The changes the Boston Celtics have made will result in an offensive explosive and extremely versatile team. Wing position players will make all the difference.
If ever a team had an embarrassment of riches it might be these Boston Celtics. Nowhere is this more apparent that at the “wing” position. I see five players listed as wings for the Celtics that would start on a majority of NBA teams.
Certainly Gordon Hayward and Jae Crowder are bona fide starters. On a majority of NBA teams Jaylen Brown and Marcus Morris would be starters and I think the same can be said for Jayson Tatum. That’s a pretty impressive cast and it’s backed up by two more solid young talents in Guershon Yabusele and Semi Olejeye.
Last season we were talking about the logjam in the backcourt. This year the Celtics moved it up river. This team is stacked with 6’7″ to 6’9″ guys who are athletic, can shoot and defend.
One could expect that on a number of nights three of the above named will be in the lineup at the same time. Hayward and Brown specifically could take on the two spot with Crowder, Tatum or Morris at the four. Somewhere in this mix you have to add Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier.
More from Hardwood Houdini
- Boston Celtics’ two-way contract decision will be made after training camp
- Proposed trade sends Boston Celtics playoff killer to the Cs from rival
- ‘Face of Germany’s stunning run’ in FIBA World Cup not the only ex-Boston Celtics player to win gold
- Proposed Boston Celtics trade target pitched for reunion with fired coach
- Battle For Banner 18: Will Boston Celtics battle historical foe in 2024 Finals?
One point is sure. With this much talent at the wing the Celtics will play a lot of small ball.
While the Celtics may still have a couple of tricks up their sleeve, if the team as presently constituted goes into the regular season it will be successful.
Three players in particular have a chance to use the coming season to establish themselves as future super stars. If Smart, Brown and Tatum realize their potential then what? It is not out of the question to believe these guys could challenge Hayward and Isaiah Thomas for floor time.
Add two lottery picks next year and once again the Celtics will have some tough decisions to make. It is not unreasonable to expect these three to become too good to play just getting only second unit minutes.
At the end of all the moves and tough decisions is banners. When will the Celtics get their next banner? It is possible that they may have enough now to legitimately challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Next: What Can Boston Make of Tatum's Rebounding
The Warriors beat them, why not the Celtics. This Celtics team will score more and be as good defensively as last years team. Are they ready for the Warriors? I simply don’t know. But you have to play the games.