Idea: Jakob Poeltl to the Cs?

[Sophomore]

Pro: he’s widely considered a middle of the pack starting center; smart pick-setter and roll man on offense, makes good passes. On defense he’s smart in drop coverage and protects the rim.

Con: too slow to play the Cs’ preferred switching style of D. This is a major problem once we get into the playoffs. Doesn’t provide  vertical spacing and doesn’t shoot from deep.

[edited out a statement about his contract. As a poster below pointed out, he’s on an expiring deal and is a UFA next year.]

The salaries work if we send Pritchard and Gallo. We would need to wait until Gallo is traceable and add draft compensation. The Spurs might do it as they’re tanking for Wembanyama. They don’t want to win too much and that Poeltl deal looks tailor made to be tradeable.

I’m not wild about this deal, because that con about his defense really concerns me. So I probably wouldn’t do it. But we need an upgrade, not just for this year but the next couple years - as Al leaves or fades, and as Rob insurance. If we are in striking distance this year let’s push the chips in.

The guy I’d rather have is Richaun Holmes, who also might be available, but he’s got a trade kicker that makes matching his salary harder.

[Celtics2021]

A pro and a con: he’s in his prime and signed for 4 years at a mid level contract. Great if you think he fits as a complement to Rob - backup or spot starter as needed. Too much and too long if he’s a pure backup.

Poeltl is an expiring — the last year of a 3-year mid-levelesque contract.  That’s why he’s on the block.

[Ed Monix]

I love Poeltl, but like Celtics2021 stated, he’s an expiring contract and in free agency he’ll expect a big deal, something I’m sure the Celtics would be unable and unwilling to give him.

It wouldn’t surprise me if he just re-signs with the Spurs as there are very few teams with cap space in 2023.

[Jvalin]

I'd pass on Poeltl. He's effective only in a drop scheme on D. We run a switch-heavy defensive scheme. The fact he's about to hit free agency makes matters worse.

If we go after a Center, my #1 target would be Onyeka Okongwu.

[Sophomore]

Thanks for the correction on the contract; I mixed him up with Holmes.

Is your concern only contract related or is it on-court?

[ETNCeltics]

Too much like Kanter, just wouldn't be able to play in our defensive system.

[Celtics2021]

Thanks for the correction on the contract; I mixed him up with Holmes.

Is your concern only contract related or is it on-court?

I’d be fine for Gallo+Pritchard+Houston 2nd, but I think the Spurs would want more.

As for Holmes, he’s missed a lot of games in his career.  We need availability behind Rob.

[#1P4P]

Pro: he’s widely considered a middle of the pack starting center; smart pick-setter and roll man on offense, makes good passes. On defense he’s smart in drop coverage and protects the rim.

Con: too slow to play the Cs’ preferred switching style of D. This is a major problem once we get into the playoffs. Doesn’t provide  vertical spacing and doesn’t shoot from deep.

[edited out a statement about his contract. As a poster below pointed out, he’s on an expiring deal and is a UFA next year.]

The salaries work if we send Pritchard and Gallo. We would need to wait until Gallo is traceable and add draft compensation. The Spurs might do it as they’re tanking for Wembanyama. They don’t want to win too much and that Poeltl deal looks tailor made to be tradeable.

I’m not wild about this deal, because that con about his defense really concerns me. So I probably wouldn’t do it. But we need an upgrade, not just for this year but the next couple years - as Al leaves or fades, and as Rob insurance. If we are in striking distance this year let’s push the chips in.

The guy I’d rather have is Richaun Holmes, who also might be available, but he’s got a trade kicker that makes matching his salary harder.

Al and Rob aren’t fast, but one has elite defensive awareness with good athleticism and the other good athleticism and elite athleticism to make up for it.

Poetl’s durable, great size, solid defense awareness, and seems to have the mobility to play in our system; he would be a good secondary option.

My primary option would be Jarred Vanderbilt. Talk about a readymade player, a look at his defense, motor, mobility, athletic, and overall game, and you’ll see why he’s the perfect fit for this team. With Markannen on the Jazz and Walker Kessler already looking good and earning minutes, the Jazz might be open to a trade.