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Celtics acquire target big man
The Boston Celtics are quietly confident that Kevin Durant
will be able to thrive at the power forward spot again next season. Last season, Durant was able to put up close
to 34 points per game at the PF spot while increasing his numbers in pretty
much every statistical category. But, if the Durant experiment ceases to be
effective and he moves back to his natural position, what then?
That big ‘what if?’ question lead Celtics management to scour the NLL
landscape for versatile big men who could play the four or the five. The big
man had to be able to score in some way, had to be able to finish inside, had
to be able to rebound and had to be able to block.
They inquired about Kenneth Faried, amongst other big men, but found it hard to
get a deal done with so many of their assets immovable due to them being
upcoming free agents and technically not on a deal. They had asked about
others. They had asked about Kyle
O’Quinn, but in all honesty, didn’t think they had what it would take to form a
deal, and didn’t think that the Nets would move him. In a twist of fate, the
questions that Boston had failed to ask were asked for them.
Fortunately, Celtics management caught wind of a deal in which O’Quinn was
being offered up in a multi-player deal. Eager to inquire and pounce on any
opportunity, Boston offered up all they were able to – younger prospects, 2nd
round picks and gm points. They weren’t very optimistic.
After a long week of discussions, which at times, ballooned out to five teams
in a proposed deal, and multiple walk aways and walk backs to the trading
table, and communication errors, and misinterpretations… a deal was finally
struck.
Late on Sunday night, sources have communicated with us that the Celtics were
able to acquire Kyle O’Quinn for two players, two picks and strong cash
considerations, as a part of a multi-team deal. Further details about the trade
were not disclosed at this time.
Kyle O’Quinn, 27, is 27 years old and a 5 year pro in the NLL. He was originally
picked 46th in the 2012 draft . Standing at 6’10’ and 250 lbs,
O’Quinn is a very physical player with sneaky athleticism. His valued tools are
his rebounding, blocking and being able to bang and thrive in the post, on both
ends of the floor, all of which areas he is rated well in. He has developed his shooting to be a
serviceable jump-shooter from close and mid-range. It is this athleticism and
versatility that the Celtics strongly desired and I’d imagine management are
hoping he can play both the 4 and 5 spot. The Celtics lack bulk, rebounding and
blocking.
Last season, his per-36 minute statistics were as follows:
16 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks.
With O’Quinn, the Celtics form a very versatile and talented top seven players,
most of whom are capable of playing multiple positions and playing both sides
of the floor. Although all we can do is speculate at this stage, it seems like Durant,
Lopez and O’Quinn will serve as almost the entire rotation for the 4/5 spots.
On paper, Kyle O’Quinn was exactly what the doctor ordered. Let’s hope reality
is just as ideal.
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