Finding Our Playoff Bench
So after this last road trip with Marcus Smart in the starting lineup for an injured Kemba, it’s become clear that the Celtics really don’t have much depth. Don’t get me wrong, I love our rookies, it’s just that most aren’t experienced enough to truly contribute on a consistent basis. That being said, I’ll admit that when Kemba returns, Smart’s addition back to the bench will bolster our scoring from there, but that still doesn’t fix the issue of true depth. Kanter hasn’t been the same since his nagging hip injury, and the lack of bench scoring has been shining through in a big way. Especially in losses. That being said, we can’t play our starters 48 minutes a game in the playoffs, so I’m going to try and determine who the last guys off the bench will be.
For the purpose of this exercise, I’m going to assume Smart is our clear sixth man, and try and figure out who the best people for the seventh and eighth man role will be. I’m also going to , unfortunately, assume that Kanter will not be the same Kanter he was earlier this season. Other than that, I have the whole rest of the roster to examine, and I think I’ve narrowed it down to five guys for two rotation bench spots. Semi Ojeleye, Brad Wanamaker, Grant Williams, Robert Williams III, and Romeo Langford.
7th Man - Brad Wanamaker - PG/SG
When I’m on Twitter, there are only two men I see blamed whenever the Celtics lose - Gordon Hayward and Brad Wanamaker. I just don’t get it. Wanamaker is one of the most consistent three-point shooters on this team (39% from three). Not only is he consistent from deep, but he’s also our most consistent player health wise. He’s played in the most games out of anybody on the team (58/59), which at this point in the team has to count for something. His averages of 6.6 points and 2.6 assists lead the bench unit (leaving out Smart and Kanter), and overall it just seems like Stevens and the organization like him as a player. Wanamaker has this pitbull attitude to him where he’ll do anything that’s needed of him, including jumping in front of a Giannis dunk earlier this season (I’ll never forget that moment of terror). He’ll be a part of the playoff rotation.
8th Man - Semi Ojeleye - SF/PF
I actually wrote this article a few days prior to the Cavs game and had to come back to it and rewrite this section. I originally had Grant Williams here, but with the performance Semi had against Cleveland, it seemed wrong to put him any lower than this. While I still think Brad is above him on the rotation chart, I think Semi could be an x-factor come playoff time. The only real reason Wanamaker stays as the 7th man for me is because of our lack of guard depth. Past Kemba, Marcus, and Jaylen, who’s more of a wing in my opinion, Wanamaker is our only true depth at guard. That means he’s higher in my playoff rotation. But if Semi can keep up this hot streak, or at least stay somewhat consistent on offense to pair with his great defense, he’ll play a big role for us come playoff time.
Based On Matchup Guys - Grant Williams (PF/C) and Robert Williams III (C)
These guys could very well crack the 8-man rotation and I wouldn’t be surprised at all, but I feel like they’re more likely to come in the game when the matchup favors their playstyle. For example, Robert Williams will get his opportunities when the offense is running through pick-n-rolls and rim rolling. This is where he shines because of his innate ability to get up and catch lobs. Also, when the defense needs a more shot blocking, mobile center. Although Theis is our best center by far, in my opinion, Williams is almost an elite shot blocker because of his amazing athletic ability, so we’d use him more in those scenarios.
Then for Grant, he’s so young it might be tough for him to adapt to the very different playoff atmosphere where you’re facing the same team over and over again. He’s a great young piece, with more knowledge than his years show, but with Semi performing so well, and Robert Williams back at seemingly full health, it’s tough for me to imagine him getting big backup minutes consistently in the playoffs. However, if Theis gets in foul trouble, or the matchup favors Grant in Stevens’ eyes, he’ll see the floor some.
Just Missed the Cut - Romeo Langford (SG/SF)
This is just a case of not being necessarily ready yet. Romeo’s a great player, and a prospect with a very bright future and insane upside, but he’s not ready to guard most of the elite wings who are on playoff teams. His shooting isn’t that consistent, his defense is good but not great, and his game IQ is improving, but not all there yet. Plus, on a team based around wings, it’ll be hard for him to get minutes anyways.
