The original point is getting lost. Smart and Richardson both signed extensions this summer, at an amount of money that you would normally commit to starters. Schröder is only here for one year. Accordingly, it makes sense to give a Smart-Richardson starting backcourt to work first, because you’ve got it for at least two seasons, rather than relegating one to the bench off the bat. If it doesn’t work, then other combinations make sense too. Contract status shouldn’t decide who’s playing always, but it is a reasonable factor to consider the priority to which you give certain lineups, especially early in the year, and then going on performance once you have enough of a sample later in the year.
I think I get the point, I just disagree that the Celtics are going to not play someone because they are on a 1 year contract over someone with a 2 year contract if the 1 year contract guy gives the team the best chance to win. Maybe OKC or HOU do something like that but I don't believe the Celtics will.
I don't know who will start. I would be very happy if Hernangomez or Parker play well enough to start meaning only one of these 3 start and two off the bench. This is probably not all that likely. Schroder is probably the best pure PG so I actually see him starting but it really could be any combination at this point.
Maybe:
Schroder
Brown
Tatum
Hernangomez
Horford
Maybe:
Smart
Richardson
Brown
Tatum
Williams
The only two for sure are Brown and Tatum.