My readers know the starting-five that I feel is the best mix of offense, defense, seasoning and overall skill. That would consist of Al Horford, Rob Williams, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart. I think the "two-bigs-won't-cut-it" argument has no basis. Rob is 6'8" tall, the same as Tatum, and he can play as a mobile center or a wing.
Admittedly, questions remain on the composition of the second unit, but to start the season, I like Dennis Schroder, Payton Pritchard, Josh Richardson, Jabari Parker (if he makes the team) and Enes Kanter coming off the bench.
Granted, that leaves Aaron Nesmith, Grant Williams, Bruno Fernando - and several new additions of whom we know little - as contenders for the back-up quintet. So why did I put Parker into that second unit when we are not sure he will even make the team? My position is - if he ends up on the roster, he needs sufficient minutes to prove, or disprove, his value to the team. This could be a make-or-break season for the 26-year-old power forward.
I would expect the backup-5 to pick up the pace, giving Grant Williams more opportunities to jokingly imitate Kanter's odd running gait. Schroder would be at the point and you can bet Pritchard will be right with him on any fast breaks. Richardson will be in that race, and I would expect both Parker and Kanter to crash the boards and ignite the break.
That's it, folks. That's my top-10, and I expect to see some changes in those selections as the season progresses. One or two of the "also-rans" may just pleasantly surprise. Gonna be an exciting new season for The Green and Boston fans.
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