What will the center position look like for the 2026 Celtics?
With the departure of Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford likely not re-signing, the Celtics center position is set to look completely different in 2026.
In the offseason the Celtics signed free agent center Luka Garza to a 2-year $5.5 million contract, Chris Boucher to a 1-year $3.3 million contract, and signed rookie Amari Williams to a two-way contract.
With there being no clear answer as to who takes the starting role, all of these players will be looking to carve out a spot in the rotation. Neemias Queta and Chris Boucher are the two most likely candidates to be the starter.
Queta has been with the Celtics for the past two seasons and has proven to be a capable player in limited minutes. Queta has a traditional offensive game, mainly playing in the interior, being a roller to the rim as well as a lob threat, while also being a capable defender.
Chris Boucher is a more modern center, taking more of his shots in the mid-range and three-point line, as well as being a strong defender. In 2021, Boucher had a career year, averaging a career high 13.6 points and 1.9 blocks. Since this season, Boucher has gradually seen his role reduced, but the Celtics shuffling at the center position and Mazzulla's three-point oriented offense could see him return to form.
Now this leaves the 3rd and 4th string center position. Luka Garza is a 4 year veteran and has spent his career as an end of the bench backup, which is exactly what the Celtics will need. Garza also has a style that could translate into Joe Mazzulla's offense, with roughly a third of his shots being three-pointers, but can be a liability defensively, causing him to not see much playing time.
Amari Williams, whom the Celtics traded for on draft night, could be a player to look out for down the road. In college, Williams showed flashes of potential as a rebounder, scorer and defender. His final year at Kentucky showed his upside, averaging 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds. 2.1 offensive rebounds and 1.2 blocks. He will spend most of the 2026 season in the G-league but could be an impactful player down the line.
With the center position having such a question mark around it, this position could be the biggest swing factor of the Celtics 2026 season. Mazzulla will have to adjust his game plans accordingly, and Brad Stevens could be active in the trade market if things do not work out. In the 2026 season, the Celtics frontcourt will determine how far this team can go.
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