NBA: Celtics Could Spring Some Surprises With Resurgent French Center

There were a lot of outstanding performances last season at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, particularly the final four teams in the semifinals. Spain won its second title when they won the gold medal and relegating Argentina with the silver. France bagged the bronze although most were talking about how they knocked out Team USA in the quarterfinals.

There were a lot of NBA stars on the France team. This included Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier, Frank Ntilikina, Nicolas Batum and Vincent Poirier. Of the mix, it is Poirier who may be unfamiliar. He was undrafted during the 2015 NBA Draft but was picked up by the Boston Celtics last July, NBA.com reported.

Seeing how the Celtics sorely need to beef up their frontline, the 7-foot French player could help. He played behind Gobert in the FIBA World Cup but still played a big role. Someone who believes that he should do fine in Bean Town is his teammate Batum. The Charlotte Hornets swingman believes Poirier can provide the Celtics with plenty of energy in an interview with John Schuhmann of NBA.com.

"This guy, I think, just started basketball 5 years ago, so he's had a special career. His energy was great. We can't count on Rudy every game... He was huge. He wasn't scared by Bogut & Baynes... He was amazing tonight."

Poirier could be a player to watch for the Celtics. Head coach Brad Stevens has likely taken note of what the French center can do, possibly relieving some of his worries upfront. With Al Horford and Aron Baynes no longer around, the Celtics are likely to bank on Poirier and Enes Kanter for the toughness needed inside.

"He's a terrific roller, can really catch a lob, and obviously has a lot of energy. It's a good pick-up for Boston, for sure" Batum added.

The Celtics are entering the season with some closely monitoring them. They will have a new point guard in Kemba Walker, someone who will try to fill in the void left by Kyrie Irving who has moved to Brooklyn. Poirier will also have Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown by his side, a team-up that should be interesting to check out.