Role players beyond the 5 stars

[darrendaye]

Here is an attempt at breaking down all of the current reserves and where they fit the team. Despite my belief that Perkins should and will start, I count him as a reserve. Understand that Hudson is no lock to make the squad. Any dialogue from this would be appreciated.

Perkins: Defensive enforcer

Offense: With Powe gone they will count on his low post scoring more than ever. Offensive rebounding and passing out of the post also make him very valuable to this team.

Defense: There may be times that the Celtics have Perkins out there specifically for his offensive contributions, but much more of the team’s dependency on Perk is his enforcer role on the defense. And more specifically the post defender, enforcer, role on the defense. When Perkins is not on the court, the team would obviously not prefer to use KG or Wallace in that spot, so the job falls on Big Baby, or when need calls, Shelden Williams.

Daniels: Defensive flexibility, skilled ball-handler

Offense: Daniels will likely eat up every backup minute behind Rondo at the 1 and Pierce at the 3. Daniels is responsible for dribble drive penetration when either Rondo or Pierce or both are on the bench. You MAY want to have a taller more physical option available on some defensive matchups. (More on this later)

Defense: Oh boy, this is where Daniels, potentially, pays off. If the reports are accurate, and Daniels can ably defend 3 positions, you have a good deal of roster flexibility. Having Daniels on the team to defend the point guard, allows the Celtics to basically throw both Ray Allen and more importantly Eddie House at that shooting guard position and call it a night. You can have a shooter out there at all times with Daniels helping to mask much of their defensive shortcomings. The lone concern is his defending stronger small forwards.

House: Shooter

Offense: Run around and shoot. It’s that simple.

Defense: House may get stuck defending some backup point guards. If they can get matchups where they can put House on a non-threatening backup 2, take advantage of that with Rondo or Daniels on the point.

Big Baby: Bruising Low Post defense, perimeter big

Offense: Shooter and occasional banger. Davis will have the luxury of being pretty low key in the offense as he will have scorers around him. He will be paired with at least one of KG or Wallace, and will likely have either Rondo or Daniels on the floor with him. Finally, he will also be assured of having one of the following group: Pierce, Ray, or House, on the court with him. So, that will give him three scorers that carry a higher defensive priority. It's of course vital that Rondo can break free as a scorer. There's your offensive load for Baby.

Defense: I would argue that you rarely want to pair Baby and Perkins, but solely use Baby and mostly use Perk to rest KG or Wallace. Perk I would start the 1st and 3rd quarter, but then use him to rest one of the big two big men. So both Perk and Baby still have the responsibility to act as defensive enforcer/bruiser, first and foremost. This is why Shelden Williams was needed.

Walker: Physical 3, inside scoring

Offense: He will likely have to show he can consistently hit the outside shot OR prove himself a capable low block scorer at the 3 position. In either case, a few sick jams a game would also be a requisite.

Defense: Walker may have the physicality and strength to fill a need the Celts have playing against taller and stronger 3’s.

Hudson: Gunner

Offense: If he sticks, replace Eddie House. That’s his offensive design if Ainge intends to keep him on the roster. He will have to shoot his way off the bench. It would be chocolate syrup if he could handle the ball well enough to break a press. Slash to the basket with determination and you’ll be Ainge’s most impressive draft pick yet.

Defense: I was disappointed at the draft scouting reports calling into question his lateral quickness. I’m sure Ainge would love to have the defensive concerns solved at the backup point.

Giddens: At least for one more season, Giddens will be a Daniels in waiting. They pray he becomes Daniels with a stronger body

S. Williams: Oh crap, what if Perkins gets hurt.

TA: Injury insurance for 3 wings. Slasher/defender

Scalabrine: Injury insurance for 3 perimeter bigs.

[SonicYouth34]

I hope Hudson sticks. He could end up being a more athletic version or Janero Pargo.