While not much is known about Boston Celtics center Vincent Poirier, the Frenchman who left Spain to pursue his NBA dream stateside before finally finding a home with what he considers a mythical franchise, those who have watched Poirier’s development with Baskonia have come away enamored with the big man’s athleticism and rebounding prowess (per Yahoo Sports’ Ben Rohrbach).
The Celtics are high on Poirier, according to Rohrbach, having first taken notice of him at a past Summer League. Poirier would take part in Summer League with the Orlando Magic in 2016 and the Brooklyn Nets the following year.
Speaking to Keith Smith of CelticsBlog, am anonymous Celtics executive would say that Poirier “caught our eye with the way he moved for his size.”
“He’s got the potential to be a big time defender and rebounder.”
Last season, Poirier ranked first across the Euroleague in both rebounding (8.3 per game) and offensive rebounds (3.4 per game). He was the only Euroleague player averaging at least 10 points (11.9 points) and eight rebounds in 2018-19.
Having started playing basketball at 17-years-old, Poirier was understandably raw up until recently, when a combination of maturity and understanding started to complement his physical tools.
At 6-foot-11, 235 pounds, he sets hard screens, rolls hard to the rim and finishes strong. His game is simple but like former Celtics center Aron Baynes, who was traded to the Phoenix Suns on draft night, the brute force and defensive acumen that he can provide could let him anchor the pivot.
Poirier’s name won’t be circled on scouting reports any time soon but should he show he can provide the rebounding and interior defense that Baynes was known for, he could soon be a major part of Boston’s puzzle. If that’s not big time, I don’t know what is.
