Healthy lineup:
The point is, two starters "don't need" the ball. I insist that for this team to function, that Smart and Baynes start.
Smart
Baynes
Iriving
Horford
Tatum
The Irving Horford Tatum troika can do their thing offensively.
Morris is and always has been a 6th or 7th and his size is less of a liability with the bench.
Hayward
Morris
Brown
Rozier
Is clearly too many "need the ball" players, but, Hayward will get more minutes and, when with the bench, can distribute to this sterling group of ball stoppers.
Each coin has two sides. This bench looks like they'll combine for about 6 assists a game, but, they will be one of the top 5 benches in the NBA. With Hayward, not yet, but, on his way to being a post all star break 6th man candidate.Hayward, Brown, Rozier and Theis have been effective in February, not perfect, but, they have found something and lord knows they've needed to.
I agree with discussions that call for an 8 man rotation which, I suppose puts Rozier on the bench, but, Irving, Baynes just miss too many games and Brown and Morris are playing far too well.
To the Question, Hayward helps the team as the sixth man. He has found his first step quickness, he is driving, he is deferring far fewer open looks and his team mates are playing better with him on the floor...far better. He is now a threat as he should be. On the bench he has the best vision and those guys need it.
I vote Morris onto the bench WITH Hayward...leaving Marcus Curry and Baynes to patrol on defense with Irving and his bag of tricks, Tatum the "kid" with his new found ability to get to the line and a rejuvenated Horford screaming at refs, getting T'd up and pounding his chest.
Hayward just might be the prototypical Celtics 6th man.