8. Boston Celtics
Starters – Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, Amir Johnson, Al Horford
Bench – Marcus Smart, Gerald Green, Jaylen Brown, Jonas Jerebko, Tyler Zeller
A lot of talk has surrounded the newish look of my beloved Celtics, but not enough attention has gone to the bench.
Marcus Smart is already a defensive pest, but if he can find his rookie form in terms of offensive production in the next few seasons, they may be able to trade IT and get a nice return. (Full disclaimer, I love IT, but Smart doesn’t get enough love).
Gerald Green returns to where he played some of his best basketball in his journeyman career, and if he can find some of his offensive production he left in Phoenix…. the bench may outscore the starting unit some nights.
Jaylen Brown is an exciting and athletic prospect who was controversially taken No. 3 overall by the C’s in this year’s draft, but will most likely not beat out incumbent starters Jae Crowder and Amir Johnson. He could be one of their starting forwards of the future, but for now will be (attempting to) posterize opponents left and right.
Jonas Jerebko is a poor man’s Kevin Love, and was one of the Celtics’ better 3PT shooters last season. He can score in bursts in a hurry if given the space. This new look bench should give him just that.
Finally the Celtics re-signed Tyler Zeller, who I project to be the backup center unless Brad Stevens want to actually give Jordan Mickey some real competition other than the D-League. Either way, both players will just be asked to rebound and hit some jump shots; which may give Mickey the edge.
The point is the C’s are in very good shape with their deepest roster probably since the Big 3 days that should carry them to a top-3 seed.
Next: No. 7