NBA Offseason: Projecting Lineup Position Battles

Mar 28, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Celtics forward Jared Sllinger (7) tries to maintain possession of the ball against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics– Power Forward (Jared Sullinger vs Brandon Bass)

While all other Celtics starting lineup spots seemed locked up, Jared Sullinger and Brandon Bass will battle out for the power forward spot. This is a classic case of efficiency (Bass) versus production (Sullinger). Believe it or not, both players averaged the same exact minutes (27.6), so it will be easy to prove who the more productive player was.

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Sullinger averaged 13.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists; Bass averaged 11.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. While Sullinger put up the better numbers, Bass is much more efficient as he shot 49% from the field to Sullinger’s 43%. Bass shot 86% from the charity stripe, while Sullinger shot 78%. Bass is more efficient and is the better defender but the production of Sullinger provides on the glass and as a better scorer is hard to turn down.

Sullinger also added a three-point shot to his inventory this season, as he shot 27%, making nearly one per game. In order for the Celtics to win they must start Sullinger and use Bass as the primary big off the bench, as it is likely he will bring more energy off the bench anyway (Kelly Olynyk will start at Center).

Winner- Sullinger