Jayson Tatum at the 5: it’s so crazy, it just might work (in spurts)

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

Properly, I’m feeling a bit of wild right this moment. I’ve obtained a proposition for you. You may not prefer it. I’m positive I’ll hear you within the feedback when 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 will solely be in sure conditions (not usually, don’t fear), and it might solely occur for a couple of minutes at a time.

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 really decide if it’s efficient.

In case you strive one thing a pair occasions, you haven’t any thought if it truly has potential. In case you strive it periodically, all through an extended season, it might be advantageous within the playoffs.

Earlier than I’m going any additional, I do need to add an vital caveat: the Celtics ought to, in no way, do that towards Joel Embiid and the 76ers. OK, let’s proceed.

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

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 strains.

Wait a minute, this man’s nuts. Properly, possibly a bit of, however hear me out earlier than you soar to any conclusions. It’s possible you’ll suppose the Celtics could be outmatched defensively, and also you’d in all probability be proper, however they’d additionally create severe 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 could be some similarities conceptually.

They may play free, quick, primarily position-less basketball. If the opposite staff 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 staff goes double large, the Celtics have the sting speed-wise and athletically. If the opposite staff tries to struggle 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 choose your poison. I repeat, the Celtics will hand over factors with this technique. However they’re going to attain an entire lot as properly.

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

He’s additionally in all probability the one participant ever who may be taller than his listed peak. There’s no manner 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 need to repeat one ultimate 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 correct opponent and with the correct gamers round him, it’s so loopy it simply may work.