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Boston Celtics: 3 trends to watch in upcoming weeks

By Andrew DiIorio

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 25: Dennis Schroder #71 of the Boston Celtics drives against LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of their game at Spectrum Center on October 25, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 25: Dennis Schroder #71 of the Boston Celtics drives against LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of their game at Spectrum Center on October 25, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics, Grant Williams (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics, Grant Williams (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics trend to watch #2: Bench Rotation

Coach Udoka’s bench rotation has been a bit surprising through four games, with sophomores like Aaron Nesmith being buried in the depth chart. Many thought he would have a bigger role coming off of a stellar second half to his rookie campaign, but he failed to see the floor in the team’s last contest.

His spot has mainly been replaced by Josh Richardson, who has remained steady on the defensive side of the ball but has taken a back seat on offense, mainly acting as just a catch-and-shoot player. He has been effective at that role, hitting five of his 11 attempts from beyond the arc thus far.

When Romeo Langford shakes his nagging calf injury, he will likely get in the mix as well for bench wing minutes, with the Boston Celtics having an overload of capable rotational players after needing them for the past several seasons. This competition will be interesting to see play out over the season, with one of them maybe even moving into the regular starting lineup.

As of now, Grant Williams has been the most trusted Celtic off the bench, averaging just under 25 minutes a game. He seems to have solidified a spot in the rotation as a switchable big, acting as the backup center to Time Lord. If the C’s need a traditional center’s size in the middle, will Udoka dust off Enes Kanter for some minutes?

All in all, there are tons of decisions to be made with this roster, which is a good thing for the Boston Celtics. In years past, the bench unit would be filled with unproven players who the C’s were forced to rely on on a nightly basis. Now, if one player has an off-night, they can look to a similarly capable player to pick up the slack in almost every situation.

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