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Boston Celtics: Predicting the C’s 2021-22 rotation

By Seth Quinn

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 30: Jaylen Brown #7 jumps with teammate Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during player introductions prior to the start of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at TD Garden on December 30, 2020 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. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 30: Jaylen Brown #7 jumps with teammate Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during player introductions prior to the start of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at TD Garden on December 30, 2020 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. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Brian Fluharty-Pool/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Brian Fluharty-Pool/Getty Images) /

After a plethora of changes this offseason, starting with the resignation of Danny Ainge and the promotion of Brad Stevens to take his place, this upcoming season’s rotation for the Boston Celtics should look very different from last year.

With the lackluster depth problem from last year addressed, the Cs actually have some options they can go to in terms of both how many players they want to use each game as well as who plays.

Also, they have an interesting mix of veterans and young players, which only will make it harder for new head coach, Ime Udoka to decide the rotation next season.

In this article, I will attempt to form the best rotation possible that will maximize talent while not playing the starters too much.

In my eyes, I think a 10 man rotation will most likely be utilized to start off the season, which will probably be trimmed down to nine or eight towards the end of the campaign.

The first part of the rotation I will address is the starting lineup:

Boston Celtics predicted starting lineup:

PG: Marcus Smart
SG: Josh Richardson
SF: Jaylen Brown
PF: Jayson Tatum
C: Al Horford

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are for sure penciled into the starting lineup already, however, it’s not guaranteed what positions they will be playing.

Last year to the dismay of many fans, a starting-five with two bigs was used often.

While that could very well be used again next season, but with two different bigs in Al Horford and Rob Williams instead of Daniel Theis and Tristan Thompson, I personally feel that Tatum and Brown are better suited for the forward positions and only one big should be used.

I like Al Horford as the starting center over Time Lord given his ability to space the floor, and I also feel that in order to maximize Williams’ production, he needs to not be overworked early on in the season.

In terms of the two guard spots, I really like the versatility and defense of both Josh Richardson and Marcus Smart over a more offensive-minded guy like Dennis Schroder.

I also like Marcus Smart at point guard specifically, as he should do more playmaking rather than mostly settling for catch-and-shoot triples, which will play more to his strengths.

Based on many different indicators this offseason, including signing a four-year, $77 million contract extension to remain with the Boston Celtics long-term, it seems very likely that Smart will be the starting point guard next season.

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