Theis better than Horford?

[CelticsElite]

Daniel Theis, the Celtics‘ starting center replacement for the departed Al Horford, was having a comparable season to his predecessor before play was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to The Stats Corner of NBC Sports Boston. Theis’ production per 36 minutes has actually been better than Horford’s during 2018/19. Their scoring numbers are similar, while Theis is pulling down more rebounds and blocks and shooting at a higher field goal percentage. The 27-year-old German signed a two-year, $10MM contract with Boston during the summer of 2019. The 33-year-old Horford, meanwhile, inked a four-year, $97MM contract ($109MM if he hits all incentives) with the Sixers this summer.



https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/stats-show-daniel-theis-has-filled-admirably-ex-celtic-al-horford

[GreenFaith1819]

Dude is certainly filling in quite nicely...

Not "quite" Al's level defensively but awfully close...

His scoring and rebounding numbers are solid too - especially lately.

Add in GH taking up much of what Al brought us for play making and we've managed quite well.

[nickagneta]

Dude is certainly filling in quite nicely...

Not "quite" Al's level defensively but awfully close...

His scoring and rebounding numbers are solid too - especially lately.

Add in GH taking up much of what Al brought us for play making and we've managed quite well.

This year, this particular year, I think Theis was playing better defense in Boston than Al was in Philly.

Al's defense the last couple years was excellent. I think Theis almost reached those levels of defense.

[RPGenerate]

And he's doing it for a fraction of the price.

[SHAQATTACK]

Prime young Al , I liked better ,  Theis for the money paid is more bang per buck than Al today.   Al was a real problem for Celtics at one time.  He has spurts , like Lebron of his former self .  Youth is on Theis side ( energy) .

[Monkhouse]

Dude is certainly filling in quite nicely...

Not "quite" Al's level defensively but awfully close...

His scoring and rebounding numbers are solid too - especially lately.

Add in GH taking up much of what Al brought us for play making and we've managed quite well.

I dunno about that anymore... Horford has not only looked a step slower, but he seems unable to catch up to quick and speedy 5's. Theis's value is only not only defense, but his ability to seal off defenders and allow JB/JT to go around for the easy 2. Plus his contract is definitely more affordable.

I still cannot fathom what Brand was thinking with that contract + Harris.

[Rosco917]

Al was undersized, but Theis is really undersized.

We know what Al is capable of in the playoffs, with the longer rests he gets between games. I'd like to see what Theis will do. Will he be overpowered, exposed and invisible, or will he be impactful?

It's really difficult to compare them until then.
 

[gouki88]

Did Theis have a better season? Yes. But I feel like Brad has a lot to do with that too. I’m not sure if Theis would be in “most underrated big man” conversations on another team.

Conversely, Brett Brown is frankly not that good, and Al is a year older.

[Monkhouse]

Al was undersized, but Theis is really undersized.

We know what Al is capable of in the playoffs, with the longer rests he gets between games. I'd like to see what Theis will do. Will he be overpowered, exposed and invisible, or will he be impactful?

It's really difficult to compare them until then.

I don't know about that to be honest.

Theis's wingspan has never really been mentioned, but I would assume it's at least 6'11 from what I've heard.

So Theis at 6'8/6'11 wing span vs 6.9/7'1.

Is it that much of a difference?

[Somebody]

Theis has a 7'4 wingspan.

[Monkhouse]

Theis has a 7'4 wingspan.

 

Sauces?!?!?

That's incredible.

I'm not surprised though, Theis tends to somehow use his length and mobility really well. There's a reason why he's been such a winner during his time in the German league.

NBA Champion (2020-2021)
3× German League champion (2015–2017)
German Cup winner (2017)
German Supercup winner (2015)
German League Best Defender (2017)
4× German League All-Star (2014–2017)
German League Most Effective German Player (2016)
All-German League Second Team (2016)
German League Best Young Player (2014)

[Somebody]

Theis has a 7'4 wingspan.

 

Sauces?!?!?

That's incredible.

I'm not surprised though, Theis tends to somehow use his length and mobility really well. There's a reason why he's been such a winner during his time in the German league.

NBA Champion (2020-2021)
3× German League champion (2015–2017)
German Cup winner (2017)
German Supercup winner (2015)
German League Best Defender (2017)
4× German League All-Star (2014–2017)
German League Most Effective German Player (2016)
All-German League Second Team (2016)
German League Best Young Player (2014)

I can't find it lol, but I can swear that I read stuff somewhere a few years ago that estimated his wingspan to be something like 7'2-7'4 (it was leaning towards the upper range due to his short neck and small head). But yeah he's really long.

[knuckleballer]

No, Al gets so underrated.  He is an all around player.  He is more of a playmaker than Theis could ever dream of being and I love Theis.

If only things worked out differently from a free agent timing perspective.   I think he could have completed this team if this season ever continues.

if would could should

[CelticsPoetry]

Theis has a 7'4 wingspan.

 

Sauces?!?!?

That's incredible.

I'm not surprised though, Theis tends to somehow use his length and mobility really well. There's a reason why he's been such a winner during his time in the German league.

NBA Champion (2020-2021)
3× German League champion (2015–2017)
German Cup winner (2017)
German Supercup winner (2015)
German League Best Defender (2017)
4× German League All-Star (2014–2017)
German League Most Effective German Player (2016)
All-German League Second Team (2016)
German League Best Young Player (2014)

I see what you did there. You sir get a TP 

[ozgod]

I posted this on another thread but Theis is doing about 75% of what Al was doing for us, at 20% of the cost. The only thing he's not doing is initiating the offense, which Gordon is doing anyway. Theis is the perfect low cost, low usage guy we need to complement our wings and Kemba. He can defend 1-5 (mostly) and the bigs he can't defend we have Kanter for.