Khem Birch was reported to be a free agent earlier today by NBA Insider Shams Charania via X/Twitter — and now that the serviceable NBA vet is available, the Boston Celtics scoop him up for cheap, filling a critical bench need in the frontcourt after losing Robert Williams III in the Jrue Holiday trade.
Birch, who attended high school in Massachusetts, can return to the state where he enjoyed early success in his playing career. Throughout the preseason, the Cs have lacked a clear answer at the pivot position.
With the Eastern Conference now looking like a two-team competition, the Boston Celtics must address their size issue.
The Cs would gain an NBA experience in Birch by bringing him in to wear down Giannis while he attacks the basket. Birch can help establish a wall to prevent the Greek Freak from taking over games when the two teams meet, while also providing significant value by allowing Kristaps Porzingis and Al Hortford to rest.
Finding value in Khem Birch for the Boston Celtics would be the icing on the cake this offseason.
Filling a roster vacancy at a low cost this late in the preseason would be a little miracle for the Boston Celtics, but tiny miracles are sometimes required on the route to an NBA Championship. Many legacies have been characterised by a lucky postseason path in which opposing teams sustained massive injuries.
Birch may not seem like a big signing in most people’s eyes but with the margins for a title razor-thin, even the fringe transactions can prove to be game-changing.
