Boston Celtics:
Offense: (111.7) 6th
Defense: (104.0) 3rd
Net: (plus +7.7) 2nd
Games Week 11 (3-0): Won vs. Hornets: 109-92, Hawks: 109-106, Bulls: 111-104
Games Week 12 (4 games): Mon at Wizards | Weds vs Spurs | Thurs at 76ers| Sat vs. Pelicans
Enes Kanter has his detractors and youtube video evidence from prior coaches (cough – OKC Thunder – head man, Billy Donovan) discussing his playability. But, on a team that holds the third best defense in the Association, he’s held his own.
Kanter serves as the stopgap in the reserve unit providing near double-double production of 9.1 points and 8.6 rebounds.
Still, the fact Brad Stevens has managed to make it work with an olio of frontcourt players is nothing short of miraculous.
The 6’8″ Daniel Theiss is starting, Robert Williams who shows promise has missed 16 games due to injury while Semi Ojeleye and Grant Wiliams (both 6’6″) offer small ball options and even the 6’3″ Marcus Smart has spent time guarding bigs.
To date, the Celts are making it work with most of their length on the wings and at forward but you have to wonder how long they can keep this up particularly when the 76ers highlighted the issues their lack of size up front creates.