Boston Celtics second unit will cost them east’s top seed

The Boston Celtics’ dominant 126-107 victory over the Washington Wizards was an amazing joy ride for Cs fans. The Celtics looked amazing, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown almost outscoring the Wizards through three quarters.

However, one thing that stood out that is concerning is that the bench is downright terrible.

If the Boston Celtics fail to add to the bench this season, it will cost them the number one seed in the Eastern Conference.

Boston Celtics bench holding team back in 2023-24 season’s early going

Although the Boston Celtics bench struggled at various points in the first two games, I had given them the benefit of the doubt. The Wizards game was the final straw for me as the Celtics starters exited the game with a 30-point lead, and the bench let it get to under 20. Boston’s bench play was so bad in the fourth quarter that it probably made most Celtics fans audibly sigh.

The Celtics bench shot an abysmal 4/24 from three-point range against the Wizards, which is unacceptable in a blowout game. When you look at the bench, there is not much talent, which is the downside of having an elite top six. Although I have zero concerns with the Celtics bench in the postseason (because bench play is less magnified), I do have concerns with the bench holding up in the regular season, especially on long road trips.

The Boston Celtics will go through stretches this season where they need bench guys to step up, and I don’t see how you can count on anyone other than Payton Pritchard or Al Horford. The Cs have to add to their bench this season, or they will lose out on the number-one seed to a team that has better depth.

Ultimately, it will be interesting to see how long Brad Stevens waits to add reinforcements to the bench.

Because he shouldn’t take his time.