The Boston Celtics are rumored to be in hunt for another big man to address the team's rebounding woes, but could only consider such move for a "game-changer" like Anthony Davis.
The Celtics are expected to be major players in the trade market as they continue to further improve their lineup, particularly address their need of a rebounding big man. Even with Al Horford set to return from injury, general manager Danny Ainge still believes Boston would have troubles in the rebounding department.
"My biggest concern even before the year started was defensive rebounding," Ainge told the Boston Herald. "I think that we are a small team and a quick team, and we have to do it collectively. We don't have one of those guys that gets all the rebounds, and that was our problem last year, and it's going to be a problem this year, too."
Jared Sullinger's departure this past summer has devoid the Celtics an effective rebounder. ESPN's team stats shows the Celtics are currently 26th in the league in rebounding, posting an average of 41.4 points per game.
According to A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN Mid-Atlantic, the need to secure the boards could force the Celtics to explore the trade market for available big men, but only for an All-Star caliber player like New Orleans Pelicans' Anthony Davis.
"The Boston Celtics have played most of this season with at least one starter out due to injury, but even at full strength they're going to struggle rebounding the ball. That is why they will forever -- or at least the next three-plus months, whichever comes first -- be linked with any and every big man who 1) wants to be traded or 2) is on the trading block," Blakely wrote.
"But I'm told the Celtics at this point are only interested in potential 'game changers' on the trade market. One name to keep an eye on is New Orleans' Anthony Davis."
Pairing Davis with Horford would turn the Celtics into a legit title contenders. Davis, who is averaging 31.1 points and 10.7 rebounds per game this season, would not only address Boston's rebounding woes, but also provides the Celtics depth on both ends of the floor.
The Celtics have plenty of tradable assets to offer the Pelicans, one of which could include Brooklyn Nets' first-round pick owned by Boston.
However, while the Celtics could create enticing packages for New Orleans, Blakely noted that such move could only be possible if Davis wants out, "something that isn't that far-fetched when you consider the steady run of injuries he's enduring on a team that's going nowhere fast."
It is highly unlikely the Pelicans trade Davis at this point, but expect teams like the Celtics to give the Pels a call days before the trade deadline.
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