Too Many Small Forwards, not a Problem for Celtics

Celtics can capitalize off of their depth at the small forward position.

With free agency around the corner the Celtics are in a great position. They have a solid young core, an abundance of future draft picks and enough cap space to sign a max free agent.

Not only did the Celtics select the highly skilled Jayson Tatum, but they also selected Semi Ojeleye. Ojeleye, out of Southern Methodist University, was projected to go in the mid first round, anywhere from pick 17 to 30. Ojeleye slipped in the draft, and lucky enough for the Celtics he was still available at the 37th pick.

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By selecting Ojeleye the Celtics got a young, explosive, small forward who can guard multiple positions and stretch the floor. Ojeleye led his conference in three point percentage. He can play right out of the gate as the Celtics do not need to worry about developing his skill set.

If Ojeleye plays well in the summer league, he might get an offer to stay on the team. He could very well beat out players the Celtics might be looking to part ways with, such as James Young, Gerald Green, Jonas Jerebko and Jordan Mickey.

During the offseason, there has been a lot of chatter of various free agents bringing their talents to Boston. Gordon Hayward is still the front runner for the Celtics as he would add a much needed scoring presence. Also, Hayward, has a strong connection with coach Brad Stevens dating back to Hayward’s college days.

Stevens was the first coach to officially offer Hayward a basketball scholarship. They spent two very successful seasons together at Butler as they made it to the National Championship game two years in a row.

So lets say the Celtics do sign Hayward. In this case, the Celtics would have a logjam at the small forward position. Granted they sign Hayward, the list of small forwards would include: Gordon Hayward, Jae Crowder, Jaylen Brown, Tatum, and Semi Ojeleye, assuming he makes the roster.

So why draft two capable small forwards when the Celtics might be signing another one?

While many view the logjam at the small forward position as an issue, the Celtics are looking to build for the future as they might be looking to resemble a similar lineup to that of the Golden State Warriors. A lineup which features two guards and three small forwards as a way to space the floor and allow for Isaiah Thomas to drive.

The Celtics can feature their flurry of small forwards such as Crowder, Ojeleye and Tatum at the power forward spot. This would not only allow for the Celtics to space the floor, but also allow for them to play at an uptempo speed. Even on defense this gives the Celtics more versatility as they can switch at multiple positions.

Brad Stevens has always liked swiss army knife type of players. Players who can do a bit of everything. There is nothing more swiss army knife then a lineup featuring multiple small forwards who can guard different positions, as well as contribute on the offensive end.

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While keeping all of their small forwards might stunt Brown and Tatum’s development by a year, the Celtics would be able to find opportunities for both of them to contribute in meaningful ways. All-in-all, look for the Celtics to feature a lot of players at the small forward position as they look to build for a team that can compete against the Cavaliers and the Warriors.