The addition of Kristaps Porzingis to the Boston Celtics raises one concern for the team’s frontcourt moving into the 2023-24 season: who starts and who finishes between him, Al Horford, and Robert Williams III?On August 4, MassLive’s Brian Robb stated that he expects Porzingis and Williams to start together, but finishing a game together would be a different matter.
“That would be my first choice, but it’s also worth watching how those pairings play out during training camp.” Realistically, both Al and Rob will start frequently because they will most likely rotate taking off back-to-backs, as we saw for much of last season. It wouldn’t surprise me if Porzingis was given plenty of maintenance days to keep him fresh and healthy. When that trio is fully healthy, Porzingis/Rob appears to be the most likely to start, while Porzingis/Al appears to be the most likely closing group assuming the team goes with double bigs,” Robb said.
Horford agreeing to come off the bench would be easier said than done, according to Robb.
“I believe Joe Mazzulla will tread carefully with Horford to ensure he’s bought in to being a reserve before making such a move because he’s a proud guy.” However, at 37 years old and with so much promise ahead of him, it’s difficult to envision him not investing in his future.”
Horford has appeared in only 10 of 1,013 games during his career, with the Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kristaps Porzingis May Force Robert Williams to Evolve
On August 2, The Athletic’s Jared Weiss explained how the impact of Porzingis may force Williams to improve his game.
“Now with the arrival of Kristaps Porziņģis, someone who can do just about everything you could ask for from a big in a spaced-out offense, Williams has to evolve,” Weiss wrote. “For the first time since he emerged in Boston’s rotation, Williams could become expendable.”
Weiss added how the league’s new tax aprons could impact Williams’ role on the team.
“With his fit in the locker room, growth potential, and contract, Williams’ success will be vital to Boston’s long-term success. With the second apron coming into play next year, getting high-level production from anyone making under the midlevel exception is going to be vital as Brad Stevens and the front office try to trim the payroll surrounding their two supermax players. With Al Horford signed for two more seasons, the 25-year-old Williams will have to prove he can keep growing if Boston is going to keep its frontcourt together,” Weiss wrote.
Danilo Gallinari Is Excited to Play for the Celtics
On July 31, Danilo Gallinari, the Celtics’ top free agent addition for 2022, acknowledged that he is looking forward to meeting the Celtics and his current team, the Washington Wizards.
“I’m bursting with energy. I’m excited to play against Boston. “As soon as the schedule is released, I’ll put an X on every time I play against Boston in Boston,” Gallinari remarked in English.
The NBA schedule has not yet been released, but the Wizards and Celtics will meet at least three times.
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