If anyone knows how big man Vincent Poirier can help the Celtics, it's Guerschon Yabusele.
The C's No. 16 overall pick in the 2016 draft, who's also from France, played against Poirier and has known him for about 10 years. In a conversation with Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, Yabusele explained how Poirier's game has evolved.
“He got stronger,” Yabusele told Himmelsbach. “He has better hands. His confidence is different. He sets the screen and rolls fast to the rim, he has the capability to grab rebounds, and is a good shot blocker. He’s able to finish at the rim strong and all the little things we can use. He played this season in Euroleague and he was playing really good, too. So I know he’s more mature, more prepared, and definitely better. So I really think he can help the team.”
Before the start of free agency, the Celtics lacked depth at center with Al Horford on his way out, Aron Baynes heading to Phoenix, and Daniel Theis' future in Boston being uncertain. Since then, the C's addressed the need by acquiring Enes Kanter and Poirier, plus re-signing Theis to a two-year deal.
If Yabusele's scouting report on Poirier is accurate, Celtics fans should be feeling pretty good about the under-the-radar addition.
“He’s a tall guy and he can jump,” Yabusele said. “The way he finishes at the rim sometimes, the way he’s strong with the ball, it’s really something that not all the big men have. To be able to be really tough with the ball and finish strong and go to the line and make the free throws, it’s a plus.”
The 6-foot-11, 235-pounder averaged 9.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for Baskonia in the EuroLeague last season.
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