Does Boston Need Another Small Forward?

One of the only problems with establishing such incredible guard and power forward depth is that it has left the Boston Celtics with one lone small forward. The Celtics tried to trade up in this year’s draft for another small forward in Justise Winslow but with that not panning out there is no depth behind Jae Crowder.

The Celtics do, however, have some flexibility with Evan Turner, Perry Jones and maybe even Jonas Jerebko. Both Jones and Jerebko could bring a significant size increase over Crowder, but they will show a significant decline on the defensive end. Turner, on the other hand, maintains a similar height without take a huge step backwards on the defensive end.

Apr 23, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) defends against Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) during the second half in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Cavaliers defeated the Celtics 103-95. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Even if those three may be physically the best options to switch positions and backup Crowder, there may be a benefit to getting even more creative with who plays that position. The Celtics may struggle to get all their guards and power forwards the playing time they need to develop and the need at small forward gives them options.

It may never be feasible because of the impact on the defensive end but using the likes of Terry Rozier, R.J Hunter and David Lee at the small forward position will allow Stevens to better distribute his minutes.

Not only do the Celtics need to allow their young prospects to develop, but they want to get a better idea of what these players are capable of. Stevens has no problem going small or getting creative with lineups and even if it may be disruptive to have Rozier switching around positions, it may be better in the long run.

There is no doubting that the Celtics will eventually need a solid backup small forward but as they stand now, they can afford to be more creative. The Celtics have not yet settled into their core and have not yet established many different positions for the team.

Even if Rozier or Hunter or even James Young is playing the small forward position, it may be more of a superficial label than anything else. Stevens’ system makes the small forward and shooting guard position almost interchangeable and it is a great opportunity to get some of the younger guys even more minutes.

The biggest issue the Celtics could run into here is becoming way too small. The good news is that Rozier is the only player that would be significantly undersized. Hunter, Young and Lee all come in at adequate heights but that then creates a whole other problem.

Crowder may be the best defender on the team. Hunter, Young and Lee are not known for their defense and the Celtics may not be able to afford to have another liability at the small forward position. The Celtics do not have another player on their roster that can effectively backup Crowder but they will have minutes to spare and if they are selective, they can get away with playing a guard or power forward as the backup small forward.

Apr 21, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the fourth quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

A lot of these players are also very young and this gives them an opportunity to excel at a position that they are not accustomed to. Stevens may want to evolve his own backup small forward, rather that search for an outside one. The Celtics can get a good idea as to whether or not they desperately need another small forward, or if they can get by with a flurry of different players off the bench.

The Celtics are still in a transitional state and that gives them a lot more freedom in these areas. Before they can establish a strong core they need to know who is going to be a part of that core and they need to play a lot of different players to do that. Having no depth behind Crowder gives the Celtics a unique opportunity to have more minutes for the many different guard and power forwards they have on the team.

More from Hardwood Houdini

Home/Celtics News