Role Call for C's Bigs: Reserve, Rotation or Major Role player
Boston ranked 10th in the NBA in rebounding percentage (.510) last season, and have beefed up their frontline with even more proven bangers. Lots of bodies, few open spots. How will it shake out?
By A. Sherrod Blakely
The Boston Celtics in recent years, are known for many things.
A good rebounding club?
That ain’t one of them.
Which is why they went into the offseason intentionally looking to significantly bolster their front court with bangers.
Mission accomplished.
Boston does indeed have a roster with more options to choose from in the frontcourt, but there are a number of questions as to how it will all play out.
Can Al Horford’s ability to stretch the floor, open things up for Boston’s talented wing players?
Will Roberts Williams III stay healthy enough to play a major role?
What about Enes Kanter, one of the NBA’s top offensive rebounders since coming into the league in 2011?
This brings us to the final installment of Role Call for the Celtics’ big men, where they will be divided into three primary groups: Reserves, rotation or (Major) Role players.
Robert Williams III (6-8, 237, Center/Forward)
Roster, Rotation or Major Role: Major Role
Why?: Despite what has been a pro career marred by a series of injuries, the Celtics didn’t hesitate in locking up Williams to a four-year deal that’s worth as much as $54 million. If he can stay relatively healthy, Williams’ contract will soon be viewed as one of the biggest steals in the NBA this past offseason.
Al Horford (6-9, 240, Forward/Center)
Roster, Rotation or Major Role: Major Role
Why?: The 35-year-old is back with the Green Team, a couple years older and wiser. Horford’s ability to score from the perimeter and around the basket while being one of the better defenders against small-ball bigs, will be on display more than we’ve seen the past couple of seasons in Philadelphia and more recently, Oklahoma City. That said, Horford has shot at least 35 percent from 3-point range in each of the last five seasons, making him a viable scoring threat.
Enes Kanter (6-10, 250, Center)
Roster, Rotation or Major Role: Rotation
Why?: Like Horford, Kanter is also back with the Celtics for a second tour of duty. The Celtics will lean on him to once again contribute to the team’s efforts on the offensive boards. During his first stint, he averaged 3.9 offensive rebounds per game which ranked third in the league.
Grant Williams (6-6, 236, Forward/Center)
Roster, Rotation or Major Role: Rotation/Roster
Why? While Williams’ numbers were better a year ago than his rookie season, there was a sense among many - including Willaims - that his impact wasn’t quite what it was during his first season. With the additions Boston made in the offseason, Williams will have his hands full in trying to get on the floor with any kind of consistency. But if he can become more consistent in knocking down shots and do “the little things,” he has a chance to be a contributor.
Juan Hernangomez (6-9, 214, Forward/Center)
Roster, Rotation or Major Role: Roster/Rotation
Why?: A last-minute offseason addition via trade from Memphis, the 26-year-old big man provides some much needed depth from the “Stretch big” position. While it’s likely Hernangomez will begin the season near the end of Boston’s bench, his strengths as a player and overall toughness are qualities that should at some point provide him an opportunity to play his way into a more consistent role.
Jabari Parker (6-8, 245, Forward/Center)
Roster, Rotation or Major Role: Roster
Why?: The No. 2 pick in the 2014 NBA draft, Parker gets buckets; always has. But the other parts of his game (defense, rebounding, passing) have been slow to develop, resulting in him fighting to just stay in the league. But again, because he is such a good shooter (only two players from his draft class who have been in the league as long as he has, have a higher shooting percentage).
Bruno Fernando (6-9, 240, Forward/Center)
Roster, Rotation or Major Role: (End of) Roster
Why?: A strong showing during Boston’s summer league play vaulted Fernando from a likely candidate to be waived, to a player competing for minutes off the bench. His gritty play around the rim and quick first-step off the dribble, allowed him to stand out for all the right reasons. But considering the caliber of talent brought in by Boston, remaining part of the Celtics’ 15-man roster should be considered a victory in itself.