Poll: Does playing C or PF wear out KG more?

[Celtics18]

Center generally, but the problem is KG wears himself out (saw this in the playoffs) playing C but roaming like a linebacker the way he did as a PF which defeats the purpose.  If he's gonna be center he either needs somebody to play next to him at PF that will defend the rim or roam the perimeter (why Bass was great next to him offensively but KG wore himself out defensively) but he should not be doing both. Not to mention playing with Bass he takes on the lion share of the rebounding.    Might be a case for Wilcox starting so KG will feel comfortable taking on less of a burden defensively.

Being able to carry that burden defensively is what makes KG the player that he is.  To me there is no point asking him to take less defensive responsibility to save his body. 

The day KG can't step out and guard the perimeter on the pick and roll and recover to make plays on the interior is the day he's no longer a top player in this league.  His ability to cover ground defensively is by far the most important thing he does out there. 

Keep him at center.  KG will be fine there.  He's stubborn about being called a power forward, but I think that he might even slowly be starting to realize how good this move is for himself and the team.   

I agree but we were at our best defensively when we had a Perk or (for a short time) Shaq to guard the rim while he roamed.  Don't necessarily need to be a bruiser like Perk or Shaq but a rim protector (like Steamer) helps utilize KG the best way doing both is not the best use of his skills. He's better showing on pick and rolls and as a weakside blocker.

I agree in principle on the idea of having a "rim protector" to pair with KG defensively.  However, it seems that we didn't really lose anything defensively with a front line of Bass at the four and KG at the 5.  I haven't looked too deeply into the numbers, but a quick glance shows that the lineup we used from around last season's all star break through the playoffs ranks up there defensively with any team we've had (or anyone else has had for that matter) over the course of the last five years. 

[fairweatherfan06]

Center generally, but the problem is KG wears himself out (saw this in the playoffs) playing C but roaming like a linebacker the way he did as a PF which defeats the purpose.  If he's gonna be center he either needs somebody to play next to him at PF that will defend the rim or roam the perimeter (why Bass was great next to him offensively but KG wore himself out defensively) but he should not be doing both. Not to mention playing with Bass he takes on the lion share of the rebounding.    Might be a case for Wilcox starting so KG will feel comfortable taking on less of a burden defensively.

Being able to carry that burden defensively is what makes KG the player that he is.  To me there is no point asking him to take less defensive responsibility to save his body. 

The day KG can't step out and guard the perimeter on the pick and roll and recover to make plays on the interior is the day he's no longer a top player in this league.  His ability to cover ground defensively is by far the most important thing he does out there. 

Keep him at center.  KG will be fine there.  He's stubborn about being called a power forward, but I think that he might even slowly be starting to realize how good this move is for himself and the team.   

I agree but we were at our best defensively when we had a Perk or (for a short time) Shaq to guard the rim while he roamed.  Don't necessarily need to be a bruiser like Perk or Shaq but a rim protector (like Steamer) helps utilize KG the best way doing both is not the best use of his skills. He's better showing on pick and rolls and as a weakside blocker.

I agree in principle on the idea of having a "rim protector" to pair with KG defensively.  However, it seems that we didn't really lose anything defensively with a front line of Bass at the four and KG at the 5.  I haven't looked too deeply into the numbers, but a quick glance shows that the lineup we used from around last season's all star break through the playoffs ranks up there defensively with any team we've had (or anyone else has had for that matter) over the course of the last five years. 

I think that's more  about AB/Rondo perimeter defending combo   than the KG Bass front line.

[Yoki_IsTheName]

KG is better of PF, because he wants to play in that position. That's all that matter right now.

[Professor of Rondology]

KG is better of PF, because he wants to play in that position. That's all that matter right now.

I disagree.  Despite KG having a slight aversion to playing (or being referred to as) Center, the Celtics absolutely need him to play there and there's no question that he will do so.  He's a team player so when the team asks him to do something he will do it in a heartbeat.  What's important to remember is that he didn't make Danny prioritize adding a true center this off-season even though he certainly could have.  All KG had to do was say the word and Danny would have jumped up and scrambled to find a starting C- KG had all the leverage because without him we have nothing.

KG will spend most of his minutes at the C spot this year; that is a fact. 

[Celtics18]

Center generally, but the problem is KG wears himself out (saw this in the playoffs) playing C but roaming like a linebacker the way he did as a PF which defeats the purpose.  If he's gonna be center he either needs somebody to play next to him at PF that will defend the rim or roam the perimeter (why Bass was great next to him offensively but KG wore himself out defensively) but he should not be doing both. Not to mention playing with Bass he takes on the lion share of the rebounding.    Might be a case for Wilcox starting so KG will feel comfortable taking on less of a burden defensively.

Being able to carry that burden defensively is what makes KG the player that he is.  To me there is no point asking him to take less defensive responsibility to save his body. 

The day KG can't step out and guard the perimeter on the pick and roll and recover to make plays on the interior is the day he's no longer a top player in this league.  His ability to cover ground defensively is by far the most important thing he does out there. 

Keep him at center.  KG will be fine there.  He's stubborn about being called a power forward, but I think that he might even slowly be starting to realize how good this move is for himself and the team.   

I agree but we were at our best defensively when we had a Perk or (for a short time) Shaq to guard the rim while he roamed.  Don't necessarily need to be a bruiser like Perk or Shaq but a rim protector (like Steamer) helps utilize KG the best way doing both is not the best use of his skills. He's better showing on pick and rolls and as a weakside blocker.

I agree in principle on the idea of having a "rim protector" to pair with KG defensively.  However, it seems that we didn't really lose anything defensively with a front line of Bass at the four and KG at the 5.  I haven't looked too deeply into the numbers, but a quick glance shows that the lineup we used from around last season's all star break through the playoffs ranks up there defensively with any team we've had (or anyone else has had for that matter) over the course of the last five years. 

