The world is full of unsolvable problems: the Goldbach conjecture, the Riemann hypothesis, the chicken or the egg, how wireless chargers work. The Celtics also had an unsolvable problem, at least, until now. maybe.
The issue is related to Jason Tatum, but it also has nothing to do with him. The Celtics need to figure out how to play above-average basketball when Jayson Tatum is benched. With the addition of Kristaps Porzingis, Cs may finally have a solution.
This issue has plagued them for a very long time. Dating back to the 2019-2020 season where the Celtics had a Big 4 (of sorts) that included Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kemba Walker, and Gordon Hayward. Even the disbursement of talent and salary was not enough to solve this problem. Net Cs when Brown, Walker and Hayward shared the floor while Tatum sat? Not good -2.32. Overall, the Celtics were +10.24 with Tatum on the field and -0.5 with him on the field.
What about the unnamed season in 2020-21? Well, even in that awful coronavirus-ravaged season, the Celtics outscored opponents by 3.2 points per 100 possessions when Tatum played. And when it sat, they had a score of 2.0 points out of 100.
2021-22 is even tighter – +11.8 (!) with Tatum on the field and -2.6 when he was out. Last season was supposed to be the year he fixed it with Jaylen Brown at the All-NBA level, Malcolm Brogdon running the bench offense, and Derrick White shooting 40% from 3. Sure, we’re at least not terrible when Tatum sits right ? right?
Actually, yes, at least in the regular season. For the first time since Kyrie Irving was on the team, the Celtics had a positive rating when Jayson Tatum was on the bench. The Cs were +2.5 when Tatum sat out this season, in fact it was pretty good.
The main reason the Cs are positive is that the defense played at a rate that would effectively tie the #1 defense in the league, the Cavs, in defensive rating at 110.0 (it improved about 3 points per 100 possessions with Tatum off the ground). With Marcus Smart removed, it’s possible that number could drop, but let’s assume it doesn’t. But things get bleak without Tatum on the offensive side of the ball. ORTG dropped from 121.1 to 112.4, which would be good for 26th in the league this season.
All was well in the regular season. Then I hit the playoffs. The Celtics earned a positive net rating when no player on the team sat out the playoffs, except for one player: Jason Tatum. With Tatum off the ground in the qualifier, they were -3.2. Every team gets worse when their superstar sits down, but the Celtics are meant to be deep. What’s the point of investing in depth if it doesn’t pay off in the playoffs? In that 166th minute Jason Tatum was not on the floor, the Celtics had a net rating similar to the Indiana Pacers. Playoff games are won on the sidelines, and Tatum can swing for six to eight minutes. This is important when you’re as close as the Celtics are.
Enter Kristaps Porzingis.
The offense without Tatum in the regular season and playoffs would have been a disaster. Best way to fix that? easy crime. Porzingis is an easy walking 7’3″ button for offensive production.
Pick and pop is one of the most important versions for easy attack. When you’re running it with a guard who can get to the rim easily, like Jaylen Brown, he should open up threes for the big bang. Porzingis was a master at it in Washington.
The elite of adult shooting can make attacking very easy. KP being a 3pt knockout threat should take some of the pressure off JB to carry the load when Tatum sits out. pic.twitter.com/6zgcgWOH9L
– Wayne Spoony (@WSpooney) June 26, 2023
The passing game is another way for teams with senior players who are comfortable with the ball to exploit their attractiveness. As Al Horford aged and lost his attacking power, his effectiveness with deliveries diminished. Rob Williams shows flashes, but he’s still a bit too rough with the handle for it to work on a regular basis. This is not the case for KP, who can attack with a hand in any way you can imagine. he could hold it and drive; Hold it and shoot. flip it back over, set the screen and pop it; He left her and wrapped her tightly. These are all actions he can play without an elite playmaker and with two goalkeepers who rely on their scoring ability for effectiveness. It should work beautifully with Jaylen Brown and Malcolm Brogdon.
Perhaps most importantly, KP posted a career high 46.5% from 10- to 19-foot last season. While this is an ineffective shot into the void, it’s essential in the playoffs, especially against the Celtics’ staunchest foe: Miami territory. KP did his thing against Miami Region in the regular season, and I see no reason he couldn’t do it in the playoffs.
Porzingis shot 46.5% from 10-19 feet last year (really good!) on the large. Most of his damage occurred around the FT line and spanned the FT line. Really effective way to beat the area. Here he lights up Miami. pic.twitter.com/kXMRcLD6lu
– Wayne Spoony (@WSpooney) June 22, 2023
The Celtics have a problem that they need to solve if they are to raise the Banner 18, and it’s a problem that not many teams have ever figured out. Losing Marcus Smart really sucks, but Brad Stephens may have brought in a guy who can finally back up his Cs when Jayson Tatum sits out. Let’s all hope this is enough.