It's one thing to get Jaylen Brown, but Tacko Fall also?
The Philadelphia 76ers already crushed the sole of Boston Celtics fans when they traded for former Celtics star Jaylen Brown earlier this offseason.
The former NBA Finals MVP had spent the entirety of his 10-year NBA career in Boston, and now he'll be suiting up for the C's arch rivals as they chase their first NBA title since the 1980s.
But the 76ers also pulled another move that is likely to upset Celtics fans on Tuesday, with ESPN reporting that Philly has signed former big man Tacko Fall, who hasn't played in the NBA since 2022.
The Tacko Fall file
Still just 30 years old, Fall is a native of Senegal who played his college basketball at Central Florida. He spent parts of two seasons in Boston, appearing in 26 games, before playing 11 games with the 2021-22 Cleveland Cavaliers.
While he averaged less than seven minutes a game in his NBA career, he was well-liked by Boston fans and grew quite a following. He's averaged 2.2 ppg for his career and he appeared in three playoff games for Boston, including two in the NBA Bubble of 2019-20.
The Celtics moved on from him before 2021-22, a year in which they advanced to the NBA Finals. Listed at 7-foot-6, Fall was waived by Cleveland in January of 2022. He actually appeared in the NBA's Celebrity Game at All-Star Weekend this past season.
He'll come back now and try to add depth to a 76ers front court that features Joel Embiid as its leader. Embiid has notoriously had a hard time staying healthy, meaning that Fall could see real action - if he's able to actually make the team.
Boston Celtics center Tacko Fall (99) rebounds in front of New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin (1) and forward Jabari Parker (20) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY SportsWhen do the 76ers play the Celtics this season?
Well, the two teams will meet twice in four preseason games, which means that Fall could get some run in those contests. They will play each other four times in the regular season (Nov. 10 at Philly, Jan. 21 at Boston, Feb. 7 at Philly and March 7 in Boston).
Elsewhere for the Celtics
A pair of Celtics big men put together a solid day on Monday in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
Portugal, led by C's big man Neemias Queta, was defeated by Georgia, but Queta had 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting. He also had 11 rebounds and four blocks, and he produced one of the best blocks you'll see.
His performance was extra noteworthy considering he tweaked an ankle on Friday and there was worry if he'd even play.
Fellow big man Luka Garza had 14 points and seven rebounds for Bosnia and Herzogovina in their loss to Lithuania.
