The Boston Celtics have generally had their top-4 scorers in the starting unit, and that may need to change. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker account for 82.4 points per game, while the Boston bench ranks 28th in points-production at 27.6 PPG.
Because of injuries to some starters, Semi Ojeleye has seen an increase in minutes over the past few games. In the past two contests, he has averaged 31.9 MPG, 15.5 PPG and 6.5 RPG, while hitting 57% on field goals and 50% on 3-pointers. He may never be a volume scorer, but he is adequate on team defense and an exceptional one-on-one defender. And his rebounding has improved significantly this season.
So who goes to the second unit? Gordon Hayward is the logical choice. As a starter, he defers to the Jay Team and Kemba, possibly limiting his potential point-production. And he has the mindset to make such a move and not take it to heart. If his minutes don't take a hit, and he finishes most games, the shakeup is worth a shot.
Brad Stevens has been tinkering with his lineups as preparation for the post-season. Upon Gordon's return from a knee contusion, joining Marcus Smart on the second unit not only adds bench scoring, but also improved ball handling and facilitation. It just seems to be a way to better-distribute the current concentration of scoring relegated to the starting-five.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet
Because of injuries to some starters, Semi Ojeleye has seen an increase in minutes over the past few games. In the past two contests, he has averaged 31.9 MPG, 15.5 PPG and 6.5 RPG, while hitting 57% on field goals and 50% on 3-pointers. He may never be a volume scorer, but he is adequate on team defense and an exceptional one-on-one defender. And his rebounding has improved significantly this season.
Hayward's confidence seems to be coming and going and that drives me crazy. Coming off the bench he could have a bigger role for himself and do a really decent job in my opinion.
— Brother Andrej (@BriGGySmaLLzb) March 5, 2020
So who goes to the second unit? Gordon Hayward is the logical choice. As a starter, he defers to the Jay Team and Kemba, possibly limiting his potential point-production. And he has the mindset to make such a move and not take it to heart. If his minutes don't take a hit, and he finishes most games, the shakeup is worth a shot.
Brad Stevens has been tinkering with his lineups as preparation for the post-season. Upon Gordon's return from a knee contusion, joining Marcus Smart on the second unit not only adds bench scoring, but also improved ball handling and facilitation. It just seems to be a way to better-distribute the current concentration of scoring relegated to the starting-five.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet
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