Celtics' Playoff Rotation

[GranTur]

Projected Celtics' Playoff Rotation (MPG in parentheses):

Rondo (38)
Avery (24)         Ray (32)
Pierce (36)       Pietrus (14)
Bass (36)
KG (36)           Stiemsma (24)

Third-stringers: Pavlovic, Dooling, Hollins

KG would be best with 32-34 MPG, but injuries have left this team with only 3 rotation big men.

What stands out to me? 7 out of our 8 rotation players have established jump shots. Sasha and Dooling are two capable third-string players. They've proven they can defend well enough and they both have 3-point range.

As far as I can see, our success in the playoffs hinges on the offensive contribution of Bradley, Pietrus, Ray, and Bass. We know our defense will be #1. Can these four players score enough in the playoffs?

[Fafnir]

I'm thinking Pietrus (if back at full speed) will play more than that. He will get some minutes at SG eating into Avery and rays time somewhat

[GranTur]

I'm thinking Pietrus (if back at full speed) will play more than that. He will get some minutes at SG eating into Avery and rays time somewhat

I was thinking the same thing, but both Ray and Avery rely more on minutes to keep a rhythm going. Also, many of Avery's minutes are in the backup PG role.

Pietrus' job is simpler and more straightforward: hit open 3s and defend. I can't see Ray going below 32 minutes.

[theswitch]

Yeah, something like that. I posted my thoughts in the other thread and feel the same way - that's the 8 for Doc. It'd make an absolute world of difference if we had Wilcox or Green as another large option (Wilcox as a true 4/5, Green as a big small or small big). Either way, that's the 8.

[GranTur]

It's interesting how the awful combination of injuries is what gave Avery the playing time to evolve. I feel Bradley's growth is what spurred the Celtics to create this chemistry.

Also, I feel Stiemsma is an upgrade to Wilcox at this stage. Wilcox is an undersized center. While his ability to run the floor is valuable, Stiemsma brings shot-blocking and rebounding Wilcox doesn't, two things the Celtics sorely lack. Wilcox going down gave Stiemsma the time to develop confidence. He's really becoming a presence.

In a strange twist, the Celtics survived the onslaught of injuries to create a formidable front 8 men. The real shame is we have no insurance should injury strike again. Having Wilcox would be an important luxury at this point.

[Who]

I am thinking a little less for Ray (28-30) and Bass (32-34) and a little more for Avery/Pietrus and Stiemsma.

[clover]

I may be alone on this board, but I don't fully bench Sasha until/unless Pietrus starts playing better than him.

If Doc puts MP in cold at the start of the playoffs and force feeds him minutes, just one or two poor games from him could put that second unit off rhythm and end their run early.

[pearljammer10]

Petey will get more minutes than that if he is heathy... I can see him playing the 4 in a small ball line up here and there and the C's going with rondo/allen/pierce/petey/kg at some points...

I dont think people give the bench we have enough credit. I think we are fairly deep despite injuires to a starter in JO and a huge bench guy in Wilcox... Imagine if we were able to go into the playoffs with this...

Rondo/Bradley/Dooling
Bradley/Allen
Pierce/Petey
KG/Bass
JO/Wilcox/Steam

Wow. I kinda like KG at the center position though, maybe we are better off without the extra bigs!

[2short]

I am thinking a little less for Ray (28-30) and Bass (32-34) and a little more for Avery/Pietrus and Stiemsma.

yes and a little less for paul as well with sasha deservingly getting some time, I can see keeping kg at his current levels as long as greg continues to play well

all & all when you look at the rotation AND the players we lost you have to say that danny did assemble a great bench

[alajet]

Judging by how the season developed, we're missing Jeff Green more than I initially thought we would. KG at 5 means, at 4, we have a thinner layer of rotation, so, he would definitely help there.

[bfrombleacher]

Can we be considered deep now?

[Tr1boy]

My starting lineup

Stiesma
KG
PP
Bradley
Rondo

Off the bench first in order
Allen
Bass
Pietrius
Pavlovic
Dooling
Daniels
Hollins

[nyceltsfan]

This is just making me wonder more about next year.  If the Celts can't make a splash in the free agency market, is there any way to bring back the same team with Jeff Green?  Imagine if he comes back almost as strong as before he left.  We can have a very athletic starting lineup of:

Rondo
Bradley
Pierce
Green
KG

Off the bench, we can have:
Bass
Ray Allen
Pietrus
Steamer
JJJ
Moore
(and another big)

[Fafnir]

I am thinking a little less for Ray (28-30) and Bass (32-34) and a little more for Avery/Pietrus and Stiemsma.

yes and a little less for paul as well with sasha deservingly getting some time, I can see keeping kg at his current levels as long as greg continues to play well

all & all when you look at the rotation AND the players we lost you have to say that danny did assemble a great bench

Pierce is not going to play less minutes to get Sasha in the game.

Only if there is foul trouble will that happen.

[CDawg834]

This is just making me wonder more about next year.  If the Celts can't make a splash in the free agency market, is there any way to bring back the same team with Jeff Green?  Imagine if he comes back almost as strong as before he left.  We can have a very athletic starting lineup of:

Rondo
Bradley
Pierce
Green
KG

Off the bench, we can have:
Bass
Ray Allen
Pietrus
Steamer
JJJ
Moore
(and another big)

I don't think Allen would agree to a full season coming off the bench.  I honestly think he will sign elsewhere in the off-season, with the C's using a combination of Pietrus and Green in his place.  Bass also may be gone, he's played well so I can see him declining his $4 mil player option and hitting the open market.