The Boston Celtics’ frontcourt situation has reached crisis territory, with longtime fan and NBA analyst Bill Simmons voicing his frustration as the team’s center depth dwindles following a flurry of offseason moves.
Bill Simmons Sounds the Alarm as Celtics’ Center Depth Evaporates
After trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks and watching Luke Kornet sign with the Spurs, Boston is left with only Neemias Queta at center, a fact Simmons didn’t mince words about on social media, writing, “The Rockets have 3 starting centers and the Celtics have Neemias Queta. Might start drinking.”
The Rockets have 3 starting centers and the Celtics have Neemias Queta. Might start drinking.
– Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) June 30, 2025
With Al Horford entering free agency and drawing interest from contenders like the Lakers and Warriors, the Celtics’ once-formidable frontcourt now looks alarmingly thin. While Boston could still bring Horford back, there’s no guarantee he returns, and the team’s tight salary cap limits options for a meaningful replacement.
The roster overhaul hasn’t been confined to the frontcourt. Just last week, Boston traded Jrue Holiday to Portland for Anfernee Simons and sent Kristaps Porziņģis to Atlanta in exchange for Georges Niang, moves that suggest a significant shift in philosophy under new ownership.
The shakeup has also fueled speculation about the future of All-Star Jaylen Brown, who has reportedly attracted trade interest. Meanwhile, the impending free agency of Torrey Craig and Drew Peterson threatens to further thin out Boston’s bench.
Paul Pierce Weighs In on Boston’s Roster Upheaval
Celtics legend Paul Pierce, speaking on “Podcast P,” acknowledged the emotional hit of losing key players, but he also admitted the changes may be part of the reality with a new front office direction.
“Man, you don’t like it because you looked at a team that won (a championship) last year, like ‘this team can be a dynasty,” Pierce said on the podcast. “Because they’re all relatively young. They’ve already been through their growing pains. But you start to understand the business of it now because it’s new ownership.”
Porzingis and Holiday were both owed over $30 million for next season, and Boston’s other financial commitments were ballooning. New majority owner Bill Chisholm’s group acquired the team for $6.1 billion in March, and Pierce suggested that slashing payroll was inevitable.
“They just paid six billion for a team,” Pierce said. “You don’t want a $500 million payroll. You are in the business of making money at the end of the day. Yeah, you want to win, but you want a cheaper version to try to win. I get it.”
Boston’s new owners now face a payroll projected to soar over $500 million, including a $238 million tax bill. As the Celtics brace for a pivotal summer, Simmons’ exasperation mirrors the anxiety of a fanbase uncertain about the future of its championship core.
