Underlying Assumption: Celtics are able to get the following six players on their 2017-18 roster
please don't waste your time debating the underlying assumption
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Isaiah Thomas
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Avery Bradley
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Jae Crowder
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Gordon Hayward
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Al Horford
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Demarcus Cousins
The Question: Who would be most likely convinced to take The Igoudala Role off the bench for this team?
My Thought:
I think an argument could be made for any of these guys, except Cousins.
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Horford: You could argue that without Horford, you start with a devastating small-ball line-up and Horford off the bench keeps him fresh (extends his career) and would be equally devastating against competition.
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Bradley: You could argue that Hayward has and could play the 2-guard and is a more complete player than Bradley.
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Hayward: Hayward's skillset is probably closest to Iggy. He has that all-around game that would fit easily into any combination with the other 5 guys. A perfect bench player, but he is too talented for that.
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Crowder: At face value, Crowder makes the most sense, as he is the least skilled player. However, thinking further, he really is the ideal "fifth man" in the sense of a solid 3&D presence. If you have too much offense and usage in the starting line-up it can sometimes not mesh well. Crowder is a great glue guy you'd want in that starting line-up
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Isaiah: I don't particularly like it, but Isaiah is an ideal 6th man. You could have Hayward be a point-forward or ask Avery to initiate a basic offense that goes through your two skilled bigs. Isaiah off the bench would destroy.
Submitted January 05, 2017 at 02:59PM by secularhuman77