The Boston Celtics are beginning their preparation for what they hope will be a deep playoff run. With four games left in the season, Boston sits as the second seed in the East and is looking to make one final push for the first seed. Although it’s unlikely for the team to clinch the top seed, the team is ready to go head-to-head with any team on their road to the 2023 NBA Finals.
Throughout the season, the Cs dealt with an abundance of injuries and rest nights, forcing multiple players to step up into the rotation. With key contributions up and down the roster, it’s time for the Celtics to finalize their playoff lineup. The postseason typically trends towards teams sticking with a six-to-eight-man rotation. This being said, some players may not be getting their usual minutes moving forward, especially depth players.
The playoffs typically bring out the best in players, and each year a new star is born. With the first round right around the corner, players look to make their mark and leave an impact on the series. These are some players who may rise to the occasion or fall flat when it matters most.
3 X-Factor Boston Celtics that could surprise
Sam Hauser
The sharpshooting big man has improved tremendously for the Cs in his second season as a pro. With a 9.5 minute per game increase this season, the Virginia alum has proven he can step up to the plate on multiple occasions. There’s no secret that the playoffs bring a different atmosphere and intensity, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Hauser used the setting to his advantage.
The six-foot-seven forward has found himself in the starting lineup five times this season. Averaging 13.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists as a starter, he notched double digits in all but one game. Hauser’s ability to stretch the floor could earn him minutes in the playoffs.
The 25-year-old’s ability to get hot and knock down 3s at a consistent rate could be huge for the Celtics. If given the chance, Hauser could elevate the Celtics already dangerous offense to another level. Whether or not coach Mazzulla elects to play small ball or double bigs could affect Hauser’s status minutes wise, but his versatility may give him the edge he needs to get on the court. The ability to play at guard and forward could make him a viable option in the postseason.
Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin has been the definition of a pro this season. The season veteran has brought leadership among all things but has shown the ability to give meaningful minutes for the Celtics when thrown into the fire this season.
Griffin has shown nothing but promise in his starts this season. In 15 games as a starter, the former No. 1 overall pick has averaged 8.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. But Griffin hasn’t just been great as a starter. The big man has shown his ability to contribute off the bench as well. The Oklahoma alum has also brought a rare form of hustle to this Boston Celtics group in his minutes. Whether it be taking charges or diving for loose balls, Griffin shows his desire to win at all times, which is exactly why he could play a sneaky big role in the playoffs.
If Boston elects to throw Griffin out there in any series, not only will he add another threat from 3-point range, but his rebounding could be a huge factor in earning the ex-Clipper minutes. If given the opportunity, perhaps he could turn back time like Al Horford has when the postseason begins. Everyone knows the stories of “Playoff Al”, but could Griffin make a similar name for himself?
Grant Williams
Grant Williams has been a talking point for the Celtics all season long. Following the C’s failure to get an extension done with the fourth-year man in the offseason, Williams was mentioned in trade rumors all the way up to the trade deadline. However, Brad Stevens elected to keep the Tennessee product on the roster.
The 24-year-old was a huge part of the Celtics run to the NBA Finals last year, and without him, who knows if the team would have made it that far? Despite the noise about him “regressing”, Williams has actually improved his game in nearly every category. Averaging 8.2 points per game, 4.7 rebounds per game, and 1.7 assists per game, the big man is still important to Boston’s bench. Williams is also shooting 45.9% from the floor and 40.2% from 3-point range, the third-highest three-point percentage on the team.
The six-foot-six forward rose to the occasion last season, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him do it once again. Any Celtics fans who don’t think he can play a huge role in the rotation this season should watch Williams’ Game 7 performance against the Bucks less than a year ago. Perhaps his game-high seven 3-pointers will change their minds.
Robert Williams III
While this may not be what many want to hear, hoping for the best and preparing for the worst could be what many need. There is no secret that Williams is arguably the most impactful player on the team. Williams’ presence alone can sway a game one way or another. When he’s on the floor, he is a threat to block a shot into the third row at any given time.
But the key words there are “when he’s on the floor.”
The 25-year-old has dealt with nagging injuries since his rookie season, and his availability may be the biggest concern. Timelord rushed back last season for the playoffs and seemingly wasn’t himself all postseason. His explosiveness wasn’t the same, and his ability to make game-winning plays took a hit. The injury led to the Boston Celtics starting center missing the start of the season before returning to get injured again. The big man has only played 33 games this season and has yet to get a consistent stretch in this season.
A healthy Timelord could change the Celtics’ dynamic on its own, but the fearful part is his ability to have availability for a long postseason run.
Marcus Smart
This name may come as a surprise to many. While Marcus Smart is the heart and soul of this Boston Celtics team, there have been some games that Smart’s decision-making has cost the Cs this season. On the flip side, the Oklahoma State product has also kept Boston in multiple games this season with his gritty defense and unmatched hustle. But with Smart’s game, you know what you get on a nightly basis defensively. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year’s tenacious defense is a constant, but the starting point guard’s offense comes in flurries.
In his second full season as the team’s playmaker, he’s averaging a career-high 6.3 assists per game. However, since entering the league, Smart has always been a streaky shooter. Why does this matter?
The Cs added another proven guard to the mix this season in Malcolm Brogdon. Although there hasn’t been an impact on Smart’s game yet in the regular season, the postseason can cause lineup changes in an instant. The win or go home factor of the playoffs forces coaches to shake things up.
Smart’s defense will always be important, but if the 29-year-old struggles on offense, Brogdon could certainly find himself cutting into Marcus’ minutes. Brogdon’s ability to play exceptional defense and offense could help the Six Man of the Year candidate earn more minutes.