If there’s a maestro at extracting maximum value from the center position, regardless of the talent on hand, it’s Brad Stevens. From his head coaching days piecing together lineups around Daniel Theis and Grant Williams, to his current role as a powerhouse President of Basketball Operations, Stevens always finds a way to optimize the five-spot. And this summer, another masterstroke may be imminent: bringing Ivica Zubac to Boston, transforming the reigning champions’ interior into an even more formidable force.
The Celtics’ 2024 NBA championship is the ultimate testament to Stevens’ vision. Not only did he acquire Kristaps Porzingis, but he also shrewdly brought back Al Horford and Luke Kornet, crafting a versatile, effective three-headed monster at center. This formed the foundation for a lineup of switchable wings who could score from anywhere.
This year, after letting all three of those bigs depart, Stevens again proved his keen eye. Budget-friendly names like Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have risen to become reliable anchors at the five.
Neemias Queta is performing at a starting-caliber level: averaging over 10 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block per game. He continually refines the nuances: becoming an elite screener, improving low-post positioning, mastering effective box-outs, and using his frame to become a more imposing rim protector.
However, pushing Queta into an oversized role carries risk. His tendency to average three fouls per game is a concern. While Garza is solid, he’s best suited as a third option. One poorly timed injury could unravel the Celtics’ interior calculus.
This is why the Celtics are orchestrating a blockbuster swap: sending Anfernee Simons to the LA Clippers for Ivica Zubac.
Zubac represents a comprehensive upgrade of everything Queta does. While not as athletic, the Croatian center exudes stability and confidence in low-post battles. He is the archetypal, bruising traditional center with excellent rebounding and paint protection skills.
Positioning Queta as a “change-of-pace big” suits his current strengths, while Zubac would be the established anchor, providing stability and veteran savvy.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Clippers have previously expressed interest in Anfernee Simons during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers. Following Chris Paul’s abrupt departure, their backcourt could use youthful scoring punch. Simons, in the final year of his contract, coupled with some draft picks from Boston, could be an attractive scenario for the Clippers to consider as they retool.
With the Zubac-Queta duo, the Celtics would possess every desirable trait in a center rotation except for floor spacing. But that’s hardly an issue for a roster otherwise brimming with elite three-point shooters, who just last season shattered records for three-point attempts and makes.
Zubac would be the solution to all concerns about interior depth and toughness, allowing the Celtics to defend their title in the most convincing fashion.
If this deal materializes, it will further cement Brad Stevens’ legacy as a front-office wizard. While rivals scramble to counter Boston’s “positionless basketball” model, Stevens goes against the grain, reinforcing the most traditional strength: the painted area. A bruising Zubac paired with an energetic Queta would make the Celtics’ defense impregnable, bringing the dream of back-to-back titles into sharper focus than ever before.