The Boston Celtics should be able to maintain their defense with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward
The Boston Celtics built their identity this season around defense. Whenever they were playing great, it was behind their defense, and any time they depended too much on offense, they struggled.
The Celtics have embraced as much versatility and dynamic defenders as possible, and it has put them in a position to be confident defending any team in the NBA. They have proven that they can slow down even the most elite defenses, but there will be adjustments next season.
Kyrie Irving spent enough time as a part of a great defense for the Celtics last season to be confident. He was never a standout defender, but there is no doubt that Brad Stevens made it work.
Having a two guard with the size and defensive ability of Jaylen Brown makes a big difference, and having a great backup defensive point guard come off the bench with Marcus Smart is another massive boost.
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The Celtics use all their versatility to make up for any potential holes, and last season there were not many holes. They maintained a high standard with many different players in the lineup, but it will get a bit more complicated with Hayward next season.
Right now, it looks like the starting unit will be Irving, Brown, Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward and Al Horford. Keep in mind, the duo of Horford and Aron Baynes was truly elite defensively last year, and made sure the Celtics did not get killed in too many small ball situations.
By inserting Hayward into the lineup, essentially replacing a big with a wing, the Celtics are putting a lot more pressure on their versatility. Horford will have to do more, because he does not have the interior support of Baynes.
Both Tatum and Brown will have to take on more difficult assignments, because there is going to be more size from their opponents that is not accounted for. In the end, it will be more difficult for the Celtics to play great defense, but that does not mean they cannot.
Keep in mind, Stevens can have more traditional options that will come off the bench, and can help accommodate lineups that way. Even with those five starters, however, there is reason to believe the Celtics can make it work.
First of all, that lineup is so unbelievably deadly on offense that teams will have to adjust. They will be small, but it will be a lot harder for teams to force the Celtics to go big, because that small ball lineup will force the issue against anyone.
On top of that, it may be difficult to make work, but these are still strong defenders. Irving made it work last season, Hayward was a crucial part of truly elite defenses every year with the Jazz, and both Brown and Tatum are well on their way to being elite. Add on the incredible versatility of Horford and Stevens still has a lot to work with in this lineup.
Hayward may not bring some of the traditional size they will need at times, but he is a sound defender and a phenomenal athlete. He has the length to be disruptive, and will be able to keep up with any kind of switching that the Celtics are looking for in him.
It will certainly be more difficult, because the Celtics are going to miss out on rebounding, and will have weak spots for teams to attack. The good news is that Stevens is masterful at masking those weak spots, and he has more than enough talent to find what he needs to make it work.
Next: Looking into Jaylen Brown's Role
The Celtics know that their offensive talent is off the chart, and that will be their biggest strength. If, however, they are able to maintain their elite defense, this should be the most balanced team in the NBA next season.