So what's our starting 5 now?

[BitterJim]

If the decision is staring Smart vs starting Brown then we already know the answer, they will start Brown. This same situation happened last year and they inserted Brown into the starting lineup when Bradley was out. Brown provides a more credible shooting threat than Smart which is great for opening thing up for Thomas, and Thomas does the same thing for Brown. All that shooting with three guys who can drive (Hayward is underrated in this area) means awesome offense. Also, we need Smarts playmaking on the second unit, I don't think Rozier is really ready to run the point. Even if Smart is the better player right now it makes more sense given their skill sets to start Brown.

Rozier, Smart, and Crowder is a heck of a second unit (provided that Crowder doesn't raise a stink about his diminished role). My problem is that this really phases out Tatum, and I wanted him to get more opportunity to put a foot in the rotation.

So start Crowder and bring brown off the bench at the 2.  That that puts Tatum on the court more, and gives Crowder a role that is much more of a spot up shooter than he was last year.  Although either way, if Brad runs out mostly lineups with 1 big we'll see a ton of Tatum

[jpotter33]

I want Jaylen to start, I like Marcus coming off the bench as the 3rd guard, bringing in some needed energy.

It's time to put Jaylen to the fire and see what we have in him. If anything, it gives us some size.

Yep, same here. Love his potential fit there with his size, length, and athleticism.

Brad should give Jaylen a challenge to focus on improving defensively this summer, because that IT, Brown, Hayward, Morris, and Horford has some serious potential. And imagine if Tatum puts on some weight in the next couple of years and takes over that PF position, especially if you add an Ayton or Bamba at the 5 next to him.

[kozlodoev]

If the decision is staring Smart vs starting Brown then we already know the answer, they will start Brown. This same situation happened last year and they inserted Brown into the starting lineup when Bradley was out. Brown provides a more credible shooting threat than Smart which is great for opening thing up for Thomas, and Thomas does the same thing for Brown. All that shooting with three guys who can drive (Hayward is underrated in this area) means awesome offense. Also, we need Smarts playmaking on the second unit, I don't think Rozier is really ready to run the point. Even if Smart is the better player right now it makes more sense given their skill sets to start Brown.

Rozier, Smart, and Crowder is a heck of a second unit (provided that Crowder doesn't raise a stink about his diminished role). My problem is that this really phases out Tatum, and I wanted him to get more opportunity to put a foot in the rotation.

So start Crowder and bring brown off the bench at the 2.  That that puts Tatum on the court more, and gives Crowder a role that is much more of a spot up shooter than he was last year.  Although either way, if Brad runs out mostly lineups with 1 big we'll see a ton of Tatum

Cannot start 6'6 Jae Crowder at PF. It is NOT happening. And even if you do, you'll have Morris behind him. Is not relevant to Tatum at all, I don't think.

[kmart12]

IT says he's 5'9" no idea how he became a legit 5'10"?

He became a legit 5'10 by measuring 5'10.25 at the NBA draft combine. You know, the one time they actually put you on a scale and use a ruler to produce a definitive, reliable number.

In case this is not enough, Thomas has also measured between 5'10.25 and 5'11 on three other occasions in his draft year (2011) -- although these are perhaps less reliable. Overall, not really a controversial topic, as far as I am concerned. He's likely at least 5'10 in shoes, perhaps taller, depending on make and model.

This really isn't a big deal, just pointing out (again) that the 5'7 Isaiah Thomas is somewhat of a mythical creature.

TP. The shorter he is = the more his legacy as an outlier and success story is exaggerated. Conversely, the shorter he is = the more his detractors get to use as ammunition when pointing out his limitations.

He's in the NBA and gets measured with his shoes on. He's been measured around 5'10" on multiple occasions. It is what it is.

[makaveli]

I would like to start Marcus, it seams to me that he plays much much better as a starter. if it doesn't work you can easily change that to Brown or Crowder

[blink]

How many levels of crazy do you have to be to bring Isaiah back to an off the bench kind of guy?

Because I'm starting to think that a Smart - Brown - Hayward - Morris - Horford could be an excellent defensive squad and is capable enough to score.

I started a thread about a very similar lineup.  so count me in!

[slam]

Thomas, Hayward and Horford are locks for the starting lineup.  I wouldn't say the same about anyone else.

I'd start Smart at the 2 for defensive purposes.  I think it's too much to ask Hayward to guard some of the quicker 2's in the league.

