Projecting starters, ideal rotation for C’s – NBC Sports Boston

With four preseason games already in the bag and only one left to go, the anticipation for the 2023-24 season opener against the Knicks next Wednesday is building. So, let’s dive into the Celtics Mailbag for the first time this season and see what’s on your mind.

Question: Do you think Derrick White would be better suited coming off the bench as a sixth man?

Answer: Before we get into the lineup discussion, it’s important to note that Joe Mazzulla emphasizes the importance of the full game and not just the starting five minutes. The cliché “It’s not who starts but who finishes” holds some truth. However, it’s still an interesting and enjoyable conversation to have. Personally, I’m not a fan of constantly changing starting lineups. NBA players thrive when they have clear roles and routines. Last season, Malcolm Brogdon embraced his sixth man role and excelled, earning a well-deserved recognition. Having a steady five for Boston might be challenging, especially if Kristaps Porzingis and/or Al Horford need consistent rest. Last year, Derrick White was initially pegged for a reserve role but ended up starting most games due to injuries. When healthy, I prefer the lineup that Mazzulla used against the Knicks, which featured White, Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis. This lineup maximizes guard depth by increasing White’s minutes and giving Payton Pritchard an important role off the bench. Additionally, Horford showed great energy in his first stint, and managing his minutes could be beneficial. The Holiday-White-Brown-Tatum-Porzingis lineup is likely to be the closing five, with possible variations against teams targeting Porzingis’ defensive weaknesses. However, this lineup is the most skilled offensively and should not struggle in crucial moments. The goal should be to give this group as much playing time together as possible before the playoffs.

Question: Do we have any significant bench depth beyond Payton Pritchard and Al Horford?

Answer: The top eight players in the rotation are clear, comprising the six starters and Pritchard and Sam Hauser. However, beyond that, things become uncertain. Let’s focus on the wing positions for now. No player on the bubble has truly stood out during the preseason games. Oshae Brissett and Lamar Stevens play with great effort but struggle to score. Dalano Banton has shown flashes but needs to maintain a high motor, as Mazzulla pointed out. Svi Mykhailiuk has the shooting and playmaking skills to earn playing time but needs to improve defensively. Jordan Walsh is the best two-way wing option, but being only 19, he will need time to adjust to the professional level. The Celtics should have enough offensive talent on the court at any given moment, so it might be acceptable to rely on Brissett’s energy in a low-usage role for backup wing minutes. Mykhailiuk could be a spark off the bench when the team needs an offensive boost.

Question: With our centers being injury prone, is there a chance Neemias Queta could be called up, now that Robert Williams III is gone?

Answer: It’s a bit concerning that J.D. Davison has a higher defensive rebound percentage than Luke Kornet in the preseason games so far. However, we shouldn’t dismiss Kornet’s ability as he has been a reliable depth option in recent seasons. The third big man position is probably the most significant roster storyline heading into the season. If Kornet performs like last year, prioritizing rebounding over flashy contests, the Celtics can rely on single-big lineups and limit the reliance on depth big men. With the departure of Robert Williams III, it would be intriguing to get a better look at Neemias Queta. He could provide emergency depth on nights when Horford or Porzingis need rest.

Question: Turnovers.

Answer: This one-word mailbag entry has already increased my blood pressure. I can relate to the frustration of watching the team commit sloppy turnovers, especially during Tuesday’s game. Although some of the clunkiness can be attributed to preseason rust, a team as talented as the Celtics should not consistently have lapses like the ones we witnessed in the second and third quarters. The Celtics have the ability to derail themselves with careless play, as we highlighted last season. They must eliminate these lapses and play up to their potential.

Question: If you could add one non-All-Star from Celtics history to this team (besides Robert Williams III), who would it be?

Answer: It’s amusing that you already assumed I would mention Robert Williams III, but let’s explore other options. Jiri Welsch (for wing depth!) and Joe Forte (imagine the sideline antics!) come to mind, showcasing the lasting impact of the Big Three eras. However, if we focus on adding a center, Aron Baynes or a wing like James Posey would be valuable additions. Having said that, give me Guerschon Yabusele and let’s ship the Larry O’Brien Trophy to Boston.

Question: Who will be during “Gino Time”?

Answer: I love this question, and we might have multiple opportunities to answer it this season. The answer could depend on the two-way players on the roster for that particular night, but a lineup consisting of Davison, Banton, Stevens, Walsh, and Queta would be worth staying in your seat for. Throw in some Mykhailiuk if he isn’t getting much playing time otherwise.

Question: Title or bust?

Answer: It’s a long season, and many unpredictable events can occur. However, considering the talent on the team and how close the Celtics have been to a title in recent years, it’s hard to view the 2023-24 season any other way. The Celtics have strengthened every level of the organization, from the additions of Porzingis and Holiday on the court to the enhanced coaching staff led by Mazzulla, Charles Lee, and Sam Cassell. Jeff Van Gundy brings a fresh perspective to the front office. The Celtics are undoubtedly going all-in, and the expectation should be a championship. While circumstances may arise that temper this expectation, right now, there is only one destination in mind for this team.

Reference

Emily Turner

Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.