$32 million center could be Celtics' perfect Kristaps Porzingis replacement

The Boston Celtics still have a big weakness to address this offseason.

Over the past couple of weeks, the Celtics have been among the busiest teams in the league. Most notably, the team has dealt Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis as part of a series of moves to gain more financial flexibility.

While those deals accomplished the goal of avoiding the second apron, Boston now must address their issues on the roster from a basketball standpoint. While Porzingis’ departure was the Celtics’ decision, the team has also lost Luke Kornet, and all signs point to Al Horford finding a new home or retiring.

Obviously, that leaves a hole at center with the Celtics’ three options inside from last season all set to start next season elsewhere. The team has already tried to address that issue by signing Luka Garza, but there could be another option for Boston.

On Thursday, Shams Charania reported that the Houston Rockets are waiving center Jock Landale. The Australian big man originally signed a four-year, $32 million deal in 2023, with only the first year guaranteed. 

While Houston kept the big man around last season, it decided to move on this offseason, giving a team like Boston a chance to sign him in free agency. Landale is set to turn 30 in October and will be entering the fifth season of his NBA career, which also includes stints in San Antonio and Phoenix.

Last season, he averaged 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds while playing 11.9 minutes per game. Across his 42 appearances in Houston, Landale also shot 11-of-26 from 3-point range. Albeit on low volume, Landale’s 42.3% mark from deep could be enough to entice a team like the Celtics.