Preface: Since one of the most common topics on this forum is centered around the compilation of the best Celtics lineup given the current constructed roster, I thought it'd be fun to discuss this topic in the context of situations that CBS will have to face during every game. So begins the Situational Awareness Series.. There will be an in-game situation for every post. Please post your best 5 players to put on the floor, and of course, the logic behind it.
Situation 4: Hey if Memphis can do it... In all honesty, there will always be times where CBS will have to matchup with a team of giants (Cleveland or Chicago) or attempt to slow the game down against the smaller lineups of ATL or GSW. The tall ball lineup will of course require size to defend/rebound at every position, but also guards that are able to pressure the ball well enough to prevent ball-movement that would otherwise drag out the post defenders. On offense, we need players that are good interior passers and also have high IQ to manage a slower, half-court game. This means, no turnovers and high efficiency shot selection.
My 5:
Marcus Smart - hopefully with improved ball-handling and feel for the game, the turnovers will be low and passes be..
smart. Defensively, he'll hound any guard and prevent any easy pass
Avery Bradley - Good at using half-court/set piece screens with his improved jumper. Defensively like Smart, should be able to play good defense.
(honorable mention goes to Jae Crowder here - built like a tank and can defend guards)
Evan Turner - has good size at SF/SG, and extremely good size for a secondary ball-handler. Makes good decisions, though shot selection is questionable. And i thought he was very underrated defensively last year.
Amir Johnson - Defensively very strong, sets solid screens, overall high IQ and efficient
Tyler Zeller - tallest player on the team needs to be on the floor. Able to take midrange shots as well as being a very underrated passer.
Your thoughts?
Previous threads
SAS 3 - Small Ball:
http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=80180.0SAS 2 - Shooters:
http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=80160.0SAS 1 - Athleticism:
http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=80139.0