One team looking to make some upgrades this off season is Boston — the Celtics own several picks in the Draft this summer and have room under the salary cap to add a big name or two.
The biggest area of need for a squad with plenty of good young talent is center. The team leads the Eastern Conference in scoring with just over 105 points per game, but they struggle against the more physical teams in the league and that has led to plenty of speculation on the deals general manger Danny Ainge and his staff could pull the trigger on this off-season.
One of the most underrated players in the league is Al Horford and the big man is set to his the open market. The veteran is averaging over 15 points, seven rebounds, and has become a threat from three-point territory this season. His ability to stretch opposing defenses, but also handle his duties in the paint, make him a logical option when the team begins shopping for help this summer.
The 29-year-old has been linked with other teams, including Houston, but a move to “Bean Town” could make this team a championship contender next season and a squad that could rival the best the Eastern Conference has to offer as they look to gain some ground on the likes of Golden State and San Antonio.
With $50 million to play with, Ainge could look to add even more depth to the front court. Bleacher Report has suggested that Nicolas Batum of the Hornets is a solid option and with his play this season, its hard to argue with the logic.
Both of these players would help in the paint and give the Celtics more presence on the glass. With several draft picks and money to spend, its a big off season for Boston and one that could generate plenty of buzz with the fans as the team looks to become championship material.
