Who will start for the Boston Celtics this season? This author's version includes the incumbent, Neemias Queta, remaining in the first unit.
The case for starting Mitchell Robinson typically centers on dealing with teams intentionally fouling him. However, that shouldn't be as much of an issue with his new team as it was with the New York Knicks.
There were two main reasons that opponents wanted him off the floor. Primarily, it was about Robinson's impact on the offensive glass. Since the eight-year veteran entered the Association, no one is better at generating extra possessions.
The most important game within the game is the possession battle. Getting the Knicks to remove a seven-footer, who's as bruising as he is athletic, was a common strategy. It also took New York's rim-protecting center out of the contest. In Boston, this approach will be far less beneficial.
Why hack-a-Robinson will be less effective vs. the Celtics
Now, when he subs out, it will most often be for Queta. Among players who appeared in at least 60 games and logged 19 minutes or more last season, the latter also ranked in the top 10 in offensive rebounds per tilt, per NBA.com.
Queta also finished in the top 10 in blocks per game among those who suited up at least 60 times and played 25 minutes or more per matchup. His 1.3 rejections ranked ninth.
Getting Robinson off the floor will be far less rewarding now. Furthermore, the Celtics were already one of the best offensive rebounding teams before acquiring him. They grabbed 12.5 per contest last season. That was seventh. The Knicks were sixth, snagging 12.7.
Boston features wings like Jordan Walsh, Hugo Gonzalez, and Baylor Scheierman relentlessly attacking the glass. And Robinson now shares a depth chart with Queta and Luka Garza. Both are quite productive in that department. Even with their new center on the bench, Joe Mazzulla's club will continue creating second-chance opportunities at a high clip.
The Celtics can switch and start Mitchell Robinson if need be
Hack-a-Robinson isn't about to become extinct. Teams will still employ that strategy. It remains a viable way to blow up Boston's possession, sending a poor free-throw shooter to the line.
However, with the benefits significantly reduced, it should be far less of an issue. If that turns out to be false, Mazzulla can make the switch and insert Robinson into the first unit.
The Celtics can always adapt. That's easier for Queta to digest than starting the season on the bench. He was a top-10 player at his position in the regular season. Whether he can handle changing roles, as he did in Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers, isn't the point. Why ask him to, knowing you can adjust if that needs to happen?
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