Let’s look at a variety of questions from our weekly Celtics mailbag. If you have any questions regarding the Celtics, the NBA, free agency, or anything else, email brobb@masslive.com or tweet @briantrobb.
Hello, Brian. We know White is going to start with KP and the Jays. Is this the year Al comes off the bench to limit his minutes (he’s now a $10 million-a-year player) and allow Rob to develop? What are your thoughts? Thank you, Andy
That would be my default option but it’s also worth seeing how those pairings look during training camp. Realistically, both Al and Rob will be starting plenty since they will probably rotate taking off back-to-backs like we saw for a good chunk of last season. Wouldn’t surprise me to see Porzingis get plenty of maintenance days as well to try to keep him fresh and healthy. When that trio is at full strength though, Porzingis/Rob seems like the most likely to start while Porzingis/Al is the most likely closing group if the team sticks with double bigs.
I do think Joe Mazzulla will tread carefully with Horford to make sure he’s bought in on being a reserve before making such a move since he’s a prideful guy. However, at age 37 with the talent ahead of him, it’s hard to see him not buying in to increase his longevity.
How can Christian Wood not be the ideal backup big man for this team? He can shoot the three, so he can play with Rob, and he’d be a beast on a second unit with Al. Cfbhoopsa —
With most teams using up their cap space, what are the odds of the Celtics filling one or both of their roster positions with individuals like Kelly Oubre, Christian Wood, TJ Warren, and others on a one-year veteran minimum prove it deal? — Adam A
Minimum deal for Svi, as previously revealed… or a big signing like Oubre Jr. or C. Wood to bolster the roster? — Yuri M
Lots of Christian Wood chatter in the mailbag! That would certainly be a fun option to have as a fourth big but I don’t know if Wood is looking for a bigger role if he’s going to settle for the veteran’s minimum. There are a lot of teams out there with the mid-level exception still to use and if Wood wants to score a new big deal in a season or two, he’s going to have to go somewhere that can give him consistent minutes.
The Celtics could conceivably be that spot if someone in the frontcourt gets hurt but if not, he could only see spot minutes many nights with his defensive limitations. He’s been linked to the Lakers for much of the last few weeks but would expect him to wait until closer to camp to make a decision to see if other dominoes falling open up a chance for him. Otherwise, he’s looking at quite the payout from his $13 million salary last year no matter where he picks.
Hello Brian. Do you think Svi can help the Cs off the bench since it’s rumored they wanna bring him in? Any other vets you have in mind? How much will Walsh/Banton get run in preseason to see if they can help now? If they add Blake they have 5 bigs, which is enough depth, right? — Eddy FB
Given his track record, Mykhailiuk would be a strong choice for deep bench depth, but I doubt the team would fully guarantee that contract until he made the team. that aren’t many vets out that I’d jump on right away, with even the higher-profile men still available being problematic players (Wood, Oubre, etc.). As long as Blake Griffin is available, he’s a viable backup option as a final big. Walsh and Banton should see increased playing time in at least one or two preseason games. Given the current status of the depth chart, I believe Walsh has a more realistic road to minutes, but he would have to outperform Hauser/Brissett, which seems improbable for the rookie.
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