The Boston Celtics may be one of the top teams in the NBA this season, but there are still some looming questions surrounding the club. Chief among them, who will be the starting lineup for head coach Joe Mazzulla?
Bringing All-Stars Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to Boston was a major splash by the club’s front office, but it means Mazzulla is left putting together a starting group and rotation to maximize his team’s success and keep peace in the locker room. During Tuesday’s preseason action against the New York Knicks, Mazzulla opted to bring Al Horford off the bench. The coach praised his veteran big man following the game.
“He’s just kind of adjusting to that role,” Mazzulla explained. “Playing with the second unit in this game, I thought he did a great job.”
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“I think Al is the kind of guy where it really doesn’t matter what he does,” Mazzulla continued. “He’s going to be ready to play. He’s going do what’s best for the team.”
Horford, 37, has been in the NBA since the 2007-2008 season. In that time he’s started all but 10 games in his career. Even for a high-character guy like Horford, adopting a bench role could be a big adjustment.
The starting lineup will likely be fluid during the regular season, however, and Boston has the luxury of depth. That Horford excelled in a reserve spot doesn’t mean he won’t earn a number of starts this coming year.
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“Regardless of who’s starting or who’s not, Al is a critical piece to our team and in our locker room,” said Mazzulla.
Horford has been an integral piece for the Celtics for some time. Tuesday against the Knicks, he logged 8 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds while posting a team-high +17 on the evening.
“He seems to be the guy that always makes the right play on both ends of the floor, and we can’t take that for granted,” Mazzulla said.
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— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) October 17, 2023
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