« Reply #44 on: October 15, 2023, 08:38:19 AM »
I honestly can't think of a single good reason to start Horford over Derrick White.
White is younger and better at everything on offense except for maybe the corner three. He's second team All-Defense and even a better rim protector than Horford at this point. He had the best plus-minus in the Eastern Conference.
If we have Horford come off the bench, that means there's always a strong big coming in for Porzingis. It means more minutes for Pritchard and fewer for Kornet, which is a win.
Also, if we start Horford, that means we'll be going back and forth between a big lineup and a small lineup every time Al or Porzingis have to sit during a back-to-back.
I mean, showing respect for a trusted veteran is the best excuse I can come up with for starting Horford, but the Celtics are simply a better team when Derrick White is on the floor.
Because it puts Brown at SG and Tatum at SF which gives Boston an immense advantage. It also keeps them fresher with less wear since they will be matched up against smaller players with less time in the paint. Because Tatum is at his best at SF on both ends and he is Boston's best player. So by maximizing Tatum, you maximize the team
I also agree with JJ and Moranis. The bolded part is really the key.
It also means that we never or hardly ever get the two big, which is BAD. I know what people are trying to do given what the Celts have in terms of the reserves. But the small lineup full time will be exposed.
White and Holiday are both 6’4”, Brown is 6’6”, Tatum is at least 6’8”, and Porzingis is 7’3”. How is that a small lineup?
Two wings, two guards, and one big. That’s a small lineup regardless of how how they are. I think the defense especially will suffer.
90% of teams in the NBA don’t use a “double big” starting lineup. Tatum is a modern day 4. Horford and Porzingis are modern 5’s.
but Denver, Milwaukee, GS, and LAL do (or at least GS did, not sure this year). And Harris in Philly isn't exactly small as PF. Cleveland goes big as well. Miami, LAC, and maybe Phoenix are really the only good team that go small.
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2023 Historical Draft - Brooklyn Nets - 9th pick
Bigs - Pau, Amar'e, Issel, McGinnis, Roundfield
Wings - Dantley, Bowen, J. Jackson
Guards - Cheeks, Petrovic, Buse, Rip