Size matters. So does playoff experience when it comes down to the NBA post-season. Fot the Celtics 2024 Championship playoff run, nine players logged double-digit minutes in the battle for the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Four of those guys played elsewhere this regular season and one (Jayson Tatum) has been out with an injury. Three of the departed players (Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet) gave The Green some significant height, which has never gone out of vogue in the League. Length comes in handy for lobs, rebounds, put-backs and rim protection. And the post-season experience of Tatum, Horford, and Jrue Holiday can not be ignored.
Granted, Tatum could be back in time to fortify his team, and any trade for a veteran big man still has four days to come to fruition. The present Boston roster has done one hell of a job for the first-half of the regular season, but their readiness to challenge the powers of the Western Conference in the post-season has to be questioned.
The buyout route is also available for Brad Stevens. A veteran big man (Al Horford???) could become available in time to join The Green for the remaining regular season and playoffs. A "Cinderella" ending for the season is still in the cards for a franchise that has often beaten the odds against them.
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