Report: Celtics interested in bringing back Kris Humphries


According to Jared Zwerling of Bleacher Report, the Celtics are one of several teams interested in signing free agent Kris Humphries.



As perhaps the biggest Humphries fan on the planet (yes, I was a fan before last season, when just about everyone hated the dude), this brings a smile to my face -- but only at the right price.

Humphries was the Celtics' best big man last year, averaging 8.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 19.9 minutes per game. He also shot 50% from the floor, 81% from the line, and constantly brought energy and effort to a team that really needed it. I was also impressed by how Humphries showed up in great shape, and never once complained about his role, even when he began the season on the outside of the rotation looking in.

It would have been easy for the 10-year veteran to complain, either about leaving a contender in Brooklyn for a rebuilding Celtics team, or about his constantly changing role that clearly saw him lose minutes to young players who are not yet as good as him. But he never did, and he truly seemed to enjoy his time in Boston.

That said, I just can't see the Celtics winning the bidding war for a guy like Hump who would be a great role player for a contender. If a team like Miami, or even Washington, offers him the mid-level exception (around $5.3 million per season), and a spot on a playoff team, Humphries may well choose that over a similar role on a still rebuilding Celtics team.

Obviously, if the Celtics make a deal for Kevin Love and become contenders overnight, this could all change. But unless Hump really, really loves the city, it's going to be hard to turn down similar money to what the Celtics can offer to play for a winner.

And maybe that's best. While I really love the dude's game, the Celtics are better off giving those minutes to Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk, and bringing in a legit seven-footer to help with defensive duties next to the young guys. While Humphries filled that role admirably last year, he's not a true center, and despite his occasionally brilliant blocks in transition, he's not an ideal "last line of defense".

But who knows, maybe something gets done. If the Cs trade either Sullinger or Olynyk in a deal for Love, they'll likely need a solid back-up, and Humphries would be a great choice.

P.S. Gotta love how Miami's off-season has shifted from dreams of Kyle Lowry, to hopes of Anthony Morrow and/or Marvin Williams.

P.P.S Now watch Riley somehow bring back the big three, sign Melo, and re-animate the corpse of Wilt Chamberlain circa 1964.


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