The Boston Celtics were a middle-of-the-pack rim protecting team last season, ranking 14th in the NBA in field goal percentage allowed inside five feet. But apparently, general manager Danny Ainge wants to do better in that regard.
According to a report by Brian Geltzeiler of HoopsCritic.com on Tuesday, the Celtics are targeting Sixers big man Nerlens Noel in trade talks.
League sources tell https://t.co/aPhi5ponKj that the Celtics' target in trade talks with Philadelphia is Nerlens Noel.
— Brian Geltzeiler (@hoopscritic) June 21, 2016
At least on paper, this seems like an ideal buyer-seller match. The Sixers have been sniffing out the market on Noel for the last several weeks, while the Celtics have the No. 3 overall pick in Thursday’s draft (a selection they are reportedly shopping heavily) and valuable assets to offer.
An athletic, instinctive rim guardian like Noel who can also switch on pick-and-rolls and seal off perimeter penetration would be a godsend for Boston. While Amir Johnson is an excellent interior defender, the Celtics had a tough time coaxing adequate defensive performances out of their big man trio of Tyler Zeller, Jared Sullinger, and Kelly Olynyk last season. On Philadelphia’s end of things, Noel shares some positional overlap with the guy it looks like they will be choosing No. 1 overall, Ben Simmons. They have also maintained interest in potentially acquiring another pick in the top-five (perhaps to select Providence guard Kris Dunn).
With the Sixers intent on clearing up room in the frontcourt and the Celtics on acquiring an impact player to complement their core depth, we may just have ourselves a deal here.
*Stats courtesy of NBA.com*
Image Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
H/T Rotoworld
