Boston Celtics: Aaron Nesmith and Romeo Langford need to step up

With Kemba Walker gone, the Boston Celtics roster will already look a lot different next season. Al Horford is back and the young players will likely step into bigger roles.

Re-signing Evan Fournier is supposedly priority number one this offseason, but there’s always the chance that he leaves. Due to this, two young players in particular need to be prepared — Aaron Nesmith and Romeo Langford.

Both wings are set to take on much larger roles next season. Even if Evan Fournier re-signs, their role will go from spot minutes to regular contributor.s

While it’s not certain Tristan Thompson will get traded, most assume that it’s a work in progress. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the Boston Celtics’ potential rotation.

In rough order from most minutes to least, this is what Boston’s rotation could look like: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Evan Fournier, Robert Williams, Al Horford, Payton Pritchard, Aaron Nesmith, Romeo Langford.

That means both Nesmith and Langford would be a regular part of the nine-man rotation. That’s a huge jump from how much they played last season.

In terms of total minutes played last year, Nesmith ranked 11th on the team and Langford ranked 15th. Daniel Theis ranked above both of them, despite being traded at the deadline.

Going from that to being staples in the rotation will be a big-time test for the young wings. This means more responsibility on both ends of the floor.

While each has shown immense potential, both have been inconsistent at times. Both seemed to be putting it all together towards the end of last season, but that won’t be good enough next year.

If they struggle, there won’t be much depth to back them up. At best, it would mean Jabari Parker and/or an unnamed free agent takes their minutes.

While the Boston Celtics have the most talent at the wing position, they also don’t have a ton of depth. With the goal being to build around Tatum and Brown, their young wings will have to mature very quickly.

Boston Celtics fans don’t like losing, and last year saw the team lose a lot more than most thought they would. Another losing season will not be taken lightly.

In a sense, it’s a make-or-break season for these two players. While they wouldn’t necessarily be cut or traded if they play poorly, an extremely high standard is sure to be set.

Can Aaron Nesmith and Romeo Langford step up to the plate for the Boston Celtics next season?

Only time will tell.