Position Versatility Will Help Boston’s Rookies

Position versatility is essential to Boston’s rookies earning a role this season

Now that the Boston Celtics‘ roster is settling, the room for rookies to have a role appears to be closing. Brad Stevens is unlikely to embrace the kind of clutter that gave so many people playing time last year, and with rising expectations the standards will be higher to get in the lineup. While Jaylen Brown is the only rookie that can claim to be top 2 on the depth chart at any position, there is one factor that could help both Ben Bentil and Abdel Nader get opportunity to prove their worth.

Chances are both of these rookies will be forced to prove their worth in the D League before getting any opportunity in the NBA. That being said, position versatility may be their only hope in getting any kind of role. While the Celtics certainly improved their talent level this offseason, they did lose forward depth. Being able to play both the three and the four could be the key for both Nader and Bentil, and they both have the size to accommodate it.

What goes hand in hand with position versatility for the Celtics is defense. The fluidity of their offense makes positions far less identifiable. One area position remains important is on defense. Without Evan Turner the Celtics may not have a guard that has the versatility to play the three, giving both Nader and Bentil an opportunity to secure some minutes if they can prove to guard both the three and the four.

Stevens has no problem using his undersized guard defenders on taller opponents. That being said, Turner has always been there to provide some stability behind Crowder, and they do not have any other one player that can replace that impact. Brown should have an opportunity right away, but if the Celtics are in search for more depth, then Nader and Bentil have shown signs of being able to contribute.

Nader is in a slightly better position than Bentil. The Celtics need that position versatility largely because of their small ball lineups. At, 6’8 Bentil would be oversized at the three. That being said, Bentil has one edge that could quickly earn him minutes, shooting. Another appeal to Bentil is the defensive success he had in College. Bentil has proven to be a capable defender and is in a strong position to have an impact on that end.

With a defensive rating just under 100, Bentil has an opportunity to avoid being a liability on that end. Shortcomings on the defensive end are the easiest way for a rookie to see any chance at a role dissolve. At 230 pounds, Bentil has an advantage that Ainge has made clear is valuable to the Celtics, an NBA ready body. Physcially, Bentil has an opportunity to hold his own in the NBA on the defensive end, and that is always valued by the Celtics.

Bentil has the size and strength to guard multiple positions for the Celtics and if Brown struggles at all he could fill a valuable role bringing depth off the bench. The Celtics have completely reshaped their front court and with one spot being held by the defensive liability Tyler Zeller, Bentil will be an option for the Celtics that can help on both ends if things come together.

Bentil has the size to establish a greater level of trust on the defensive end, a level of trust that is going to be essential for a role that is focused on guarding multiple positions. Nader, on the other hand, offers an intriguing small ball option off the bench. Nader also appears to have an edge physically, standing at jet 6’6, Nader weighs in at 230 pounds.

Nader offers a special kind of athleticism that could flourish with the Celtics. Nader ended up being one of the most impressive players in the summer league, and if he can prove to guard the four in small ball lineups, he could find himself right behind Brown on the depth chart.

Nader’s size can put him in a stronger position than most rookies to be a capable undersized defender. At the very least, Nader has proven that he can generate steals and can be an exciting transition player for the Celtics. The Celtics need players that can push the pace and if Nader can fill in at multiple positions, then Stevens can find multiple ways to use him off the bench.

As it stands right now, neither Nader nor Bentil can expect an immediate role. With the addition of Gerald Green, their small forward depth gets a boost, and with Zeller returning there is less room in the front court. That being said, injuries can pile up and with a lot of uncertainty on the roster ahead of them, Nader and Bentil can try to fill in the kind of role that Terry Rozier played last year. If they can do enough to earn even garbage time minutes, that is how Rozier earned the trust that allowed him to take over a role in the playoffs.

The Celtics did a great job of addressing their front court in this years draft and athletic versatility was a focus. The Celtics have a 6’8 power forward who can stretch the floor, and provide a solid body to guard threes, and they have a 6’6 small forward who has already shown signs of flourishing in Stevens’ small ball system in the summer league.

Next: How Gerald Green Impacts the Young Guards

If Nader or Bentil can prove that they can contribute at the NBA level, then they have the potential to fit phenomenally into Stevens’ system. A significant role is far out of their reach, but Rozier and Smart both proved that strong defensive contributions can earn a rookie minutes in the NBA.