BOSTON – Brad Stevens has not hesitated in the past to play really small lineups.
Now with a roster filled with more talent and athleticism from top to bottom, why would that change?
In a league where size doesn’t really matter nearly as much as it used to, the Boston Celtics have the kind of versatility that can lead to some wacky-looking lineups that just might work for a period of time.
One grouping that will be interesting to watch this season is when Stevens goes with a five-man unit consisting of Terry Rozier, Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown and Al Horford.
Such a unit has suffocating defenders on the perimeter with an exceptional athlete in the frontcourt (Brown) paired with a veteran (Horford) with tremendous individual and team-defensive talent.
Stevens has made no secret about liking some of the small-ball lineups he can use, but is quick to caution the downside to going small too often.
“The one thing you can’t forfeit if you’re small is speed,” Stevens said. “And we’ve got a lot of speed with those guys. So it’s something that is important. Obviously the more length you have, plus speed on the floor, the better. At the end of the day, I’m a big fan of speed.”
The biggest downside is the potential problems it can cause when it comes to rebounding the basketball and limiting an opponent’s second-chance scoring opportunities.
But the promise of going small makes it a worthwhile endeavor in certain scenarios and situations.
In addition to added speed on the floor, going small also increases the number of ball-handlers in the game. Holding their own on the glass would not only prevent or limit second-chance opportunities, but it also creates a potential path towards getting more shots at the rim and in transition because of players on the floor who can rebound and immediately trigger a fast-break opportunity which could put a defense on its heels.
“I think that being able to put those guys (on the floor together), and spread people out and drive the ball … and then if you can just survive on the other end,” Stevens said. “It can be a good thing.”