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Boston Celtics: Daniel Theis Needs More Minutes

By Ian Riaf

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 21: Daniel Theis #27 of the Boston Celtics plays defense against the New York Knicks on December 21, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 21: Daniel Theis #27 of the Boston Celtics plays defense against the New York Knicks on December 21, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With more minutes Daniel Theis can continue to keep on proving himself as a capable two-way player

As the oldest rookie on the Boston Celtics, Daniel Theis was not expected to make a big impact. His success, however, has surprised many as he has become an integral part of the Celtics rotation.

Theis currently sits at the 9th man spot. So far, he has averaged around 13 minutes per game. Players ahead of him in the rotation include Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier, and Marcus Morris. While all these players are deserving of more minutes and touches than Theis, he should not be playing less than 15 minutes a game.

The case of playing time and Theis on the Celtics is strange. So far, he has proven himself as an above average rebounder, defender, and finisher in the paint. That being said, there have been certain games where Theis has not seen more than eight minutes on the floor. So far, this has occurred nine times this season, quite a significant number in where he has not seen extended minutes.

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Given Theis’ level of productivity, this needs to change. His averages are lower than they should due to once in a while being left out of the rotation. When Theis plays extended minutes, he is more of an asset. When he plays more than 17 minutes per game, he averages 7.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. His three-point efficiency also increases when he is given extended minutes improving from 24.2% to 31.4%.

Theis provides more than just scoring and rebounding as his greatest asset is his defensive impact. Of forwards coming off the bench who have played over 20 games so far, Theis ranks 7th in defensive rebounding percentage, 8th in block percentage, 9th in total rebound percentage, and 10th when it comes to defending against opponents in the paint. These measures are very impressive considering the fact that Theis is still a rookie.

Theis has also proven himself as a solid perimeter defender with the ability to guard faster wing players. His size and defensive instincts enable the Celtics to go both big and small when facing different lineups. While he is naturally a power forward, the Celtics have featured him as a small ball center.

Next: Celtics Realizing Defense is their Identity

The league is moving away from traditional positions as Theis is a perfect positionless player who, with enough time and practice, could develop into a solid three point shooter. The Celtics would be smart to give Theis more than 15 minutes per game as he is a capable two-way player.

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