Who is our third best player? Who is our third most important player?

[Neurotic Guy]

I’ll make quick case for Al as the 3rd most important.  It’s foolish to think that Rob is going to play every playoff game. He won’t. There’s a point in every game where I say “uh-oh” - when Rob goes to the floor or gets hit hard. Without Al, we’re in rough shape when Rob goes down.  Also, when Al has his spry young legs games, he’s extremely impactful at both ends. And, his 3 is a weapon.  He’s clutch and consistent with it.  His defense on good leg games is impactful, and his leadership, IQ/experience is essential. He is a Celtic that doesn’t get cocky when up big - remains stoic and professional. Respected.

[theswitch]

White is our third best player, agree with most of the other voices in the thread. I give third most important to Al, just edging out Rob. His versatility is just so important -- offensively, the passing, shooting + spacing, intelligence, ability to take unsuspecting defenders off the dribble, and defensively, the hidden quickness and smarts to be able to guard smaller guys.

Maybe I'm wrong on this, but I trust Al more as a complete defender across more positions. I trust Rob to block shots. I'll take the dependability. It's close, though.

[Moranis]

In the two playoff games so far, Al's on/off differential per 100 possessions is a whopping +32.1, Brogdon is +24.2, Hauser is +10.7, Tatum is +4.7, and Smart is +1.8.  No one else is positive.  In the Regular season the positive players were White 9.8, Tatum 5.5, Rob 4.5, Al 2.5, Blake 2, Hauser 1.6, and Muscala 1.5. 

So between the regular and post season the only people that were positive in the regular season and are in the postseason rotation and have maintained the positive thus far in the post season are Tatum, Al, and Hauser. 

So not counting Tatum and Brown, that would lead to Al being the 3rd most important counting both the regular or post season or pretty clearly White if you are looking at the regular season only.

As for the best, that is probably Brogdon since he statistically has been the 3rd best player for the team over the course of the season.