With Daniel Theis, a German is once again in the NBA Finals. In all likelihood, however, he will not get much playing time.
After Detlef Schrempf and Dirk Nowitzki, Daniel Theis is the third German in the NBA Finals. His Boston Celtics can become the sole record champions, but the resurgent Golden State Warriors have something against it. In San Francisco, too, Theis will probably sit “courtside”, in one of the best seats, right at the bottom, directly on the edge of the court. What a sports fan considers the ultimate is painful for the professional basketball player from the Boston Celtics, because Theis will be in the NBA Finals, but probably not in the middle of it.
In jumping into the Finals series, Theis sat on the bench for 48 minutes, just as he had in the previous two games against the Heat. In the clash with the Golden State Warriors, who host them in Friday nights opener, others will likely get the nod at the big positions again.
Ime Udoka, who led Boston to the Finals in his first season as head coach, recently preferred Grant Williams, Robert Williams and veteran Al Horford to the German. He also relies on a short rotation, Udoka brings only a few professionals. Stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown or Marcus Smart get a lot of playing time. Theis must therefore hope for his chance and then be there immediately when he is needed. And he can do that.
The fact that he is there at all is due to his undisputed qualities and a stroke of luck. The 30-year-old from Salzgitter is the third German after Detlef Schrempf and Dirk Nowitzki to be allowed to play for the Larry O’Brien Trophy, although he had been paraded on the floor for months with the Houston Rockets.
In February, Boston brings back Theis
In February, everything changed. Boston, his first NBA team, brought him back. In a trade that brought Dennis Schröder to Texas. His old buddy from his Braunschweig days sits at the commentary mike for DAZN in game one, much preferring to have played against the Warriors himself, of course. Schröder has had the famous leprechaun logo of the Celtics tattooed on his leg.
For a long time it did not look as if Boston could return to the finals after twelve years. Coach Brad Stevens changed offices with the franchise, Udoka took over and had the greatest difficulties. Midway through the season, the team’s record was still negative, then it clicked and the run went all the way to the Finals.
Celtics can become sole record champion
With their 18th title, the Celtics would once again be the sole record champion after the L.A. Lakers tied in 2020. But a reinvigorated team awaits in Golden State around the “Splash Brothers” Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. After two awful years in which Thompson missed out due to a torn cruciate ligament and it was not even enough for the former series champion to make the play-offs, they are as strong as ever.
“We have a DNA that you can’t teach anybody,” sharpshooter Curry said of the team’s culture, plus “the pieces fit together.” The Warriors had eliminated the Dallas Mavericks around Maxi Kleber in the semi-finals and prevented a German duel.
And who will win the title? Charles Barkley has made up his mind. “The Celtics will win the series,” says the NBA icon. Daniel Theis hopes for it, even more than for playing time.
