Boston Celtics: 3 replacements for Gordon Hayward in the starting lineup

Replacement for Hayward No. 2) Semi Ojeleye

Next up on the docket, we have Semi Ojeleye, a man who may not be the most talented figure on this Boston Celtics roster, but one that has proven capable of stepping up to the occasion when his number is called and who has a solid amount of postseason experience on his resume.

Not two years ago we saw Ojeleye be inserted into the starting lineup for the hobbled shamrocks. In round-one of 2018, the forward started the final three games of their seven-game series against the Milwaukee Bucks, where he was tasked with guarding the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Though the Greek Freak still managed to finish out the series on a high note — 25.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, 6.3 assists — Boston managed to get the last laugh, as they were able to finish off the series with a win and advance to the next round with Ojeleye as their main defender on the future MVP.

We also saw the 25-year-old shine in extended action during this year’s regular-season finale, accumulating 13 points and eight rebounds on 33 percent shooting from downtown.

Again, he may not be the “sexiest” of names that reside on Boston’s roster, but he certainly has proven capable of holding his own on the court when given an opportunity.