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Celtics wing and ball-handler positions seem set - center spot remains in flux

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After two exhibition games, the wing and ball-handler positions on the Celtics seem set. Jayson Tatum, at 6'9" now (in shoes) and 210 pounds, looks like a lock at the power forward slot. Gordon Hayward, with his passing skills, appears a perfect fit at small forward. Jaylen Brown, starting at shooting guard, had an excellent game in the win last night against the Orlando Magic, with a line of 11P/7R/2A/2S/1B/. These three wings will drive opposing defenders nuts if they maintain the play displayed versus the Magic.

Kemba Walker sat out last night's contest, but he is embedded in that point guard role, even though Marcus Smart excelled at the PG position in the victory. With the news of Magic center, Nikola Vucevic, sitting out due to injury, Brad Stevens went with Daniel Theis at center to start the game, and he fared well, grabbing a team-high nine rebounds with four of them on the offensive end. And he accomplished this in a mere 13 minutes of action. Brad needs to take a serious look at Theis as his main option at the 5-spot. He is capable of doing almost anything required in that role - with the possible exception of handling the Drummonds and Embiids of the League.

Enes Kanter played 18 minutes - scored two points - but took down eight rebounds, four of them on the offensive end. Vincent Poirier played five minutes and did not score. Ditto for Tacko Fall. Semi Ojeleye had a good outing, but that is another story for later today.

So where does this leave Marcus Smart? He excelled at the PG slot, but I still feel the team is best-served with him playing that position on the second unit. There is more to this, and I will leave that for a future piece.


The Celtics take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, and 6'10" Tristan Thompson will most-likely be at the center spot for the Cavs. We may see Theis once again at the 5-spot. His outing against Orlando was evidence enough that he needs a legitimate shot in Boston's starting unit.


And please take The Queen's (and my) advice and give us your input. We welcome your insight and input, and we promise to get your stuff, with proper credits, into our articles. Let us know what you think.

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