2017-2018 Starting Five

[DERRENMATTS]

In anticipation of Marcus Morris being the same player he has been for the Pistons the last 2 years, he'll be a steadying presence off the bench. He could be the leader of the bench squad, along with Smart, with how tough and physical they play. Plus, Morris can score in isolation too.

So, my best guess at the moment is Baynes, Horford, Hayward, Brown and Kyrie in the starting 5.

Off the bench, Morris, Smart and Tatum will be our primary scorers (with Morris and Tatum being the go to guys when the offense needs points). Theis, if he keeps it up, will be our backup 4/5. Rozier is in line for a role. Both Nader and Larkin will try to secure their roles.

That means Semi and Yabusele are on the outside looking in.

Starting 5
Baynes
Horford
Hayward
Jaylen
Kyrie

Next 5 (main bench players)
Morris
Smart
Tatum
Theis
Rozier

Spot minutes
Larkin
Nader

[jmost]

I kind of expect to see Yabusele and Ojeleye taking turns in Portland, playing for the Red Claws. Guys that young need to play and keep developing in game situations. They'll get plenty of time to watch when they are active with Boston.

[DERRENMATTS]

Oct 4, 2017 14:27:08 GMT -5 jmost said:

I kind of expect to see Yabusele and Ojeleye taking turns in Portland, playing for the Red Claws. Guys that young need to play and keep developing in game situations. They'll get plenty of time to watch when they are active with Boston.

Until Yabusele can ratchet up his defense, he won't beat out Morris or Theis -- sending him down to the Red Claws will give him time to work on it.. Semi (or as Tommy called him, Semi colon), hasn't looked effective so far. I think he's confused whether to be a wing or a big man (not only defensively, but also on offense too). So the D-league will be useful for him too.

To think, our roster is so crowded that guys with talent like Yabu and Semi need to be sent down (last year, James Young made the 12 man roster). What an improvement we've made in talent.

[Celtic17]

Morris twins are cleared...

[jmost]

Apparently Smart volunteered to come off the bench.

www.celticsblog.com/2017/10/4/16427786/marcus-smart-volunteered-to-come-off-the-bench-boston-celtics-jaylen-brown

He seems to be maturing a lot. Now, if he can consistently hit those threes ...

[DERRENMATTS]

As far as his shooting goes, it has been tweaked, and though still not as compact as you'd like to see it, the results are better.

I think at this time, his confidence in his shot is growing -- but the moment he goes into a slump, doubts could set in and he may free fall.

[Celtic17]

Smart, Tatum and Rozier or Nader...
Makes for match-up issues, imo.
Pick any 2 bigs or go small. Works