Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

Boston Celtics: Do not expect Aron Baynes to last long with first unit

By Joshua Bateman

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics defends against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks in Game Seven of Round One of the 2018 NBA. Playoffs on April 28, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics defends against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks in Game Seven of Round One of the 2018 NBA. Playoffs on April 28, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Boston Celtics are going back to Aron Baynes in the starting unit, but I would not expect that to last long

The Boston Celtics have decided to put Aron Baynes back in the starting lineup, after Semi Ojeleye replaced him against the Milwaukee Bucks. Keep in mind, Ojeleye actually led the Celtics in minutes played in the second half of a game seven. Brad Stevens trusts him as much as anyone on defense, and Baynes might face similar problems that kept him off the court against the Bucks.

It makes sense for Brad Stevens to go back to Baynes, because he has been successful with Al Horford against Joel Embiid this season. They were able to contain him in two out of his three performances, and Stevens has to go with what he knows best to start.

More from Hardwood Houdini

That being said, the Philadelphia 76ers did not have the same level of shooting when they played, with both Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova joining the team quite late. The 76ers love to surround Ben Simmons with shooters, and they will try to exploit Baynes the same way the Bucks did with Thon Maker.

It is a different dynamic, because the shooters on the Bucks are much more versatile. Baynes is better suited to defend the players on the 76ers, but their shooting could become overwhelming quite quickly.

With the way he played against the Bucks, the Celtics can be confident in his ability to hold his own against anyone on the 76ers.

Add on him being a threat from three point range, and the Celtics might need him on both ends to keep up with the shooting of the 76ers.

Baynes and Horford have been one of the best defenisve duos in the NBA this season, and they need a chance to prove they can handle this 76ers front court.

Next: Boston Celtics need Marcus Morris back

What we also know is that Stevens has no problem making quick adjustments, and we should not have to wait long to see if Ojeleye can be effective enough to steal that starting position again.

Home/Celtics News