As unpredictable as Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens has been in his first offseason in charge of player movement, it appears that his head coaching hire may share that same spirit.
Ime Udoka, who has served as an assistant coach for a few franchises before but makes his head coaching debut in 2021-22 with the Cs, is already pushing for a surprise candidate in his starting five.
While many assumed Robert Williams’ $54 million extension this past summer meant a guaranteed starting frontcourt role, that might not be what is in the cards based on early training camp returns.
Al Horford might be that guy instead if Udoka’s comments are any indication of his rotational plans:
Ime Udoka said Al Horford is making a “huge case” to start.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) September 30, 2021
Ime Udoka said Al Horford looks fresh: “It’s noticeable. … he looks lovely, fresh and looks rejuvenated. We’re loving what we’re seeing from him.”
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) September 30, 2021
Horford started alongside Aron Baynes at PF in spurts during their two years together in Boston and has also been the primary big man alongside four other shooters.
In 2021-22, Udoka will have no shortage of options based on the number of new faces Stevens and the Boston Celtics front office brought aboard. Newcomers Josh Richardson, Dennis Schroder, and Juan Hernangomez could all make cases for the starting role while incumbents like Aaron Nesmith and Romeo Langford could also compete for minutes.
If he starts Horford, it’ll be because last season in OKC was no fluke after the 35-year-old struggled in Philadelphia after bolting Boston for a four-year, $109 million free agent deal with the Sixers in 2019.
Cs fans have only experienced playoff runs with at least one series victory when starting Horford alongside the ‘Jays’ so this should be pretty hopeful news for fans in green.