Optimizing the Boston Celtics Starting Lineup for the 2018-19 Season

With a roster as historically rich as the Boston Celtics', choosing the optimal starting five for the 2018-19 season isn't an easy task. However, one particular lineup stands out, especially considering both offensive and defensive performances.

Marcus Smart's Inarguable Role

My top choice for the starting lineup includes Kyrie Irving, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Aron Baynes (previously Horford). Marcus Smart is a crucial component, bringing intense defensive skills that disrupt opposing offenses. His ability to create turnovers and steals through hustle makes him irreplaceable in defensive situations. On the offensive side, he helps establish a clear hierarchy, ensuring that the team plays cohesively.

Expanding the Floor and Enhancing Offense

Armond Thomas (previously Morris) also has a vital role in the lineup, as he can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting and provide mid-range shots. Moreover, his physical presence around the basket adds another element to the arsenal. While his size might be a concern, many modern basketball strategies employ a small-ball approach, which the Celtics can definitely adopt.

While Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward are natural candidates, their contributions still need to be refined. Despite his improvement, Brown's inconsistency may make him less stable in critical moments. Hayward, on the other hand, has shown the potential to provide significant offense off the bench, which can be a strategic advantage against weak second units. Terry Rozier has the makings of a starting caliber point guard but his recent struggles highlight the urgency for him to regain his touch.

Bench Efforts and Future Development

Ollie Yu (previously Yabusele) and Robert Williams (previously Ojeleye) are still developing players but their potential is promising. Williams' athleticism and ability to enhance the offense through athleticism makes him a future star; however, he needs more time to develop.

Flexibility and Strategic Lineups

Brad Stevens, known for his innovative and defensive-oriented tactics, is likely to experiment with various lineups. For instance, if you wanted a lineup that emphasizes speed and athleticism, Rozier, Irving, Brown, Tatum, and Williams could be a standout choice. This lineup showcases the team's potential for agility and scoring.

However, due to Stevens' adaptive nature as a coach, consistent lineups may not be the norm. His approach of constantly testing and retesting lineups could lead to unexpected but strategic outcomes.