On Monday, the Boston Celtics officially announced that they signed former Baskonia center Vincent Poirier. The terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, per team policy, but previous reports have characterized Poirier’s deal as a two-year contract.
Poirier averaged 10.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.0 block per game on 61.5 percent shooting from the field for Kirolbet Baskonia last season, showing himself to be a physical, brute force as a screen-setter and roll man. Impressive on the offensive glass, Poirier also averaged 2.7 offensive rebounds per game.
For those interested in ready-made comparisons, Poirier’s skillset inspires images of Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams. Both are are big, strong and traditional centers whose basketball IQ and physical profile make them well-suited for a role as a defensive anchor. Like Adams, Poirier — who’s 6-foot-11 and 235 pounds — could also take advantage of his size when facing the smaller centers in today’s era of semi-positionless players.
Poirier joins a crowded frontcourt and will likely have both veteran center Enes Kanter and second-year forward-center Robert Williams III ahead of him on the depth chart. However, he’s valuable depth despite his lack of NBA experience.
