The frontcourt for the Boston Celtics will look very different when the NBA season begins in October. Gone are Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet, with Al Horford likely moving on as well. With Jayson Tatum likely to miss all of next year, your four primary rotation players from last year will all be absent from the lineup.
While we'll likely see Neemias Queta see more time, along with new additions Luka Garza and Georges Niang, the depth after that is lacking. If the Celtics were to look at free agency for some reinforcements, one name sticks out who could provide value.
Celtics Should Target Free Agent Chris Boucher
Most Celtics fans should be familiar with who Chris Boucher is. The eight-year vet has spent all but his first season with the Toronto Raptors, with his rookie season being with the Golden State Warriors. With the Raptors, Boucher didn't play much his first two years before playing a career-high 24 minutes per game in the 2020-21 season.
In that year, Boucher would also set career highs in points per game (13.6) and rebounds (6.7). More important was his efficiency, shooting 51% from the field and 38% from three. This past year, Boucher only played in 50 games, averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds on 49% from the field and 36% from three.
Boucher would make sense for the Celtics as he'd give them another veteran in the frontcourt, who could also space the floor for them. At 6'9, Boucher could come in and see time immediately and provide shooting with size, something the Celtics roster is lacking. If Brad Stevens doesn't think the Celtics will be competing for the NBA championship, then Boucher might not make sense, as you'd rather see what the young players on your roster could provide.
With Boucher, even if you sign him, you could still look to move him at the deadline. You could sign him and let him show teams in contention what he could provide, and flip him. Even if you keep him, having another vet in the frontcourt would be beneficial for this younger Celtics group.