How will Celtics' crowded big man rotation sort itself out?
Last season, the Boston Celtics had one of the thinnest frontcourts in basketball. Tyler Zeller was the only center, and, when healthy, Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk and Brandon Bass filled out the rest of their rotation for most of the season.
Jonas Jerebko entered at the trade deadline and added a more versatile three-point threat, but the team was still very dependent on guard play.
This year's Celtics look much different. All the players mentioned above are back in the fold (except Bass), and joining them is David Lee, Amir Johnson and rookie forward Jordan Mickey.
Who will get the bulk of the minutes? Celtics Blog's Kevin O'Connor has a look right here:
Nobody knows how things will shake out, except for Johnson presumably starting and being on the floor in crunch time.
Besides that, who knows who earns the most minutes? Sullinger and Olynyk are competing for time. Lee is in a contract year and will want to produce. Jerebko is still one of Stevens' favorite options.
And don't forget about Perry Jones, assuming he makes the final roster.
(h/t: Celtics Blog)
Tyler Zeller was as solid as ever last year, and could expand on his game as a mid-range shooter. Jared Sullinger could make a leap if he successfully improved his conditioning. Kelly Olynyk has developed in each season of his career and it's reasonable to expect another jump this year. It's unfair to expect rookie Jordan Mickey to factor into the rotation, at least early in the year. If he does, it's a bonus for the Celtics.
