The Boston Celtics have guaranteed the $5 million in salary remaining on the final season of veteran big man Daniel Theis’ current deal, reports the Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach.
A move that ought to surprise no one, the German center has been a key part of the Celtics’ rotation, and barring a highly unusual opportunity arising, was virtually guaranteed to have had that salary honored by Boston.
At $5 million, Theis’ salary pays for one of the best sealers in the league, and above-average rim protection with the mobility needed to defend the perimeter — in short, a modern NBA big man sans the reliable shooting.
Per sources, the Celtics have officially guaranteed center Daniel Theis's $5 million salary for this season. No surprise there.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) November 22, 2020
Theis has had a somewhat reliable shot in the past, having hit 38.8% from beyond the arc in 2018-19, and wasn’t that far off from league average last season at 33.3%.
That will be an area of emphasis in the coming season, as the Salzgitter native competes with new arrival Tristan Thompson for the starting role each night.
Presumably matchups will also play a role most nights, but the Celtics were always unlikely to move on from such a good contract and player despite having the ability.
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