After trading away franchise cornerstone Jaylen Brown, the Boston Celtics may have just made two of the most underrated moves of the NBA offseason. Already boasting a roster filled with young, emerging talent, the C’s reinforced their championship floor by adding seasoned veterans Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley. Here’s why these additions are a massive win for the Celtics.
Mitchell Robinson: Game-Changer in the Paint
The Celtics finally addressed one of the team’s biggest weaknesses by bringing in Mitchell Robinson on a three-year, $47.4 million contract. The 7-foot center, who played a major role in the Knicks’ championship run just this June, provides exactly what the Celtics have been missing: an elite interior presence.
Last season, the Celtics leaned heavily on their outside shooting, ranking third in made three-pointers and fourth in attempts per game. With a vertical threat to clean up their misses and secure second-chance opportunities, the Celtics’ offense becomes even more lethal. Robinson was the second-best offensive rebounder last season, averaging 4.2 offensive rebounds per game.
On the defensive end, his upside is just as significant, giving the team elite rim protection and the size to battle the league’s top frontcourt players. This was a glaring issue for Boston over the past two postseasons, where both the Knicks and the Sixers possessed the interior mass to consistently punish them inside the paint. With Robinson on board, however, that interior disadvantage is effectively eliminated.
The only real concern with Mitchell Robinson is his durability, given his history of injuries and the fact that he averaged just 19.6 minutes per game last season. However, with the Celtics boasting a loaded roster, this shouldn’t be an issue. Both Neemias Queta and Luka Garza—who performed well in the frontcourt last season—remain under contract, meaning Boston won’t really need heavy minutes from Robinson. Instead, he can be utilized as a high-impact reserve, a luxury role he thrived in during his time with the Knicks.
Mike Conley: Reliable Veteran
On the other hand, veteran guard Mike Conley arrives on a team-friendly, one-year minimum deal. Although he is well past his scoring prime, Conley still provides Boston with something valuable: a steady, experienced hand at the point guard spot. He functions as a traditional floor general, a role the team has lacked since trading Jrue Holiday. While Derrick White and Payton Pritchard have both been strong contributors, consistency was a noticeable issue last season. This is where Conley could potentially step up, bringing composure, dependable decision-making, and stability to the rotation. His low-usage, low-turnover profile also makes him an ideal fit for a reserve role.
Plus, there is also the possibility of a late-career resurgence similar to what Al Horford experienced after returning to Boston. Even if that doesn’t materialize, the Celtics would still be adding one of the league’s most respected veterans, bringing leadership and experience that can support and guide their younger core.
While adding Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley may not be the loudest moves of the NBA offseason, Boston still addressed its biggest flaws, strengthened an already elite roster, and raised its championship ceiling once again.
