The Boston Celtics are not off to the best start this season as they sit at 1-3 on the year while ranking 28th in shooting percentage. In need of a major offensive spark, the Celtics could be looking to make some adjustments in the lineup as they prepare to face the Washington Wizards and look to break the losing streak. Considering Isaiah Thomas provided a much-needed spark against the Indiana Pacers, will he be put back into the starting lineup despite Marcus Smart's return?
Thomas currently leads the team with 23.5 points per game and 6.5 assists. In place of Smart who is struggling with a toe injury, Thomas put up 27 points against the Indiana Pacers and looked solid next to Avery Bradley. Could that duo continue even when Smart returns? According to ESPN Boston, it will be the lineup for Friday as Smart has not practice while Thomas hopes it continues in order to get some wins for the team.
"We're not gonna panic, but at the same time, changes need to be made," Thomas said, via The Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach. "And we need to as players take accountability. We're expected to do something. A lot of people (have) us expected to go to the playoffs, but as of now we need to fix some things."
Thomas made it clear in the preseason that he will do what head coach Brad Stevens tells him to do and he is fine with his position on the team as long as they are winning. The issue is that Boston is not winning and it is clear something has to be adjusted. Putting in Thomas permanently as a starter might help.
Tyler Zeller is also a player that needs to improve. Zeller opted not to sign a contract extension prior to the season in hopes that a big year would bring in more money next offseason. However, opponents are shooting 60 percent from the floor when Zeller is on the court. Those are not good numbers and he is aware that he needs to step up. Zeller made it clear that it did not bother him to not sign a contract prior to the season starting. Jared Sullinger said the same thing as both players simply need to improve.
"Obviously you have to make an impact when you are on the floor," said Zeller, via ESPN.com. "It's something I haven't done a great job of yet, whether it's scoring or just getting opportunities for other guys. It's something I've been watching film of and trying to get better at. It's something I have to keep working at."
The Celtics made it clear they are not hitting the panic button just yet on their slow start to the year. For a team that was predicted as a sleeper in the Eastern Conference, this was not the ideal way to begin the season and getting out of a shooting funk is the top priority.
"Those shots are going to fall, we just have to keep shooting them and not let our confidence get too low," said Smart, via ESPN.com. "We got some great shots. We definitely have to make shots, but at the same time, we have to start the game with a pace that we did in the last couple minutes in the fourth quarter [against Indiana] and some of the third."