The Boston Celtics will have several new starters this season, with power forward representing a significant question mark.
MassLive’s Brian Robb published his Celtics Mailbag on Friday and was asked, “Who should start at power forward this season?”
Robb explored several options for the Celtics’ starting power forward, including going small with Sam Hauser.
“The power forward starting spot is likely to be a key indicator of Joe Mazzulla’s approach to the season,” Robb wrote. “The team could go with an all-offense look and start Jaylen Brown/Sam Hauser at the forward spots, leaving the team looking quite vulnerable from a size and rebounding standpoint defensively (but very dynamic on offense)”
Hauser is listed at just under 6-foot-8, which is considered short for a power forward in today’s NBA. If the Celtics decide to start Hauser, the team might struggle with rebounding and face challenges on the defensive end.
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However, if the Celtics want a more defensive power forward instead of an offensive one, Robb suggests they could choose Chris Boucher to pair with center Neemias Queta.
“Going double bigs with Chris Boucher and Neemias Queta would be a way to shore up defensive size and rebounding concerns while still having some 3-point range to stretch the floor at power forward with Boucher,” Robb wrote.
Robb believes the Celtics will start Boucher, but he wouldn’t rule out Hauser, considering how Boston prefers to play offense.
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“Ultimately, the guess here is Boucher for now, but a case can be made for Hauser given his track record and how Mazzulla wants to play offensively,” Robb added.
Boucher signed a one-year, $3.3 million deal with Boston this summer and brings over eight years of NBA experience, averaging 8.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 407 games.
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