Out of the 34 games, White has started 27 times. Even if he ultimately slides back to the bench, White is one of the best assets on this team. He’s been just as good this season, providing a solid foundation for this team. White was a great addition last season in Boston’s NBA Finals run. White is one of two Celtics to play in all 34 games this season, the other being Hauser, and has transitioned back-and-forth between bench and starter nicely. Whether Williams gets back into the lineup, with perhaps even Al Horford transitioning to a bench role, White will continue to play an integral part. White proved that last season, coming off the bench or starting as needed. That’s because Derrick White is a nice, steady force in the lineup. It will be interesting to see if he’s inserted back into the lineup - or how soon - or if he ends up being a key player off the bench. Williams has appeared in four games since his return, averaging just under 18 minutes per game. He’s received good help from bench mate Grant Williams, with Sam Hauser, Blake Griffin, Noah Vonleh and the rest finding moments this season to contribute.Īn added aspect is the return of Robert Williams III. Brogdon is also in a bit of a slump from the 3-point range, connecting on only 3 of his last 13. Five of these games were 20 or more, with a season-high 25 in a victory over the Chicago Bulls.īrogdon has not reached 20 in a game in December and has only scored a combined 15 points in Boston’s last two games. Playing in 29 games this season, Brogdon has reached point totals in double figures 19 times. Boston Celtics: Malcolm Brogdon key to championship run Brogdon is bringing consistency, knocking down 43.7 percent from deep and 48.1 percent from the floor. His 13.6 points per game are third on the team and tops off the bench. As stars do, Antetokounmpo knocked down a few against Brogdon but he had to earn it.īrogdon has slid right into his role on this Boston team. Brogdon guarded Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo on occasion, forcing him into some difficult shots. Saw a lot of his versatility on defense in the victory on Christmas Day. Many on the bench, like those players in the starting lineup, can efficiently guard multiple positions.Īnd that begins with Malcolm Brogdon. Defensively, too, this roster has been built to maximize talent and skill. A nice mix of scorers and playmakers are thriving, with a contributing roster down through the 12th-man. Versatility on both ends of the court has allowed this bench to flourish. The bench aspect improved beginning in January of last season and has been even better in this season’s first 34 games. Fingers were crossed a player or two off the bench would step up, especially if a starter had an off night. Bench rising for Boston CelticsĪ few seasons back, the starting lineup for the Celtics was basically set in stone and carried the brunt of the workload. Being helped out by versatile bench players, allowing interchangeable lineups to play at their best, is a strong force driving the Celtics this season. They’ve upped their game even more this season and remain the focus of the Boston offense. The dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum (30.9 ppg) and Jaylen Brown (26.6 ppg) deserve a lot of the credit. But the Celtics had time to adapt and adjust and currently have the league’s best record at 24-10. Safe to say, heading into the new year, the expectation has proven to be true.Īn injury to Danilo Gallinari threw an initial wrench into plans. Heading into the 2022-23 NBA season, the Boston Celtics were primed to have the deepest roster the franchise has had in years.

Celtics team roster