Since this Boston Celtics core was fully established, the team’s lack of size and big-man depth has been a source of concern. Despite this, the Celtics are off to a fast start and remain one of the top title contenders. Kristaps Porzingis has also shown to be an excellent fit and starter. If you had to pick a flaw, the Celtics’ lack of depth at the center position would be at the top of the list. 

Recent loses

The Celtics have an 11-3 record. However, their main fault has been on full show in all three losses. Boston suffered its first setback of the season in an overtime thriller against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Big men in Minnesota include Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Naz Reid. The Timberwolves won because to Gobert’s rim protection and Reid’s inside scoring, as well as Jadaniels’ presence as a tall, long two-way wing. Boston also lost by three points to the Philadelphia 76ers, losing the rebounding battle 56-43. Boston’s defense was able to keep Joel Embiid in check, pushing him into many turnovers and terrible attempts. However, as an inside scorer and shot blocker, Embiid was able to punish the Celtics, including a strong third quarter that entirely changed the outcome.

The Celtics were defeated in overtime by the Charlotte Hornets yesterday. The Celtics were already missing Al Horford, so the big-man position was precarious. Miles Bridges and Mark Williams each pulled down 16 rebounds. Furthermore, in non-Porzingis minutes, the Hornets had a lot of success scoring inside. With future games against the Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic, they must overcome their size and depth difficulties.

The Celtics’ Depth

The most alarming aspect of the Celtics’ big man predicament is a lack of depth rather than a lack of quality. Porzingis and Horford are both high-level centers who complement the rest of the squad and provide two-way value. Horford is a great spot-up shooter and high-IQ defender, whereas Porzingis is an elite shooter and shot blocker. Outside of those two, the Celtics’ big men are a source of concern. Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta aren’t even close to becoming rotation players on such a competitive team. However, these are the types of guys on whom Boston must rely in the event of an injury or foul problems.

This is particularly troubling given Porzingis’ injury history and Horford’s age. For the time being, I am not very concerned and do not feel this weakness jeopardizes their title hopes. Finally, there is no perfect roster in today’s NBA, and no squad is without flaws. However, if Porzingis or Horford are injured, the Celtics would need to find a competent replacement or their title prospects will be jeopardized.

Misusing Porzingis on Offense

Boston’s obvious strength is three-point shooting, but they need more offensive shot variety. While this is not as awful as it was last year, and Jayson Tatum’s better finishing is encouraging, shot diversity remains an issue. The most significant area for development is getting Porzingis more involved on the inside. On just 4.8 shots each game, he is shooting an astounding 79.1% from five feet away. Sure, the Celtics have a loaded offense, but with this kind of production, there’s no reason not to increase Porzingis’ touches and volume inside. Evan Mobley is on a loaded offensive squad as well, but he is significantly less polished than Porzingis. Mobley is shooting 65.6% from the same distance on 9.3 attempts per game.

Given this glaring contrast, it’s difficult to argue that Porzingis should be given more inside looks. Furthermore, Porzingis’ increased usage allows the Celtics to better match up with larger teams and makes their offense significantly less predictable. Getting Porzingis engaged in the interior should be a primary emphasis, especially on nights when shots aren’t falling. With 30 seconds left in the game against the Hornets, Porzingis was wide open down low. However, Jaylen Brown chose to take a disputed three-point shot. He missed, and the Celtics were defeated. This play exemplifies how an overemphasis on three-pointers harms the squad.

The Last Word

In the end, these are trivial issues in the larger scheme of things. These issues have little bearing on the Celtics’ status as contenders, or even favorites. They are, however, issues to keep an eye on as the season unfolds. If Boston can resolve these concerns, they will most likely become consensus favorites and feel like a legitimate juggernaut. If not, there may be a formula for defeating the Celtics.