I am sticking to my preferred Celtics starting-5 of Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Rob Williams and - yes - the veteran, Al Horford. Ime Udoka starting newly-acquired Juancho Hernangomez at power forward versus Orlando in exhibition is simply early roster-tinkering. That's what coaches do in exhibition play.
Expect a different look in the starting quintet on Saturday, and I have no idea what that "new look" will resemble. I expect a different face at power forward, and Jabari Parker may get a look as a starter. But when the real battles begin in the regular season, expect Horford to be out there for the starting gun.
Ime Udoka seems to be in a "switch everything" defense mode, having sufficient youth, depth and size to make it work - but the question is - would this be the best defensive strategy. Pro basketball is more a game of instincts than long-thought-out strategies more-conducive to winning at chess.
With a premier shot-blocking center like Rob Williams out there, it may be best to let instincts take over and let Boston's version of "Sky King" do his defensive thing at the rim. That strategy seemed to work well for 11 Titles with Bill Russell in the middle. Let's hope Udoka doesn't make the mistake of "over-coaching" this group of intelligent, athletic young vets. Stifling their creativity could be a determent to Title hopes going forward.
Rob Williams aka "Sky King" |
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