Amir starting today

[Eddie20]

Jay King‏Verified account
@ByJayKing

Brad Stevens said he'll start Amir Johnson. "Our focus the last two days is being the best version of us."

[Eddie20]

Surprising considering how ineffective he's been on both ends the entire playoffs and how we continue to get off to slow starts vs Washington.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Bad idea, I think. He's certainly unlikely to give the team an offensive boost.

[j804]

I don't like this move Amir too slow to get out to shooters ughh

[Ilikesports17]

I get it.

Go with the guys that got you there.

Amir can still offer a bit if interior defense

[saltlover]

I really disagree with this move.  Normally I hesitate to critizicize, but I think Rozier has brought great energy during the playoffs and offers an additional ball handler to release the pressure that will be shown on IT.  He additionally can hang better with Wall and Beal on defense, and is one of the best defensive rebounders on the team.  The Celtics have gotten behind in a major way against the Wizards almost every game this season.  The starting lineup is the wrong choice vs. this team.

[Ogaju]

I like the call, I have never believed in the overall importance of the starting five in basketball. A team has 12 players that can be substituted at anytime. Celtics need a big to mark Gortat. They also need a big that will not be intimidated by Morris. Amir fills these two needs. You start him put him on a very short leash. If he does not produce, yank him.

[jpotter33]

I literally would've been fine with anyone but Amir or Green starting. I just don't understand this move with how bad Amir has been in the playoffs. So frustrating.

[droopdog7]

Completely agree with this move.  Those worrying about the starts and focusing our offense are off base.  Our biggest issue in the first quarter has been defense.  And while I understand that Johnson may or may not be viewed as a defensive stalwart, at least we're matching up man for man rather than trying to play mighty mites. 

Hopefully BS sticks with this and stops jerking guys around.  Not that I'm blaming BS for doing that until now because obviously he's looking for answers against a team that has better talent (and is gives us matchup nightmares). 

So let's roll the ball out and see who's better.  Players will decide the outcome.

[Surferdad]

I like the call, I have never believed in the overall importance of the starting five in basketball. A team has 12 players that can be substituted at anytime. Celtics need a big to mark Gortat. They also need a big that will not be intimidated by Morris. Amir fills these two needs. You start him put him on a very short leash. If he does not produce, yank him.

My thinking too, better size matchup.  It's a risk, but they have to be physical right from the start in this one.

[hpantazo]

Gortat has killed us in every game. It makes complete sense to put someone in there that can slow him down and keep him off the glass.

[PAOBoston]

4 for 4 with three 3s. Book it.

[jpotter33]

Gortat has killed us in every game. It makes complete sense to put someone in there that can slow him down and keep him off the glass.

The problem with this logic is that Amir has failed to do this exact stuff all postseason long. He's been as bad as he's ever been in these playoffs. There's a reason he's hardly played at all since the middle of the Chicago series.

[hpantazo]

Gortat has killed us in every game. It makes complete sense to put someone in there that can slow him down and keep him off the glass.

The problem with this logic is that Amir has failed to do this exact stuff all postseason long. He's been as bad as he's ever been in these playoffs. There's a reason he's hardly played at all since the middle of the Chicago series.

He hasn't played enough in this series to evaluate that. In the Bulls series, he just wasn't the best matchup against that lineup. In this series though, I think he is.

[Surferdad]

Gortat has killed us in every game. It makes complete sense to put someone in there that can slow him down and keep him off the glass.

The problem with this logic is that Amir has failed to do this exact stuff all postseason long. He's been as bad as he's ever been in these playoffs. There's a reason he's hardly played at all since the middle of the Chicago series.

Correct move in the CHI series, but it was a mistake to stay with Green so long in this one. Amir should have been put in sooner IMO.