Boston Celtics: 3 rotation side effects of Juan Hernangomez signing

The Boston Celtics could play recent draft picks less

Romeo Langford and Aaron Nesmith were already set to battle each other for a potential starting role this coming season. Nesmith had a better 2020-21 due to a spirited end to the season, but Langford’s postseason performance reinvigorated his stock.

The arrival of Josh Richardson put the former #14 picks on notice. Richardson has been a starter the last two years in both Philadelphia and Dallas, and was given an extension from Brad Stevens upon his arrival in Boston.

Now, with Juan Hernangomez on board, minutes will be even tougher to come by for the lottery pair. The last side effect we covered (Tatum at small forward more) is the primary catalyst since Hernangomez won’t directly take either player’s spot on the court.

The win-now nature of this year’s team could either bring the best out of Langford and Nesmith or overwhelm the young duo. Nesmith struggled in the postseason last year, and Langford has never been able to lock down a definitive role.

Hernangomez puts the heat on them to step up or step aside this coming year. While Nesmith has a longer leash, it really seems like it’s do or die time for Langford in Boston.