Boston makes easiest move of offseason in bringing back Daniel Theis
Daniel Theis is officially back in Boston |
Boston re-signed Aron Baynes and seem like their inching closer to doing the same with RFA Marcus Smart. But the easiest move that the Celtics are going to make all offseason is one that happened earlier this week.
Boston had an opportunity to waive Daniel Theis prior to Tuesday's deadline in order to shed his money from the books and as expected, the German big man will be back in green next season.The #Celtics have no intention on waiving Daniel Theis, thus making his contract guaranteed for next season, according to a source. Today was deadline to make any move.— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) July 11, 2018
Theis' contract is an absolute steal for the Celtics with the ability he showed prior to tearing his meniscus. The 6-foot-9, 243-pound forward was paid just $815,615 in 2017 and that number will rise slightly to $1.378 million this season. Boston will also have the option to extend Theis a qualifying offer for 2019-20, which would make him a restricted free agent.
The decision to guarantee Theis' deal was a no-brainer for the Celtics. He provided consistent production off the bench and seemed to finally be comfortable right before he suffered a season-ending injury. Theis can shoot from deep, defend the rim, and make high IQ plays.
He fits perfectly in Boston's system as a versatile big and Brad Stevens will use him in a plethora of ways as a key role player in 2018. Theis averaged 5.3 points and 4.3 rebounds during his rookie season in the NBA. However, those numbers jumped up to 7.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game after the All-Star break. Even more impressive was his improved shooting. Theis shot 52.2% from the field and 30.2% from deep pre-ASB. After the break, he shot 67.9% from the field and 40% from behind the arc.
With Theis officially coming back for next season, the Celtics have just one roster spot left to fill for the 2018-19 season. Is that Marcus Smart's music?
Picture by Brad Rempel/USA TODAY Sports Images
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