PG: Kyrie Irving, Isaiah Thomas
OG: Gordon Hayward, E.Fournier
SF: Danilo Gallinari, C.Brewer
PF: Pau Gasol, D.Arthur
C: Jonas Valanciunas, Pero Antic
End of Bench: Patrick Beverley, Kent Bazemore, Terrence Jones
I really like the starting five for Boston. I think it might be the strongest starting unit in the East.
Kyrie Irving is a very good young PG. A terrific scorer. Very explosive. Great shooting range. Tricky handles. Can create his own shot against pretty much any defense. The rest of his game leaves quite a bit to be desired but is gradually improving and I would expect him to take another step forward next as a defender and floor general.
I had Gordon Hayward and Danilo Gallinari as my starting wings on my CB team last summer. I felt then that their combined capacity to create offensive advantages for my team outweighed the lack of a defensive stopper on the wing in my starting lineup and I still feel that way.
I was disappointed in Gordon Hayward last year. I expected him to take a bigger step forward and it didn't happen. I do still really like his game though and I like his talent as a big two guard.
Both players provide excellent outside shooting, additional ball-handling and passing ability. Combined with a top notch scoring PG in Kyrie Irving and a great facilitating big man in Pau Gasol, I think Boston have one of the best offensive combinations in the league between these four players.
I am a big Jonas Valanciunas fan. I expect him to take a big step forward next season. To be a plus defender, a quality rebounder and a well above average offensive C. I think 15ppg and 9-10rpg is well within his grasp. His physical profile in terms of size, (improved) bulk and length combined with the experience he gained last season should help him take big steps forward as a both a man-to-man and team defender.
Pau Gasol is a player who has had some fairly underwhelming seasons in recent years but I think the skill and ability is still there. So long as this injury situation isn't too bad. I think he has looked very good for Spain and would have done much more in the NBA if LAL hadn't reduced his role so much to accommodate Bynum/Dwight (and Kobe).
I think Pau will combine well with Valanciunas who moves pretty well for a legitimate center and has a nice short to midrange (10-15 foot) jump shot in his arsenal. Having two seven footers who have mobility and post games offensively will make them difficult for most teams to matchup against and their size + length defensively will really help out Boston's interior defense.
Overall, I love the size and length of this starting unit. Two seven footers. A 6-10 SF. A 6-7 SG. A good sized 6-2/6-3 PG. A lot of length to go up against. I think that will hold them in good stead. Some quickness issues defensively but they are decent enough for it not to be too large an issue against most teams.
CoachingGregg Popovich was a fantastic addition. One of only a few teams who'll receive a good boost from me for their head coach. Both for the talent of the coaching and also for how well he should fit with the qualities/characteristics of the team. Brilliant.
BenchDarrell Arthur is the only guy I consider to be an above average bench piece. I think he will do well for Boston with his quickness defensively (contrast and complement to the twin towers starting combo) + his mid-range to long two point jump-shooting.
I think Isaiah Thomas and Corey Brewer are solid middle of the pack bench players.
I worry about C.Brewer as a starting SF in Gallo's absence. I don't think he has the physical size to matchup effectively as a defender/rebounder as a starting SF. I think he will do well for Boston when in a reserve role though.
I really like Patrick Beverley as third string PG. I think he provides a nice contrast to Isaiah Thomas (main backup PG). A hard nosed defensive PG who creates extra possessions. Thomas more of a strong pick and roll creator offensively. They have different qualities. Boston can pick and choose based on need and opponent. I think that combo will work well together. Gives Boston an extra lift at backup PG.
Not altogether convinced by Evan Fournier. I think he is a nice prospect but I wonder if next season is too soon for him. A few years down the line, yes. Next year? unsure. So I have a lack of confidence in him as a contributor to a title contender.
I like Pero Antic. I think he has good physical size and toughness. As a third string C (behind Jonas + Pau), and, as an alternative to the speed and quickness of D.Arthur when Boston needs more size and bulk off the bench, I think Antic offers good qualities. Useful end of bench player.
I know nothing of Bazemore. Nothing player for me. Terrence Jones is a strong third string PF/SF.
OverallOne of the best teams in the East.