Learning from the Finals: the Boston Celtics have an athleticism deficiency

In only a few days, it’ll be time for Boston to formally hand over the crown as a brand new crew takes the thrown. The 2023-24 title was unforgettable, however issues transfer quick in Boston and the main target has shifted to banner 19.

The Celtics know what it takes to construct a champion, however whereas the blueprint for victory remains to be recent, there’s a lesson to be discovered from the Thunder and Pacers. Via 5 NBA Finals video games, the worth positioned on athleticism and power is unmistakable, and it’s a gap that Boston must fill on their very own roster.

Except for two 7-footers, the majority of the Thunder’s playoff rotation falls between 6’4” and 6’6”. They’ve constructed an all-time protection due to that, not regardless of it.

Cason Wallace and Lu Dort are the 2 smallest rotation items at 6’4”, however every of them has the mindset and bodily instruments to play a lot bigger. Even in matchups the place they offer up some measurement, it by no means seems like OKC is at a drawback. Their wings swap, assist, rotate and recuperate, inflicting havoc and scaring ballhandlers. Offensively, they get out in transition, fill gaps and end performs on the rim.

To a lesser diploma, Indiana has their very own assortment of robust and springy athletes. Siakam, Toppin, Nesmith, Nembhard, Mathurin and Sheppard are wing-sized gamers that may slide up and down the positional scale on both finish.

Resulting from components like age, accidents and roster adjustments, Boston is lacking this similar sort of versatility on the wing/ahead spot. Horford and Jrue have misplaced a step, and the remainder of the roster wins extra with talent, timing and shotmaking. Brown and Tatum account for a major quantity of the explosive performs and above-the-rim finishes, which masks a scarcity of athleticism round them.

The crew discovered methods to offset this all year long — primarily with record-breaking 3PT quantity — but it surely led to pointless strain and put on on the Jays.

While you have a look at the Pacers and Thunder, the celebs are a part of this equation, however they get to play extra of a supporting function by way of vitality and athleticism. Dort, Caruso and Wallace can do a variety of the soiled work for OKC, whereas Nesmith, Nembhard and Toppin match equally for Indiana.

At the moment, there aren’t many choices on the roster that may replicate this dynamic for Boston. Jordan Walsh matches the mould in some methods, however after a sophomore season with out a lot taking part in time it’s unclear if he’s a part of the long-term plans. One other offseason within the weight room might open the door for Walsh to earn actual minutes in Tatum’s absence, but it surely’s removed from a dependable answer.

The draft and commerce market provide different alternatives to deal with this. The Pacers and Thunder constructed their versatility up utilizing each choices. Boston can take a swing somebody like Adou Theiro or Drake Powell with both of their draft picks, whereas additionally exploring commerce choices to seek out extra established gamers.

If they’ll inject the wing depth with extra athleticism and youth, it’ll permit Tatum and Brown to reduce a bit. As they each recuperate from surgical procedures, it’s essential to ensure they’re not overextended.

The Thunder and Pacers aren’t going anyplace, and different groups are beginning to load up as effectively. If the Celtics need to hold tempo and guarantee their window stays open, they want a roster that may run with anybody — and which means addressing the dearth of athleticism.