I think that's more  about AB/Rondo perimeter defending combo   than the KG Bass front line.

I certainly think that's a factor, but we were still good defensively when Bradley was out of the lineup in the playoffs with Ray starting at the 2 and KG and Bass up front.  

I just think it's hard to argue with the results we had last year with KG at the center position.  I'd still like to add another center.  Stiemsma would be great as far as I'm concerned.  I'd even take Milicic or possibly Hadadi (although he might still be as much of a project as Melo).  

Whoever we get as an additional center, though, I don't see it being too likely that he'll be starter material given our financial restraints at this point.  I still see KG as the starting center going into next season.  

[Yoki_IsTheName]

KG is better of PF, because he wants to play in that position. That's all that matter right now.

I disagree.  Despite KG having a slight aversion to playing (or being referred to as) Center, the Celtics absolutely need him to play there and there's no question that he will do so.  He's a team player so when the team asks him to do something he will do it in a heartbeat.  What's important to remember is that he didn't make Danny prioritize adding a true center this off-season even though he certainly could have.  All KG had to do was say the word and Danny would have jumped up and scrambled to find a starting C- KG had all the leverage because without him we have nothing.

KG will spend most of his minutes at the C spot this year; that is a fact. 

I hate seeing our defensive anchor trying to body up against the likes of Howard, Bynum and Marc Gasol. He's not in his late 20's anymore. He gets injured and we're toast. If we have a big body who can absorb some of the physicality of those guys, without giving up too much size will preserve KG.

KG is a great help defender and a much better rebounder when he gets in position to rebound. I'd really rather have him playing 4.

[Professor of Rondology]

I hate seeing our defensive anchor trying to body up against the likes of Howard, Bynum and Marc Gasol. He's not in his late 20's anymore. He gets injured and we're toast. If we have a big body who can absorb some of the physicality of those guys, without giving up too much size will preserve KG.

KG is a great help defender and a much better rebounder when he gets in position to rebound. I'd really rather have him playing 4.

If we're playing a team with an elite Center we will have to adjust our defensive strategy accordingly.  The three centers you named are pretty much the only ones in the entire NBA that worry me with KG as C.  Our team is simply better with KG as the 5- last year proved that unequivocally- if we have to reduce his minutes to allow him to fill that role, so be it.   

[Yoki_IsTheName]

I hate seeing our defensive anchor trying to body up against the likes of Howard, Bynum and Marc Gasol. He's not in his late 20's anymore. He gets injured and we're toast. If we have a big body who can absorb some of the physicality of those guys, without giving up too much size will preserve KG.

KG is a great help defender and a much better rebounder when he gets in position to rebound. I'd really rather have him playing 4.

If we're playing a team with an elite Center we will have to adjust our defensive strategy accordingly.  The three centers you named are pretty much the only ones in the entire NBA that worry me with KG as C.  Our team is simply better with KG as the 5- last year proved that unequivocally- if we have to reduce his minutes to allow him to fill that role, so be it.   

While I do not reject your points, because they are all valid, I just don't like the fact that this would lead to more wear and tear, less minutes or not. KG is an important piece. His skills and presence wise. 

[Celtics18]

I hate seeing our defensive anchor trying to body up against the likes of Howard, Bynum and Marc Gasol. He's not in his late 20's anymore. He gets injured and we're toast. If we have a big body who can absorb some of the physicality of those guys, without giving up too much size will preserve KG.

KG is a great help defender and a much better rebounder when he gets in position to rebound. I'd really rather have him playing 4.

If we're playing a team with an elite Center we will have to adjust our defensive strategy accordingly.  The three centers you named are pretty much the only ones in the entire NBA that worry me with KG as C.  Our team is simply better with KG as the 5- last year proved that unequivocally- if we have to reduce his minutes to allow him to fill that role, so be it.   

While I do not reject your points, because they are all valid, I just don't like the fact that this would lead to more wear and tear, less minutes or not. KG is an important piece. His skills and presence wise. 

Your concerns are valid, but the reality is that we are not likely to get another center who is a legitimate starting level player with $1.8 million left to spend. 

I think the best we can do is Stiemsma and, at this point, even he is a long shot.  Also, if we do sign Stiemsma, and Doc makes him a starter with KG at the four, how comfortable do you feel with Greg going up against Dwight Howard or Andrew Bynum for big minutes in a game?

I don't feel very comfortable with that scenario.  Either way,  Kevin will have to do work against those guys when we face them. 

Danny has basically upgraded the 1, 2, 3, and 4 positions this off-season.  Going after legit seven footers in free agency is usually the most expensive and riskiest position to fill (by risky, I mean that it's the easiest place to end up overpaying for stiffs).  He took a gamble that he happens to have one of the best seven footers in the game so there was no reason to throw significant money at another seven footer.  I think it was a good gamble, and I think KG is a really good center.  As a 35 year old with tons of miles, KG runs the risk of wearing down no matter where you play him.  We just have to hope that he holds up like he did last year.

[GreenEnvy]

I like him at the 5. He may need to be more physical banging down low, but there are few low post bangers out there (Bynum, M Gasol, and to a lesser extent Hibbert and Howard). He's in better position to rebound and is a true anchor surveying the entire offense.

[KGs Knee]

As a 35 year old with tons of miles, KG runs the risk of wearing down no matter where you play him.  We just have to hope that he holds up like he did last year.

This pretty much hits the nail on the head.

If KG goes down with a significant injury, everything else we did this off-season will be for naught.  It's been this way for every one of the last 5 seasons though.

There was no player we could have added to the roster that would have changed this.