3 takeaways from the Boston Celtics’ 2022 Preseason

No. 2: Going small could be a big issue

The Boston Celtics are missing a huge piece to their puzzle in cornerstone player, Robert Williams who is sidelined for 2-3 months from left knee surgery. How do the Celts replace that production of a defensive presence on the interior, a body on the offensive glass, and a highly successful double-big lineup?

The remaining options are far less glamorous than a member of the All-NBA Defensive Second Team. The one positive is the emergence of Derrick White as a weapon in the starting lineup as he is still a force defensively, but his shot has been tweaked to near perfection.

Before, there was hesitancy on the release; now it is quick and seamless. Shots seldom hit the rim after rolling off his wrists. Now, it’s nothing but twine to the delight of TD Garden goers and dismay of road crowds. White exploded for 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, three assists, and only one turnover per game on 62% shooting, 55% from three, and 85% from the stripe across four preseason games.

The biggest shock and brightest spot in the regular green and white rotation is by far.

The area of concern is how much of the weight will be on the aging shoulders of Al Horford. There were hopes of some load management with him this year, but Rob’s injury threw that out the window.  Newly acquired players in Blake Griffin, Noah Vonleh, and Mfiondu Kabengele offer some alternative lineups, but none that meet the efficiency and effectiveness of Time Lord at the five.