Celtics will work out Chinanu Onuaku; Cavs also interested

Chinanu Onuaku last played in the NBA for the Rockets during the 2017-18 season. Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Celtics will work out Israeli MVP Chinanu Onuaku; Cavaliers also interested

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Jason Burgos | Last updated 6/4/22

The Boston Celtics are reportedly interested in signing Israeli basketball league MVP, and NBA veteran, Chinanu Onuaku.

The Celtics are busy trying to beat the Golden State Warriors in this year’s NBA Finals and secure the franchise’s 18th league championship. However, that doesn’t mean they will rest on their laurels and aren’t already looking to improve the team for the 2022-23 season.

However, beyond adding to their squad for next season by way of the 2022 NBA Draft, the organization has discovered a new source for NBA-level talent in the Israeli Basketball Premier League.

Boston Celtics look to Israel Basketball Premier League for bench help in 2022-23

On Friday, Eurohoops.net reported that the Celtics were expected to bring IBPL MVP Chinanu Onuaku in for a workout later this month. Yet, this would not be Onuaku’s first stint in the NBA if he’s signed by Boston.

The 25-year-old was a second-round pick of the Houston Rockets in 2016. Unfortunately, the teenager out of Louisville wasn’t ready for the big time yet and played in only six NBA games over two seasons. Much of his time was spent playing for the D League’s Rio Grande Valley Vipers. In 2017, he was suspended for two games after reportedly pushing an official during a game.

Eventually he would move on and find himself playing in the IBPL. In 2021-22 he dominated the league playing for the Bnei Herzeliya. Onuaku was awarded MVP honors this season by averaging 15.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He helped to lead the team to a 17-10 record in this year’s “Winner League.”

Eurohoops.net also reported last month that the former Rockets draft pick is also being eyed by the Cleveland Cavaliers as a possible target to improve their bench this summer.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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