The NBA postseason is finally here and the Boston Celtics will once again compete for a coveted 18th title. The Celtics are among the favorites to win it all this spring, but anything can happen in the playoffs.
Boston enters the postseason not just with two dynamo stars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but with one of the deepest supporting casts in the league as well. And indeed each year we see guys make their mark on the playoffs by stepping up exactly when their team needs them most. Sometimes its the right role player who ultimately tips the scales and can even decide a series.
With formidable series against teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers perhaps on the horizon, Boston will need strong performances up and down the roster. In order to identify the biggest x-factor for the Celtics these playoffs, Celtics Wire asked a few members of the media their thoughts. Here’s who Boston’s best basketball minds pegged as the key role players for the Celtics for the 2022-23 postseason.
Mike Gorman (NBC Sports Boston): Robert Williams III
“It’s probably going to be Williams. Rob Williams. You’ve got two guys named Williams, but Rob’s going to be the one who’s the x-factor.
He’s such a force inside, he’s such a great rim protector. He does all the things that we don’t have in anybody else. Without him, other teams go right to the basket with no fear. With him out there, they have to think twice.”
Sam Packard (The Athletic): Derrick White
“I believe it’s Derrick White. His ability to play offense and play defense are both pretty important for the Celtics.
The numbers with White on the court are pretty outrageous for Boston this year. The need him especially in the matchups with the Bucks and the Sixers where I think the Celtics may want to play small.”
Bobby Krivitsky (Sports Illustrated): Robert Williams III
“It’s undeniably Robert Williams. He fully changes their ceiling.
Even though he isn’t as much of a vertical threat, coach Mazzulla said the other day they’re trying to get him involved beyond being that lob threat. Williams getting more aggressive, attacking cross-matches is just another way he impacts this team. What he does defensively plus his impact on the other end of the floor is massive for this club’s potential.”
Josue Pavon (CLNS): Malcolm Brogdon
“I’ll say Malcolm Brogdon. He’s a guy they obviously didn’t have last year, but he’s an impact player who can finish games. He gives you something on both ends of the floor.
Having that production off the bench, I think goes a long way. If this team’s going to go to the NBA Finals, he’s that much more important with regard to late game execution and where this team needs to be mentally.”
Jack Simone (Celticsblog): Sam Hauser
In terms of picking an x-factor player who could come out of nowhere and win a game for Boston, it’s Sam Hauser.
His ability to get hot from deep is otherworldly, and if someone is struggling, Joe Mazzulla could throw Hauser in for a spark. If that happens, we could see a performance a la Grant Williams vs. Milwaukee in Game 7.
Justin Turpin (WEEI): Derrick White
“Derrick White. Derrick White!
He’s their best two-way player, and consistently their best two-way player. It’s gotta be Derrick White.”
Jared Weiss (The Athletic): Robert Williams III
“It’s ultimately about health for this team. All the talent is there. The system is in place, and they have the experience now. The only issue for the Celtics is whether they have every single weapon in the arsenal available, including Robert Williams.
We’ve hardly had a chance to see them with everyone in rhythm and at their full capacity. Two months of that and it’s easy to see the Celtics throwing a parade.”
Justin Quinn (Celtics Lab Podcast): Grant Williams
“The biggest x-factor is Grant Williams. The former Vol has proven himself capable of being a critical part of a playoff defense when he plays within the team needs, which he has not consistently done this season.
If he can be the player he’s been in the past for Boston, bank a win or two from that alone in the postseason.”
Adam Himmelsbach (Boston Globe): Robert Williams III
“I think the biggest x-factor for the Celtics is Robert Williams. Obviously his health has been a major storyline this season, but they’ve done a good job managing his minutes.
It’s just a matter of ramping him up a little bit and perhaps seeing the Rob we saw last season.”
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