On Saturday, The Boston Celtics came up short against the Memphis Grizzlies, concluding a grueling stretch of five games in seven days.
Four of those five games were against teams currently in the playoff picture, including conference rivals in the Cavaliers, Heat, and Bucks.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla relied heavily on his bench to navigate the challenging slate and secure a winning record (3-2).
During the stretch, 14 different Celtics played at least 10 minutes in a single game. Some surprise contributors included Drew Peterson, Jordan Walsh, and Baylor Scheierman, players not typically expected to be a part of the regular rotation.
Last season, the Celtics primarily used an eight-man rotation during their playoff run. As a result, Mazzulla faces tough decisions about who will become key contributors as the Celtics aim to repeat as NBA champions.
The recent sample size offers valuable insights into what fans can expect from the rotation moving forward.
The Starting Six
The top of the Celtics rotation is clear-cut.
Their starting lineup of Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porzingis is among the most formidable in recent NBA history. Last season, this lineup posted a net rating of +12 and improved to an astounding +17.4 in the playoffs.
This season, however, the lineup has struggled to replicate that dominance, posting a net rating of -8.8 through 112 possessions.
It is important to note that the sample size is small, as Porzingis is still finding his rhythm after missing the first month of the season with a left leg injury sustained during the 2024 NBA Finals.
Given the circumstances, there is no need to panic just yet. The team remains confident that this trend will improve as they settle into form.
Fortunately for Boston, they have another starting-caliber big man who provides reliability and leadership— Al Horford.
The 18-year veteran, now 38 years old, is averaging over 28 minutes per game. While his minutes have been slightly inflated due to Porzingis’ absence, Horford’s impact on both ends of the floor ensures his playing time remains significant even with a full roster.
According to Cleaning the Glass, every lineup combination involving these top six players resulted in a positive net rating last season. With this core, the Celtics dominated their way to a championship, boating the sixth-highest average scoring differential in NBA history.
Their elite starting unit alone gives them a strong chance to make another run at the Finals, but contributions from the bench will be essential.
Payton Pritchard
Payton Pritchard is enjoying a breakout 2024-25 season.
Through the first month and a half, he has emerged as the betting favorite to win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, averaging career-highs in points per game (16.1), field goal percentage (48.7%), and three-point percentage (43%).
Despite having a modest usage rating (18th percentile among point guards, per Cleaning the Glass), Pritchard has been hyper-efficient. He is scoring 139.3 points per 100 shot attempts and turning the ball over just 7.7% of possessions, ranking in the 100th and 95th percentiles among point guards, respectively.
This production level is a luxury for Boston, as Pritchard is filling the void of a reliable bench scorer who can initiate the offense. He is on track to be the first Celtics player to average over 15 points per game off the bench since Isaiah Thomas in 2014-15.
Pritchard’s defensive development has been equally important. While he’s unlikely to make any All-Defense teams, his toughness and discipline have transformed him into a serviceable defender. This improvement has earned him more trust in critical moments.
During the Celtics’ recent games, Pritchard played the entire fourth quarter against the Pistons and Grizzlies. Mazzulla chose to rely on Pritchard over Jrue Holiday in Saturday’s matchup with Memphis, recognizing his ability to provide an offensive spark. While his contributions were not enough to complete the comeback, the decision highlighted Mazzulla’s confidence in him and the lineup versatility his skill set offers.
Having signed a four-year, $30 million contract extension in October 2023, Pritchard is on one of the NBA’s most team-friendly contracts. His emergence as a key contributor solidifies Boston’s depth.
Sam Hauser
The Celtics have experimented with various forward options off of the bench in recent years. Sam Hauser has emerged as the ideal fit.
While Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown dominate the forward minutes, Hauser provides valuable floor spacing and defensive versatility.
Hauser’s shooting prowess is undeniable. He finished 2023-24, shooting 43% from three with an effective field goal percentage of 63.6%, placing him in the 97th percentile among forwards.
Initially known as a spot-up shooter, Hauser has added off-the-dribble playmaking to his arsenal. His ability to pump fake and attack closeouts has made him a more dynamic offensive weapon.
Defensively, Hauser has improved. During the 2024 NBA Finals, he held his own against Luka Doncic in several key matchups. While Doncic is skilled enough to find success against anyone, Hauser’s discipline and effort made him a credible defensive presence.
Hauser’s value was fully displayed in the Celtics’ December 4th win over the Detroit Pistons. With Tatum resting, Hauser stepped into the starting lineup and delivered a season-high 20 points on 5-of-10 shooting from three, helping secure the victory.
Now in his second consecutive season averaging over 20 minutes per game, Hauser is a dependable role player who hits seamlessly into Boston’s system.
Bench Bigs
The battle for the eighth spot in Boston’s rotation centers on their reserve big men: Neemias Queta, Luke Kornet, and Xavier Tillman.
Each brings unique strengths, and Mazzulla appears content to platoon them based on matchups.
Queta and Kornet are rim protectors who thrive in pick-and-roll situations. Queta’s athleticism makes him an explosive lob threat, while Kornet’s consistent shot-blocking gives him a slight edge defensively. Kornet’s recent six-block performance against the Heat showcased his defensive value.
On the other hand, Tillman offers versatility as a smaller, more mobile big. His ability to defend in space makes him an asset against teams with significant perimeter spacing, as evidenced by Mazzulla’s willingness to play him in last season’s Finals.
The Others
Beyond the primary rotation, several players remain on the fringe.
Jordan Walsh is likely the closest to cracking the rotation but is not quite there. He started his first game of the season when the Celtics played the Heat on December 2nd, but only played 13 minutes. He has appeared in 16 games, showcasing defensive potential but struggling offensively. The 2023 second-round pick is seen as a developmental project and may spend more time with the Maine Celtics this season.
Drew Peterson and Baylor Scheierman saw unexpected minutes during the recent stretch. Peterson, who had logged just 30 career NBA minutes before December, played 25 minutes against the Cavaliers on December 1st, followed by 26 minutes the following night against the Heat.
These experimental lineups offer growth and relief opportunities for some starters but are unlikely to impact the regular rotation significantly.
The Celtics’ depth is a testament to their championship aspirations. While the top six players will carry the bulk of the load, the emergence of contributors like Pritchard, Hauser, and a mix of reserve bigs ensures Boston is well-equipped for another deep playoff run.
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