What if the Celtics bench Al Horford?

The Boston Celtics had the most effective five-man lineups all 12 months lengthy, and that group of gamers was a large a part of why the workforce propelled itself to inside two video games of the franchise’s 18th championship.

In fact, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will get the credit score for being the most effective gamers in that lineup, however every participant performed an vital function. It may very well be argued that Al Horford was an important in that grouping. The defensive switch-everything scheme that Ime Udoka is now well-known for because the Celtics decimated opponents for 4 months straight simply doesn’t work with out Al Horford.

A smaller participant in that place doesn’t permit Robert Williams to play off of hefty, back-to-the-basket facilities. And if Williams can’t do this, his capacity to supply award-winning assist protection is hampered. A clunkier, greater participant in Horford’s place doesn’t provide the defensive versatility. On the opposite finish, a participant with out Horford’s vary would completely kill Boston’s offensive spacing.

But right here I’m, like a madman, questioning what it could be like if Al Horford got here off the bench subsequent season. Right here’s a cause why to do it – Al Horford is 36 years outdated and is heading right into a 12 months the place he’ll possible keep away from enjoying in a single leg of back-to-backs. A lot inconsistency within the lineup might have an effect on the workforce, so possibly it could be much less disruptive to simply have him routinely come off the bench.

Moreover, Boston was by no means in a position to procure a reliable fourth center behind Horford, Williams and Grant Williams. Danilo Gallinari ought to, certainly not, be the man guarding facilities or enjoying heart. So, from a depth perspective, you could possibly have Horford successfully backing up Robert Williams at heart.

That, to me, is the principal argument. The most effective cause to alter what was the most effective defensive beginning lineup within the league is for roster steadiness and Horford’s longevity. There was a time when Horford seemed cooked in Philly. As we’ve seen in his stops in Oklahoma Metropolis and Boston final season, the additional relaxation was actually helpful as Horford went from early 2021 into enjoying late into June the next 12 months.

With even much less relaxation between final offseason and this, the Celtics needs to be discovering any manner doable to attempt to recapture the magic of older man Horford, and that features load administration in addition to potential lineup shifts.

Now, who would change Horford within the beginning lineup? Three choices come to thoughts – Grant Williams, Danilo Gallinari, or Malcolm Brogdon.

Picture by Brian Babineau/NBAE through Getty Photos

Grant Williams is the apparent selection. He conceptually matches as a participant who can house the ground, swap onto wings successfully (and guards competently sufficient), and has the chemistry with this group. Williams beginning would additionally steadiness the rotation higher, with Gallinari cleanly subbing in for the remainder of the minutes on the 4 whereas Horford would spell Robert Williams solely on the 5.

Danilo Gallinari is who you go to if you happen to’re searching for extra offensive punch. I see him because the least possible candidate, however nonetheless one value contemplating. Gallinari isn’t a powerful defensive participant, however one common defender received’t collapse the complete defensive scheme (see: virtually everything of Brad Stevens’ teaching run). Gallinari areas the ground virtually in addition to Williams whereas permitting for extra inventive offensive units.

Lastly, Malcolm Brogdon would power the Celtics to go small however in all probability has the best upside out of all of those choices. Brogdon is a borderline All-Star, and simply by advantage of being the most effective participant out of the three choices, he’ll warrant loads of consideration. Conceptually, he matches next to Marcus Smart and provides one other diploma of playmaking.

Sure, just about everybody has mentioned he’ll come off the bench behind Smart, however this isn’t about Good. We’re speaking about Horford. Tatum has confirmed to play successfully on the 4, so sliding him all the way down to have two guards ought to work. This might arguably be placing our 5 greatest gamers on the ground to start out every sport, and that may’t be a unhealthy factor essentially.