Chowder and Champions
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Boston Celtics: Title chances rely on acquiring a quality big man

By Max Bozicas

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 9: Daniel Theis #27 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 9, 2020 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 9: Daniel Theis #27 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 9, 2020 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics are having a very good season, but as of now they are not serious title threats. Acquiring an established big man could change that.

Currently third in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics are in a pretty good spot. However, they’re in the middle of a serious clump between the 2-6 seeds which are only separated by 3.5 games. At this point in the season, that’s still practically nothing and could change within the week.

The constant concern and talking point surrounding this team is the fact that they lack a serious presence in the paint both offensively and defensively. They are 15th in the NBA in defensive rebounding.

Among the best teams in the East, the Boston Celtics are by far the weakest in terms of front-court talent. This could make a serious difference in the playoffs and is something the team must address.

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Enes Kanter currently leads the team with 8.2 rebounds per game (5.2 defensive, 3.0 offensive) which isn’t awful but is not exactly amazing either. Kanter is also the Celtics’ highest scoring big man with a pretty meh 8.7 points per game.

For a bench player Kanter’s production is solid, but let’s be honest here: He’s clearly not what you would want as a starting center, and neither is current starter Daniel Theis. The Celtics need something better at this position.

That’s not to say that they have to go and overpay for someone like Andre Drummond, but this is by far the weakest part of their team. If they are serious about winning a championship then they need to improve it.

A physical defender with good size who crashes the boards and isn’t a terrible inside scorer when needed would be ideal.  Doesn’t have to be some perennial All-Star if the Celtics don’t want to spend too highly, but at least go get another veteran presence who isn’t afraid to do the dirty work.

Fans went into this year expecting some growing pains, but the reality is that the Boston Celtics are right in the middle of it and could make a deep playoff run. They are more than capable of beating the teams they are currently close with, but their disadvantage is clear as day.

Now that the team has shown they can hang with just about anyone, expectations are beginning to change. There’s a chance to open up the championship window sooner than originally planned. Why wait?

Next. Anemic first quarter struggles are an issue for C's. dark

This Boston Celtics team is closer to being a true title contender than most people realize. They have the talent at point guard and at the wing positions. Acquiring an impactful big man could be the final step. Go get one before the trade deadline.

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