I’m not sometimes a scorching takes type of man. My picks are comparatively simple and sane (exterior of March Insanity, after all), and I don’t typically have something too controversial to say on right here.

Effectively, I’m feeling slightly wild as we speak. I’ve received a proposition for you. You won’t prefer it. I’m positive I’ll hear you within the feedback in case you don’t. However, it is a weblog, and we’re allowed to have some enjoyable, so let’s have some enjoyable.

I suggest that the Celtics play Jayson Tatum on the 5. It could solely be in sure conditions (not commonly, don’t fear), and it might solely occur for a couple of minutes at a time.

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As a colleague identified in our CelticsBlog Slack, Boston has tried this, and it hasn’t labored, however I personally imagine it’s too small of a pattern measurement to actually decide if it’s efficient.

When you strive one thing a pair instances, you haven’t any concept if it truly has potential. When you strive it periodically, all through a protracted season, it could possibly be advantageous within the playoffs.

Earlier than I am going any additional, I do wish to add an necessary caveat: the Celtics ought to, on no account, do that towards Joel Embiid and the 76ers. OK, let’s proceed.

Let’s say the Celtics are down 8 to 12 factors, halfway by way of the third quarter, on the street towards a workforce just like the Knicks, Raptors or Bulls. They want a spark, and the opposite workforce doesn’t have an overwhelming heart.

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I say Joe Mazzulla goes with a lineup of Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, Jaylen Brown, Oshae Brissett and Jayson Tatum, or one thing alongside these traces.

Wait a minute, this man’s nuts. Effectively, possibly slightly, however hear me out earlier than you leap to any conclusions. Chances are you’ll suppose the Celtics can be outmatched defensively, and also you’d most likely be proper, however they’d additionally create critical matchup issues on the opposite finish.

With each participant between 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-8, the Celtics can swap nearly every thing. Keep in mind these Warriors lineups? I’m not calling these guys these guys, however there can be some similarities conceptually.

They might play free, quick, basically position-less basketball. If the opposite workforce scores, large whoop. Inbound it, push it and hit a 3 within the man’s face. Protection wins championships, however offense wins video games.

With Tatum on the 5, meaning a man like Isaiah Hartenstein, Jakob Poeltl or Nikola Vucevic would doubtless have to stay him. Good luck. They’re all expert gamers, however Tatum has a greater likelihood at persistently stopping them than they do of persistently stopping him.

If the opposite workforce goes double large, the Celtics have the sting speed-wise and athletically. If the opposite workforce tries to battle hearth with hearth, and goes small itself, likelihood is the Celtics are going to have the sting skill-wise.

As an opponent, it’s important to decide your poison. I repeat, the Celtics will hand over factors with this technique. However they’re going to attain a complete lot as effectively.

Plus, it’s not the worst factor for Tatum to play some inside protection. He’s not the identical gangly rookie who usually tried to keep away from contact when he entered the league. He’s a grown man, with critical muscle, and a perpetual chip on his shoulder despite the fact that he’s universally acknowledged as one of many faces of the NBA.

He’s additionally most likely the one participant ever who may be taller than his listed top. There’s no approach that dude’s not not less than 6-foot-9, if not 6-foot-10.

Battling among the many bushes for rebounds is wholesome. He may get some elbows and cuts alongside the best way, however so long as he retains preventing and doesn’t complain to the referee (not a assure), it’s good for him. Even Tatum must eat his greens.

Once more, I wish to repeat one closing time: this shouldn’t be used for lengthy stretches, and it shouldn’t be used towards sure opponents. However, on the proper second, towards the proper opponent and with the proper gamers round him, it’s so loopy it simply may work.