Celtics Waive Former NBA First-Rounder Bust

It was just last month that the Boston Celtics decided to take a chance on a former first-round draft pick bust, Bruno Caboclo. But just days before training camp, they've apparently had a change of heart.

Sources: The Celtics have waived forward Bruno Caboclo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 20, 2022

On the day before his 27th birthday, the player who was once dubbed "2 years away from being 2 years away" on draft night 2014, was handed his release by the Celtics.

The timing of the move is an interesting one, as it comes just hours after Boston learned that they'll be without starting center Robert Williams to start the season. This would suggest that they'll be looking to fill Caboclo's roster spot with a truer big man who can play the five.

There are a number of free agent centers still available, including the likes of Dwight Howard and DeMarcus Cousins. We have the full list here.

As noted by Brian Robb of MassLive, "the team is now going through potential center options to provide more depth in the frontcourt in Williams’ absence and opted to use Caboclo’s roster spot as a way to pursue options for training camp."

Al Horford and Grant Williams enter camp as the only bigs with proven NBA credentials; neither are a true center. Other big man candidates coming to camp include Luke Kornet, Noah Vonleh and Mfiondu Kabengele. Clearly, the Celtics will be looking for another proven center.