We haven’t even been through five days of training camp or played a preseason game, but I’m sure everyone wants to know who the Celtics are thinking about starting this season.
According to Jay King, the Celtics had Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, Jeff Green, Jared Sullinger, and Kelly Olynyk dressed in white today, which is typically the color the starters wear in practice
Source: white (possibly starting) team at practice today was Smart, Bradley, Green, Sullinger and Olynyk.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) October 2, 2014
This is a solid lineup with Rondo out. Marcus Smart has reportedly looked good in training camp, but don’t sleep on Phil Pressey fighting him hard for that starting spot.
Brad Stevens has also talked about playing Evan Turner at point guard (Sherrod Blakely called him the “leader” to replace Rondo a few days ago) so we’ll see who wins the battle between the three of them. Rajon Rondo will obviously take over the starting point guard role once he returns from his injury (Avery Bradley is not an option, thank God)
Bradley and his new contract are basically locked into starting at the two guard spot, which will hopefully allow him to continue locking down guards like he has done most of his career.
Jeff Green mans the small forward position where he will hopefully take a step forward this year and become the All-Star like he talked about during Media Day. It’s also a pseudo-contract year for Green since he can opt out of his deal this summer. He’ll have a little extra motivation if he thinks he can get into the $10 million or more-per-year range.
And the most exciting piece, for me anyway, Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk taking over the front court. Chuck touched on this yesterday, and there’s still some question about where Tyler Zeller fits in, but right now Stevens looks to be going with Olynyk, who is more familiar with the system.
Two building blocks for the future that will definitely provide some exciting play.
Celtics fans, if this starting lineup turns out to be the one we roll with this season, will you be happy with it?
