Situational Lineups for the 2012-13 Boston Celtics

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The Boston Celtics have had an eventful offseason.

After the team lost its best pure shooter in Ray Allen, GM Danny Ainge brought in former Mavs guard Jason Terry courtesy of a three-year deal at the mid-level exception.  

He then addressed the team’s lack of size by re-signing Kevin Garnett to a three-year $34 million deal while drafting Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo.

The remaining part of the significant roster was filled out by Jeff Green and Chris Wilcox—both missed the majority of last season because of heart ailments—as well as swingman Courtney Lee.

With a revamped personnel and plenty of depth at multiple positions, the Celtics should have no problem coming up with several different lineups this season. Here are a few potential lineups—in addition to the starting five—that the Celtics can be expected to use this season.   

Small

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PG: Rajon Rondo

Rondo is used in almost every lineup featured here—he is that vital to the team’s success. Rondo has unparalleled court vision and that will be useful when the Celtics are going small. With less size, Boston will set fewer picks in this offensive scheme, resulting in players having to create their own shot. Luckily, Rondo will make that easier for them.

SG: Avery Bradley

Bradley had an awkward and undefined role at the start of last season. Although he was listed as the backup shooting guard on the depth chart, he played sparingly off the bench and did not make a huge impact. However, his presence was felt after Ray Allen missed a series of games due to an ankle injury near the tail-end of last season. Bradley made the most of his increased playing time, briefly displacing Allen as the starting two-guard.  

SF: Courtney Lee

Acquired by the Celtics on July 20, Courtney Lee brings versatility to the Boston bench. The 26-year-old swing-man is a decent scorer, distributor and rebounder for his size. 

PF: Brandon Bass

Brandon Bass arrived in Boston after he was traded from Orlando for his buddy Glen Davis. The deal later proved to be a steal by the Celtics. While Big Baby was a solid contributor during his time in Boston, Bass proved to be even better, averaging more points and rebounds as well as a better field goal percentage. He also was more dominant than Davis in the paint—although both are undersized for the position. Bass eventually became the starting power forward after Kevin Garnett moved to the center position, and that figures to stay the same this year.

C: Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett struggled at the onset of last season playing inconsistently through his first 20-plus games. However after injuries depleted the team’s depth at center, Garnett moved into the starting role at the five-spot. The change was good to him, as he regained his All-Star form and quickly became one of the team’s top contributors again. 

Big

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PG: Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo is the Celtics most important asset. In fact, it is safe to say this is now his team. So it should come as no surprise that Rondo is present in three out of five lineups presented here. When the Celtics are going big, Rondo can take advantage of screens to either find an open man, or take advantage of mismatches when defenses switch on the pick and roll.

SG: Paul Pierce

Small forward is Paul Pierce’s natural position, but when the Celtics play with increased size, he can serve as a two-guard. Despite his size, he is an above-average three-point shooter and can shoot well off the dribble. 

SF: Jeff Green

Jeff Green has the unique ability to play both forward positions. When going big, he can slot into his natural spot as a small forward. 

PF: Kevin Garnett

Although Kevin Garnett found new success as the team’s center last year, he has spent his entire 17-year career as a power forward. Although he will most likely continue as the team’s starting center in 2012, he will get a chance to play his natural position when Doc Rivers is having them go big.

C: Chris Wilcox

Chris Wilcox made a solid impression last year before ending the season with a heart surgery. Assuming he comes back and is equally effective next year, he will be used as the team’s primary center off the bench.  

Shooting

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PG: Jason Terry

Jason Terry was brought to Boston for one purpose: to replace Ray Allen. While he may not be as prolific a three-point shooter, he is still one of the best in NBA history (fourth all-time).   

SG: Keyon Dooling

While Keyon Dooling is an average shooter, he has displayed the ability to shoot both long and mid-range jumpers effectively. He is streaky and can sometimes go cold, but when he is hot most of his shots seems to fall.

SF: Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce is one of the most versatile players on the Celtics. He can do just about anything and that includes shooting. He is the franchise’s second leading scorer of all-time. Although he is now the ripe age of 34, he has not shown any signs of slowing down.

PF: Brandon Bass

Brandon Bass is often referred to as “Big Baby 2.0”. Both players are very similar in their role with the Celtics, but Bass is a much more efficient shooter. Last year he demonstrated his favorite shot is the elbow jumper, and he can hit it with high frequency. 

C: Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett is known as one of the best shooting power forwards in NBA history. His range outside the paint is anywhere from 15-18 feet. Now that he is a center, his field goal percentage will naturally increase, but he can still stretch the floor with his ability to consistently hit mid-range jumpers.

Defense

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PG: Rajon Rondo

Rondo is widely regarded as one of the best defensive point guards in the NBA. He has made the NBA’s All-Defense team four consecutive times since 2009. If he keeps up his current level of play for the next several years, he could one day go down as one of the best defensive point guards in NBA history.

SG: Avery Bradley

Bradley did not play much last year, but when he did he showed off some stellar defense. One particular play that stands out is when he blocked a layup attempt by Miami’s Dwyane Wade. It was regarded as one of the best defensive plays of the year. Bradley figures to become a defensive stud going forward in his career.

SF: Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce is known for his skills on offense, but he is no slouch on the other end of the floor. Defense may be the most underrated part of his game because it is not flashy. He does not average a lot of steals or blocks, but he is effective at guarding his position. Just ask LeBron James.

PF: Brandon Bass

Brandon Bass was a mediocre defender before coming to Boston, but after working with Kevin Garnett, he improved dramatically. On a team that considers defense as its backbone, Bass will most likely get better. 

C: Kevin Garnett

The 2007 Defensive Player of the Year, Kevin Garnett is regarded as one of the best defensive players the league has ever seen. Yes, he is older and a step slower now, but he is still very capable on that end of the floor.