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What is the Boston Celtics closing lineup?

By Logan Reardon

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 25: Gordon Hayward
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 25: Gordon Hayward /
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BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 25: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait during the 2017-18 NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 25: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait during the 2017-18 NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Jayson Tatum

Similar to Brown’s situation, No. 3 overall pick Jayson Tatum is a rookie who might struggle for consistent minutes. His teammates, however, are already impressed with his training camp performance:

Tatum was solid in summer league, averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists in six games. People around the league seem impressed with the Duke product, but it remains to be seen how much he actually plays this year.

Like Brown last year, Tatum will have great moments. He’ll also struggle defensively and shooting from deep consistently.

A lineup consisting of Irving, Smart, Hayward, Horford and Tatum works offensively and for spacing. But there is no doubt that lineup would struggle on the defensive end.

It’s realistic to expect Tatum to finish some games, but he certainly won’t be a consistent force in that closing lineup.

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