Boston Celtics: 3 potential surprise starters for 2021-22 Cs

By Chris Conte | Sep 8, 2021

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 21: Juancho Hernangomez #41 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a three-point shot over Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on April 21, 2021 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics PF Juan Hernangomez

Next up on the list of potential surprise starters is Juancho Hernangomez. A few days ago, the Boston Celtics snatched the Spaniard from the Memphis Grizzlies for Kris Dunn, Carsen Edwards, and a future second-round pick. A quaint package, but don’t let that take away from what Hernangomez can provide.

At six-foot-nine, 214lbs, Hernangomez will be competing for the Celtics’ backup or starting power-forward slot. Usually, Jayson Tatum takes up the responsibility of power-forward, but between Grant Williams, Jabari Parker, Sam Hauser, and Juancho Hernangomez, there may be some wiggle room for him to play small forward.

If Udoka is willing to experiment with some lineups playing Tatum at the three and Brown at the two, Hernangomez could be the perfect candidate to slide into the starting lineup.

His shooting, extra passing, and rim pressure would all bode well next to the Jays and whichever center Udoka decides to start. Hernangomez’s skill sets are so portable that he’s compatible with anyone the Boston Celtics will throw out there with him, making him the perfect candidate to be a sleeper starter for Bean Town.

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