The Celtics are still figuring out their rotations, and that includes how they’re going to deploy their big men in the playoffs. After a rocky go of it after the first few games, the team settled into a steady rhythm with Neemias Queta emerging as a reliable starting center, and Luka Garza stepping it up to prove himself as a solid backup.
But just as that pattern started to gain some steam, the Cs made a big change at the trade deadline, sending out Anfernee Simons and bringing in a veteran center in Nikola Vucevic.
After the deal, Mazzulla and the Cs experimented with some double-big lineups for a few games, but those didn’t go well, and for the last few weeks, the Celtics have shifted back to a more standard rotation with Queta starting, Vooch playing the backup role, and Garza more or less out of the rotation.
And while Vooch has had some nice moments, there have also been some games where he doens’t have it, and there are clearly going to be some matchups that are tough for him, especially on the defensive end.Â
Celtics can't be afraid to bench Vucevic for Garza
It would have been easy for Garza to get upset or frustrated by the situation, as the demotion really was no fault of his own, but instead, he has kept a positive attitude and stayed ready for when his number is called. We saw him get a chance on Monday night with Queta resting, and Garza showed everything that made him a great backup earlier in the year.
He brought a relentless energy and attacked the glass like an animal, putting up 7 points and 10 rebounds, including a whopping 7 offensive boards, on 3-6 shooting in 19 minutes. Rather than looking like a player who was upset about losing his spot in the rotation, he played like someone hungry to prove himself and regain his spot.
Garza looked great in his limited minutes, and he continues to capitalize on every opportunity he gets. There are going to be nights, perhaps even in the playoffs, when the matchup is an ugly one for Vucevic. Joe needs to be ready to pivot back to Garza in certain situations, before it’s too late.
Vooch is the big name, the proud veteran, the former All-Star. But Mazzulla can't just give him the minutes automatically based on reputation. On this team, minutes are earned, and that should be even more true in the playoffs.
I’m not wishing struggles on anyone, but if the Celtics get in trouble and there’s a team that can play Vucevic off the floor, hopefully, Mazzulla won’t hesitate to make the right move and do what’s best for the team, regardless of what reputations might dictate.