The case for starting JJ over Amir and KO at the 4

[Surferdad]

Solid subject to bring up. TP

I think it's more of how we use Horford. If we use him as mostly as a stretch 4/5 with him operating in the seams, and near the 3 point line, I feel Amir is a good fit with him. Amir who is not really an offensive threat, but still doesn't need to setup directly under the basket to be effective. I just love the defense with Horford and Amir on the floor at the same time. Also better rebounding with Amir on the floor.

This is he value of a player like Horford...he fits well with a multitude of players in the style our coach likes to play, JJ or Kelly or Crowder at the 4, big or small.

This.  At this stage of Horford's career, he is moving further out and is better as a stretch 4/5 which will conserve and extend his career.  I am sure he would prefer that too rather than mixing it up inside.  IMO, you do what is best for Horford as that is where your investment is.

Amir is a much better fit next to Horford..

[hagar55voa]

Put Zeller on the floor with Horford and let them play...

[Tr1boy]

No KO over jerebko

[Bobshot]

Solid subject to bring up. TP

I think it's more of how we use Horford. If we use him as mostly as a stretch 4/5 with him operating in the seams, and near the 3 point line, I feel Amir is a good fit with him. Amir who is not really an offensive threat, but still doesn't need to setup directly under the basket to be effective. I just love the defense with Horford and Amir on the floor at the same time. Also better rebounding with Amir on the floor.

Agreed. Almost a no brainer, when you consider Horford's ability on the perimeter and AJ's inside strengths. A good complementary duo. Mickey would fit as AJ's backup if his game improves and he stays healthy. KO would be more Horford's backup. JJ as a swing man.

[kraidstar]

Good post, jpotter, TP

Question is whether JJ's performance in the playoffs last year was a fluke. I loved those playoff performances, but he was awful for the rest of the season.

There is going to be a lot of competition again this year; if he doesn't rise to the top immediately, his minutes will be spotty, and he didn't exactly excel in that situation last year.


BTW, here is an article in the Globe, about 1/3 of the way down is a nice segment on JJ, apparently he is an avid video game fan and owns a CS:GO team.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/celtics/2016/09/03/david-fizdale-getting-big-break-with-memphis-grizzlies/g0GNKEJip7BOu0uSTONmCJ/story.html

[Snakehead]

Besides, outside of KO's shooting, which is definitely elite for a big but is only marginally better than JJ's shooting, none of the three are really "elite" at anything like you say. So wouldn't that also relate to KO and Amir just as much as JJ?

KO's shooting is very, very elite for a guy his size though.  The only 7 footers to ever shoot threes on his level are Bargnani and Dirk.  His ball handling/passing is also very elite for a guy his size.