Boston Celtics rotation considered eight deep

As things currently stand, Bleacher Report's Andrew Peters sees the Boston Celtics' rotation as being just eight players deep; shouting out the on-paper all-time starting five as well as Al Horford, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser.

"The Celtics' starting lineup consists of Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis," Peters prefaced before saying, "Boston has solid bench options in Al Horford, Payton Pritchard Sam Hauser, but it doesn't extend much past that. Boston's lack of depth hasn't hindered its success so far, but over the course of a long season it could start to take a toll."

Luckily, Boston is reportedly going to be aggressive in upgrading that shallow bench according to Shams Charania, who reported as much during the December 18 edition of Run it Back on FanDuel TV.

"They're going to be aggressive in just seeing what could be out there for bench help," Charania said of the Celtics.

Luke Kornet has disappointed in Boston Celtics second unit role

Had Luke Kornet played well enough this season, there wouldn't be constant updates from Shams about the Celtics needing help in their second unit. Instead, the lack of a steady big man behind the aging Horford and injury-prone Kristaps Porzingis will likely have Boston's front office looking at buyout targets or a small-scale trade for one.

As NBC Sports Boston's Chris Forsberg pointed out in November, Kornet sinks the team's efficiency in key areas when he's on the floor.

“The Celtics’ lack of pure size is well-documented," Forsberg prefaced before saying, "The team is leaning heavy on 37-year-old Al Horford and the oft-injured Kristaps Porzingis. That has thrust Luke Kornet into a hefty role, and Boston’s defensive rebound rate is a team-worst 69.6 when he’s on the court.

"We’ve long suspected the Celtics will examine options to add big-man depth before the trade deadline, if only to help ease the burden on their centers during the regular season. Kornet has had encouraging moments but second-chance opportunities have felt like back-breakers at times this season -- particularly when opponents are chipping away at runs.”

Brad Stevens has long invested in Kornet, but he may be reaching the end of his patience with the seven-footer soon.