According to a recent analysis by Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, the Boston Celtics have the fourth-best starting five in the NBA, behind (in order) the Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks.
“It should come as little surprise that the team with the league’s best record and net rating has a dominant starting five,” he notes. “In fact, it has a few.”
“Deciding which one to go with might take a bit of mind-reading. Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla would probably be fine with most of the potential options, but we’ll go with the defense and versatility of Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Al Horford.”
“Robert Williams III was the fifth starter for much of last year, but this smaller lineup with Derrick White brings even more switchability and playmaking,” he suggests.
Improving his diet and flexibility through eating well and doing yoga — now a staple of athletes in the Association — the Centenary College alum added years to his time in the league. https://t.co/THyATk9hrP
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 25, 2023
With this lineup, per Bailey, “the Celtics are better equipped than just about any team to switch all over the floor and attack from any position on the other end.”
So why are they ranked just fourth? Check out the article in full to find out.
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
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