, this display of athleticism showcasing his defensive and offensive skills certainly will make him an entertaining player if anything else.

In averaging 11.9 points and 8.3 rebounds in the EuroLeague last season, Vincent Poirier earned All-EuroLeague Second Team honors. Although not the NBA, the Euroleague is a competitive league with NBA-type talent, which makes Poirier’s leap to the Celtics a dream come true for him.

The athletic big man wrote on his Instagram Monday:

"“Today, I realized my dream by joining the #NBA and the mythical franchise of the Boston Celtics, I have a great thought for my family, my friends and relatives, but especially for my father who I know, looks at me from above. I am really looking forward to starting my NBA history.”"

With Daniel Theis (who had his offer rescinded making him an unrestricted free agent) expected to re-sign, Poirier joins a front court of Enes Kanter, Robert Williams III and Theis. While these players combined don’t add up to the experience of Al Horford and Aron Baynes, it is a more athletic front court that should solve some of the rebounding issues, especially Kanter who brings more offense to big man rotation.

And while Vincent Poirier lack NBA experience, he is a player that should not be undervalued, especially playing under Brad Stevens. In the same way Daniel Theis contributed immediately, expect the same from Poirier.

Not only is he a rebounder and athletic around the rim, he is a rim protector and is an active pick-and-roll player who will definitely fit into Steven’s system. With an ability to knock down outside shots, he does have an opportunity to flourish with the Boston Celtics in a greater way than Theis.

Next. Brad Stevens not hating on Kyrie Irving. dark

At just 25 years old, there is still growth ahead of him and fans will quickly see his value once he finds his comfort in the NBA.

Home/Boston Celtics