The Celtics 9-Man Rotation Circa 2021
So I wrote an article a little less than a week ago about how I believe certain rookies will progress better or worse than others on the Celtics in the upcoming years, but then I got a suggestion on Twitter to write a similar article I’ve decided to twist it a little bit into what I believe the 9 man rotation will look like for next year. Instead of just going over rookies, here’s the entire 9 man rotation that I believe the Celtics could roll out next year.
PG - Kemba Walker
I think it’s pretty unlikely we see anyone other than Kemba Walker in this sport for the foreseeable future. That is, unless he gets injured or takes a rest game, which is also unlikely for the most part. Boston just signed him to a max deal and that means they believe in him and trust him with the starting point guard spot. Oh yeah, and he started the All-Star game this year… so there’s that, too.
SG - Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown is slowly emerging as one of the best “second option” guys in the NBA. Whether Kemba is having a great game or Tatum is, Brown is usually the clear second option on the team. He’s proved time and time again that when players get injured, he’s ready to step up and possibly even be the go-to guy on offense. What makes Brown really special, though, is his elite defense. He can guard almost anyone on the perimeter, and is often even challenged with guarding guys like Siakam in the post. Brown’s just a super versatile, super young, super athletic guy who’s going to be starting for the Celtics for a long time. (Oh yeah, and he just signed an AMAZING contract extension to stay in Boston, too.)
SF - Gordon Hayward
Could Gordon Hayward be traded? Sure. Do I think he will be? Nah. Do I think he should be? No way. I’ve said this time and time again, but Hayward very well could be the best playmaker the Celtics have. @ParquetPress and I were even talking about it on our latest podcast, saying that he should be getting more looks as the primary ball handler. Let him bring the ball up the court and distribute more. He’ll be in Boston starting once again next year.
PF - Jayson Tatum
Even though I think Tatum is more of a small forward, he primarily runs power forward this year, and I think he will continue to do so in the future, as long as we have Hayward. What can I say about Tatum that hasn’t already been said? He’s a budding superstar and the best scorer the Celtics have. He’s a great defender, an even better shooter, and one of the best young stars in the NBA. He’ll be the face of the franchise for years to come.
C - Daniel Theis
I know, I know, this is the same exact starting lineup the Celtics have this year, but I don’t honestly think too much will change from now to then. I think Robert Williams III will definitely improve, but not to the point where he will be starting over Theis. Even if he does progress to being a better overall player, Theis’ floor spacing is still crucial to the success of the Celtics. Not to mention that he’s a well above average defender. He’ll be starting next year.
6th Man - Marcus Smart
Smart is just the perfect sixth man. He’s the longest tenured Celtic, and I don’t see him going anywhere anytime soon. His defense is unlike anyone else’s in the NBA, and I would argue that he hustles more than anyone, too. There’s no replacement for what Smart brings to Boston, and there’s no replacing the love that Boston has for him. If Ainge trades Smart, we riot.
7th Man - *Insert Free Agency Signing Here*
I am of the belief that the Celtics will end up signing someone in free agency. How they will clear up the roster space, I’m not sure, but I have to spice things up somehow. Boston doesn’t have too much cap space to work with, unless Hayward reworks his contract, so the signing will have to be a small one. Looking at potential suitors, I’d predict one of two things. Another guard/wing who can score and defend - like a Kentavious Caldwell-Pope or Austin Rivers type of guy, or a pure scorer/three-point threat - like a Davis Bertans or Jor Harris type of guy. This all depends on how much money the Celtics can free up, but I’d be happy with any of those four guys, or many others, filling this seventh man role.
8th Man - Grant Williams
To address the inspiration for this article, I think the only current rookie who will see consistent playing time next season will be Grant Williams. Waters and Langford will definitely get there, and Edwards has lots of potential, but if we’re talking about NBA ready players, it’s Grant. His defense and knowledge of the game are what separates him from the pack, and I see him sliding right into this eighth man spot.
9th Man - Brad Wanamaker
Now you may be thinking, “Jack what about Robert Williams? What about Tremont Waters? What about Enes Kanter?” Yes, I know Wanamaker is a seemingly odd choice here, but hear me out. If you look at the rest of the bench I have listed out, you see smart (a guard), a random free agent (who can most likely play a wing position), and Grant Williams (a big man who can run power forward and some center). There’s not a true point guard on the list, although Smart can play there. Add to the fact that there’s two centers (Robert Williams and Enes Kanter) who will also be splitting tenth man type minutes, and the point guard position is the only one going unchecked. Wanamaker is a solid player who gives his all every time he’s on the court. I love the role he plays for Boston.
This doesn’t mean that other guys won’t get any minutes. Expect Kanter, Williams III, Waters, Langford, and even Carsen to see minutes throughout the year next season, just that the four guys I have ahead of them will most likely average more per game, in my opinion. That’s my starting 9 next year, what’s yours?
