Boston Celtics: An overview of the C’s guard rotation

This summer, the Boston Celtics’ most significant roster shift was altering their guard rotation, trading Kemba Walker for Al Horford to bolster their center rotation and move off of Kemba Walker’s maximum contract they signed him to two seasons ago.

From there, the Celtics moved Tristan Thompson to avoid creating a log jam in their frontcourt and acquired Josh Richardson and Dennis Schroder to help fill the hole Walker left. In addition to filling that hole, the Cs extended Marcus Smart, handing him the keys to Beantown’s point guard room.

The Boston Celtics offseason was a success given the parameters they were working under, and they’ve certainly improved from last season. Although the Celtics may not be high-level contenders like the Brooklyn Nets or LA Lakers, they are still poised to make noise and compete with their new additions.

Outside of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celts’ newly equipped guard rotation will play a significant role in their short-term goals and any potential playoff battles they may engage in.

Let’s begin with the presumed starting point guard, Marcus Smart. Smart will hold down the fort and do most of the Celtics’ facilitating beside the Jays, on top of his defensive responsibilities. Last season, Smart averaged 65 touches per game 49 passes made per game. Expect those numbers to increase with Walker gone and Smart at the helm.

Smart’s offensive load increasing is hardly a bad thing, depending on his attitude towards it. We’ve seen Smart lose control of his trigger and put up more shots than he’s supposed to, but conversely, we’ve also seen Smart take over and win games for the Celtics on the biggest stage. Any concerns with Smart’s discipline will have to be tabled, seeing as the Celts don’t have another choice outside of him.

Next up is Dennis Schroder, one of the most significant acquisitions of the Boston Celtics’ offseason. The 2020 6MOTY runner-up signed a one-year deal worth the taxpayer MLE, hoping to have a bounce-back season with the Celts to secure a payday the following summer. It’s a good deal for both sides and a deal I expect to pay dividends as the year goes on.

The Cs have been in desperate need of a backup point guard with Schroder’s capabilities for years now, so we can be sure Ime Udoka will put his game to the test. Schroder’s ball-handling responsibilities will balloon in comparison to his days with the Lakers, but he’ll also be asked to pass more than he will be asked to score.

With Tatum and Brown, the Boston Celtics will only need Schroder to score off those two’s advantages. I doubt Udoka would rather have Schroder creating for himself over the Jays.

On the defensive end, Schroder’s load will be the lightest of his career. He’ll likely be tasked with picking up the opposing team’s best bench contributor and won’t have too many challenges keeping up with guys in pick and roll with Robert Williams standing under the rim.

With all of the elite help-side and isolation defenders the Cs possess, Schroder’s days of picking up All-Star caliber guards every possession of every game are likely over. He’ll grab a quarter or two, but his load will be significantly increased, which will allow his offense to blossom.

Next up is Josh Richardson, another critical addition the Boston Celtics made this offseason. J-Rich is coming off the worst season of his career and desperately needs to bounce back as he’s set to enter free agency and the beginning of his prime next summer.

With all of the gravity, the Cs will generate on the perimeter and paint, Richardson should have an easy time getting to his spots if he chooses to find them.

An ample reason for Richardson’s struggles over the years has been his shot selection. He’s shot 33% from three over the last two seasons but is taking most of his shots from that area. If J-Rich wants to succeed as a scorer, he needs to put the ball on the floor and drive to the paint.

There, he can pull up from mid-range, where he shot 50% last year, or get to the cup for a layup, where he shot 67% last year. It’s all about efficiency for Richardson. If he can figure that out, he’ll land a nice payday next summer.

Richardson will get a lot of pick-and-roll reps with Horford and Williams outside of his scoring, meaning his tunnel vision will have to diminish. Both of the Celtics big men are easy targets if Richardson chooses to look for them. J-Rich can’t get selfish, but he can’t be passive either. It’s up to him and the Cs’ development staff to find the middle ground.

On the defensive end, Richardson gives the Boston Celtics unique size at the guard position they will leverage. Richardson’s point of attack defense has always been lackluster, but his recovery speed and help defense have shined in the past. Richardson can be one of Boston’s premier playmakers if he remains engaged off-ball, which I’m sure he will be.

After a successful rookie season, Payton Pritchard is set to take a step back in the Boston Celtics’ guard rotation. It’s not exactly the role he was hoping for after a productive rookie season, but it is one he can thrive in. Defenses won’t be as focused on Pritchard as they were the following season, therefore opening up driving lanes and spot-up three-pointers, he’s more than capable of knocking down.

Pritchard’s creation load will be at a minimum. Almost all of his production will likely be assisted by Boston’s creators. Considering Pritchard’s physical shortcomings, a role centered around working off of others is for the best. Last season, Pritchard shot 38% from the 3-point line without Marcus Smart on the floor, but with Marcus Smart on the floor, he shot 50% from downtown. With more open looks, Pritchard will thrive.

Lastly is Carsen Edwards, one of Danny Ainge’s second-round picks in the 2019 draft class. Edwards made his name in the summer league and pre-season following his selection but ultimately fizzled out in the regular season and has yet to make a mark on the Boston Celtics when it mattered. Edwards’ short stature and hot-and-cold shooting have led to his downfall and will likely determine whether or not he’s with the team past the trade deadline.

Edwards is a good shooter. He’s got a lightning-fast release with good fundamentals and sold creation upside. However, he hasn’t figured out how to stay hot without the ball, leading to his lackluster career three-point numbers despite all signs pointing to him being a good shooter. His inability to produce on offense has led to most of his DNP’s, but his defensive woes are why he’ll never be a consistent part of the Celtics’ rotation.

Edwards’ height makes him a target on the defensive end, but his lack of discipline worsens his situation. He doesn’t give any effort to resist drives, often resorting to fouling or letting his guy glide by him and to the rim for an open lay up.

Edwards also doesn’t hustle like smaller guards to take charges or play in passing lanes. He bleeds value on the defensive end, and with four guards in front of him who do not do that, it’s unlikely Edwards will ever see the court when it matters.

If Sam Hauser and Aaron Nesmith break out and become Boston’s go-to movement shooters, expect Edwards to be on the move.