Even in what’s being called a “down year” for the Boston Celtics, there’s no shortage of encouraging signs coming out of TD Garden. Payton Pritchard has stepped confidently into a larger role, Jaylen Brown is playing some of the best basketball of his career, and Neemias Queta has emerged as a surprise contributor in the frontcourt. The Celtics may not be as deep or star-studded as they’ve been in recent seasons, but they’re finding ways to compete-and that says something.
Still, if Boston wants to make a serious push, especially with Jayson Tatum’s status still up in the air, they’ll need more than just grit and internal development. They’ll need reinforcements.
And one name that makes a lot of sense? Brook Lopez.
Lopez, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, is exactly the kind of veteran big who could round out Boston’s rotation. He’s not just a stopgap-he’s a proven commodity with a skill set that fits today’s NBA and this Celtics team in particular. At 7 feet tall with a reliable three-point shot and elite rim protection, Lopez brings a combination of floor spacing and interior defense that few centers in the league can match.
Boston’s frontcourt has been a patchwork this season. Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford have both brought value when healthy, but availability has been a concern.
Queta has shown flashes, but he’s still a developing player. Adding Lopez to the mix wouldn’t just stabilize the rotation-it would elevate it.
His ability to stretch the floor would open up driving lanes for Brown and Tatum, and his presence in the paint would give Boston a much-needed anchor on defense.
Financially, Lopez is on a team-friendly deal-just $9 million annually, with two years remaining. That makes him not only affordable but also a low-risk, high-reward addition. For a team with championship aspirations, that’s the kind of move that can pay off in a big way.
The Celtics wouldn’t need to rush Queta out of the lineup, either. They could continue to start the young center while allowing Lopez to serve as a high-level backup and mentor. That’s a win-win scenario: Queta gets reps, and Boston gets a seasoned veteran ready to contribute in high-stakes moments.
If the Clippers look to trim salary at the deadline, Lopez could become available-and Boston should absolutely be in that conversation. Even at this stage in his career, Lopez has the tools and experience to be a difference-maker in the playoffs. And if the Celtics are thinking long-term, bringing him in now could lay the groundwork for a more cohesive roster next season, especially once Tatum is fully back in the fold.
Bottom line: This Celtics team has shown it can compete, even without its full arsenal. But if they want to take the next step-and keep pace with the top contenders in the East-adding a player like Brook Lopez could be the move that gets them there.