As the preseason winds down, it’s time to start looking closely at the Boston Celtics roster.
So who’s on the roster, guard-wise?
Avery Bradley, Phil Pressey, Rajon Rondo, Marcus Smart, Marcus Thornton, Evan Turner, James Young, Will Bynum.
Initial Thoughts:
WOW. Now that’s a loaded backcourt from top to bottom. I count two returning starters for the C’s, two first round draft picks, and four skilled assets who have proven capable of providing quality minutes both starting and off the bench. Rondo’s injury should provide opportunities early on in the season for players such as Young and Thornton who may be competing for minutes early on, but in the end, expect something to give.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Celtics to play three guard sets often throughout the season, nor would I be shocked if by game 82 we only see about five of these players still on the roster. On a rebuilding team, the stacked backcourt should provide some hopeful signs for the future.
Expected Opening Day Starters:
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Avery Bradley and Evan Turner.
Yes Celtics fans I project Turner as the likely starter alongside Bradley in the backcourt when the Celtics host Brooklyn on October 29th to kick off the season. Turner’s strong play thus far this preseason and veteran experience in the league pushes him past Smart and Pressey for the starting role in Rondo’s absence.
Also, the fact Turner has started in each of the first four preseason games indicates the Ohio State alum may be closing in on the starting job when the season commences. He has clearly gained the trust of coach Stevens (NESN.com):
"“Evan is a prideful guy,” Stevens told reporters after the Celtics’ 96-80 loss. “When you’re a former (NCAA) National Player of the Year who is a guy that wasn’t all that heavily sought-after coming out of high school, you’ve got a little chip on your shoulder.“One of the things we’re excited about the addition of Evan is that he’s got even more hunger added to his norm, just because of the way last year ended for him. I think he’s looking at it as a fresh start and a start that he can take advantage of. And he’s certainly done that. I very much trust him in the game right now.”"
Well, there you have it Celtics fans. This is the first piece in a three part series of positional breakdowns (guards, forwards and centers) heading into the 2014-2015 season. Expect the next segment in the series to come in the next couple of days.