That leaves the 4 spot.  Maybe Morris is the obvious choice, but I wouldn't be surprised if Crowder starts there.

Brown and Tatum aren't ready to start yet.

I can see our rotation being:

Thomas/Smart/Rozier
Smart/Brown/Tatum
Hayward/Crowder/Tatum/Brown
Morris/Crowder/Tatum
Horford/Morris/Zizic

However, I'm sure a lot will change between now and October with our roster.

[max215]

Why are we assuming that Morris is starting?

He's like the only guy qualified to play starter minutes at 4 right now. 

I agree though, I think we'll still look to add a proper big, we're awfully low on them right now. That guy might be the one to start.

As much as Brad loves playing small, he almost always insists on starting two traditional bigs. I honestly think there's a better chance we start whoever we get for the RMLE over Morris.

I just flashed back to those Zeller/Lee starting lineups and shuddered. But I agree. I think we'll look for a more conventional 4 to start who just probably won't get a ton of minutes.

I'm more expecting a conventional 5. We need to maintain the fallacy that Horford is a 4 to placate him.

[CelticsElite]

We need smart at the 2. Bradley worked hard to hide thomas on D with the switches. Now its smarts job. Its not even a question. Having brown at the 2 would be detrimental on defense

[dreamgreen]

IT says he's 5'9" no idea how he became a legit 5'10"?

He became a legit 5'10 by measuring 5'10.25 at the NBA draft combine. You know, the one time they actually put you on a scale and use a ruler to produce a definitive, reliable number.

In case this is not enough, Thomas has also measured between 5'10.25 and 5'11 on three other occasions in his draft year (2011) -- although these are perhaps less reliable. Overall, not really a controversial topic, as far as I am concerned. He's likely at least 5'10 in shoes, perhaps taller, depending on make and model.

This really isn't a big deal, just pointing out (again) that the 5'7 Isaiah Thomas is somewhat of a mythical creature.

TP. The shorter he is = the more his legacy as an outlier and success story is exaggerated. Conversely, the shorter he is = the more his detractors get to use as ammunition when pointing out his limitations.

He's in the NBA and gets measured with his shoes on. He's been measured around 5'10" on multiple occasions. It is what it is.

I never meet him so I have no idea but the Big O has meet him many times and says he's under 5'9" in his opinion, he says 5'7" just and FYI. But I have hear d IT out of his own mouth say 5'9" so I'll go with that.

I do like the idea of being measured in shoes though, that allows me to lie and say I'm 5'10" also. 

[jpotter33]

Why are we assuming that Morris is starting?

He's like the only guy qualified to play starter minutes at 4 right now. 

I agree though, I think we'll still look to add a proper big, we're awfully low on them right now. That guy might be the one to start.

As much as Brad loves playing small, he almost always insists on starting two traditional bigs. I honestly think there's a better chance we start whoever we get for the RMLE over Morris.

I just flashed back to those Zeller/Lee starting lineups and shuddered. But I agree. I think we'll look for a more conventional 4 to start who just probably won't get a ton of minutes.

I'm more expecting a conventional 5. We need to maintain the fallacy that Horford is a 4 to placate him.

Lol

[mgent]

IT 35 / Rozier 13
Smart 32 / Brown 8 / Tatum 8
Hayward 32 / Crowder 16
Morris 32 / Crowder 16
Horford 32 / Zizic 16

[blink]

IT 35 / Rozier 13
Smart 32 / Brown 8 / Tatum 8
Hayward 32 / Crowder 16
Morris 32 / Crowder 16
Horford 32 / Zizic 16

whoa...whoa...
so Jaylen Brown is only getting 8 minutes at the backup 2 this year?  somehow I think he gets more minutes than that.

[kozlodoev]

IT 35 / Rozier 13
Smart 32 / Brown 8 / Tatum 8
Hayward 32 / Crowder 16
Morris 32 / Crowder 16
Horford 32 / Zizic 16

whoa...whoa...
so Jaylen Brown is only getting 8 minutes at the backup 2 this year?  somehow I think he gets more minutes than that.

Nah. Tatum is not playing SG. The obvious conclusion here is that Brown and Smart will both get ~30 minutes at the G spot, and Rozier will do mop-up duty for less than 10 a game. Tatum is the odd man out and will only play what he's able to take away from Morris and/or Crowder.

Really need someone more ready than Zizic behind Horford, though.

[Chris22]

We are a much better team than last year.
Much deeper too.