While no one can truly replace Al Horford, the Boston Celtics must explore their options as his career nears its end. After securing his first championship at age 38, Horford’s time in the NBA is winding down, and the Celtics are already scouting potential successors. They’ve begun to consider players like Xavier Tillman and Anton Watson, who, while not at Horford’s level, possess a similar skill set—both are capable three-point shooters and versatile defenders. The Celtics need to continue exploring big men who can fit into their rotation in the years ahead.
One potential option is JT Toppin from Texas Tech, projected to go late in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Toppin, who transferred from New Mexico, is entering his sophomore season with hopes of improving his draft stock. At 6-foot-9, he has the size and energy to play the big man position in the NBA, though his offensive game, particularly his three-point shooting, needs development. Toppin could be a project player for the Celtics, with the potential to grow into a valuable contributor in their frontcourt.
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