The Boston Celtics have yet to finalize their starting lineup for the NBA's opening night, but head coach Brad Stevens likes what has worked so far in the preseason. Looking to load up on size and versatility, the Celtics have a lot of talented depth, but no one that has become a clear starter. Despite the crowded roster groups, Marcus Smart and Jae Crowder are expected to be part of the starting five.
In the preseason, there was a nice battle for the starting point guard spot between Smart and Isaiah Thomas. Smart was the starter last season while Thomas made it clear that he would like to be in the lineup as well. Thomas thrived as the Sixth Man last season when he arrived in Boston, but his versatility and stats from the preseason made him hard to ignore as a potential starter. Instead, Stevens likes him in a backcourt with Avery Bradley with Thomas off the bench.
"Like I've said all along, it's about two things: No. 1, you obviously have to earn your way into playing. And everybody's going to get those opportunities," Stevens said, via ESPN.com. "And then, No. 2, is how do you complement each other? And we've talked about our depth being a real positive. And I think it will be a real positive from the standpoint that 1 through 15 can play. I think the biggest thing is then how do we bring out the very best in one another when we're on the court?"
Size is another area to sort out for the Celtics. According to Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com, Tyler Zeller and David Lee are getting the start for the regular season which leaves Kelly Olynyk and Amir Johnson coming off the bench and Jared Sullinger with a question mark above his head. While the power forward is expected to be on the roster to start the season, his minutes might be very small as the Celtics determine whether or not he is expendable.
According to Grantland's Zach Lowe, Sullinger is not expected to finish out the season in Boston as he is a mid-season trade target. If Sullinger can prove he is in shape and healthy, teams will take interest. The Celtics love nothing more than stock piling draft picks and could shop Sullinger considering their depth at the position for the season.