Ranking big man rotations around the league from elite to Boston

Over the previous two seasons, the Boston Celtics rostered one of the crucial proficient, versatile, and deep huge man rotations within the NBA. That’s, due to the second apron, not the case. The times of blending and matching elite shooters with monster shot blockers on the 5 spot are behind the Celtics.

Because it stands immediately, the Celtics mission to begin Neemias Queta, with not too long ago signed free agent Luka Garza and veteran Xavier Tillman coming off the bench. Don’t fret: I haven’t forgotten the proficient passing huge man Amari Williams, who the Celtics chosen with the forty sixth total decide within the 2025 NBA draft. As excited as some Celtics followers are by the upside of Amari Williams, this huge man rotation has the potential to single-handedly push the Celtics into the 2026 draft lottery — which I feel is Brad Stevens’ purpose.

Let’s begin with an sincere dialog concerning the huge males on the Celtics roster. Neemias Queta ought to already be seen as a developmental success for the Celtics entrance workplace. Anytime you possibly can take a two-way participant and switch them right into a rotational participant is a big win. I’ve by no means been excessive on Queta, however he proved me mistaken final season as he developed into a high quality fourth huge on a superb staff. He improved as an offensive rebounder whereas holding up in switches higher than I assumed was attainable.

And most significantly, Queta started to get a really feel for how you can course of the sport inside Joe Mazzulla’s offensive system, which manifested in making the appropriate reads within the brief roll considerably persistently. Alternatively, Queta nonetheless confronted vital struggles defending in drop protection, defensive rebounding, scoring the ball effectively, and setting efficient screens.

Sadly, the strides Queta made have been relative to his standing as a two-way participant. Whereas Queta’s capability to course of the sport has improved, he nonetheless doesn’t course of the sport anyplace near that of a high quality starter. These micro-improvements shall be rapidly forgotten as he’s thrust right into a beginning function for the Celtics. Neemias Queta absorbing the vast majority of the vacant 4,230 huge man minutes which are obtainable after the departure of Horford, Kornet, and Porzingis is the explanation the Celtics may discover themselves within the NBA draft lottery in 2026. This wouldn’t be the worst final result for the Boston Celtics throughout this era of retooling.

Luka Garza. A university basketball god who simply wants the chance to flourish within the NBA? Or, a university basketball god who joins a protracted checklist of school basketball gods whose abilities and bodily instruments don’t translate to the NBA? I’m betting on the latter. Garza is a woeful defender, each in drop protection and particularly when requested to defend in area. Offensively, he’s billed as a stretch huge, however he has shot 31% from three in his profession. I don’t view Garza as somebody who shall be within the NBA for lengthy, and I feel that giving him a second assured yr on his contract was a mistake by Brad Stevens. Though, I’ll admit after watching some Luka Garza tape from his time in Minnesota, if I squint, I can see the imaginative and prescient for him as a fluid offensive participant on the 5 spot. Garza has really feel for the sport and will match Brad Stevens’ imaginative and prescient of constructing out a roster of gamers who can course of the sport at a excessive degree. If Garza seems to be an precise shooter as an alternative of a theoretical shooter, he might need a profession within the NBA as a rotational huge man.

That brings us to Xavier Tillman. I don’t wish to be too arduous on Tillman, as I consider that his shortcomings final season had lots to do along with his lack of ability to get better from knee surgical procedure within the earlier offseason. Sadly, now we have no assure that Tillman will ever regain the restricted athleticism he had initially. Tillman’s worth was on the defensive finish, and particularly his capability to change onto perimeter gamers. Tillman couldn’t swap successfully final season. If that switchability is gone, then I don’t assume he has plus abilities on the NBA degree, given that he’s a subpar rebounder and rim protector. On offense, as a result of his restricted athleticism, Tillman struggles to complete across the rim successfully. After Tillman’s electrical three-pointer in Recreation 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals, he went on to shoot 5/32 from three final season. One plus ability Tillman possesses is his passing capability as a middle. The issue is that, with none scoring gravity, he’s hardly ever allowed to showcase his passing abilities.

The Celtics’ one hope within the huge man room hails from the UK: Amari Williams, the forty sixth decide within the 2025 NBA draft. Any time you’re hoping the forty sixth decide within the draft might be the very best participant at a place going right into a season, that tells you all the pieces that you must learn about that place group. That being stated, I really like Amari Williams. Electrical passer, improbable athlete, and an important rim protector in school. Why did he fall to the forty sixth decide within the draft if he can do all of that? Nicely, Amari struggled immensely with the semi-important ability of persistently placing the orange ball within the basket.

Now that we’ve coated that the Boston Celtics huge man rotation may trigger some issues subsequent season, let’s stack them up with the remainder of the league.

Tier 1 – Elite huge man rotation – no clarification required as to why these teams are superior to the Celtics huge man group

1) OKC Thunder – Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams

2) Denver Nuggets – Nikola Jokic, Jonas Valanciunas, DaRon Holmes II

3) Cleveland Cavaliers – Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Tristan Thompson

4) LA Clippers – Ivica Zubac, Brook Lopez, Trentyn Flowers

5) Houston Rockets – Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams, Clint Capela

6) Dallas Mavericks – Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Derrick Energetic

7) San Antonio Spurs – Victor Wembanyama, Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk, Bismack Biyambo

8) Minnesota Timberwolves – Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, Joan Beringer

9) Memphis Grizzlies – Jaren Jackson Jr, Zach Edey, Jock Landale

Tier 2 – Strong huge man rotation – Massive males rotations that in all probability don’t want an evidence as to why they’re higher than the Celtics group, however are getting a brief one anyway

10) New York Knicks – Karl Anthony Cities, Mitchell Robinson, Guerschon Yabusele

The Knicks group has its flaws; Cities and Yabu can battle defensively, Robinson is primarily a lob risk on offense and might’t shoot free throws. Nevertheless, this group is deep, explosive, and versatile.

11) Golden State Warriors – Draymond Inexperienced, Al Horford? Trayce Jackson Davis

Assuming Horford joins the Warriors, even of their superior age, Draymond and Horford would kind a potent two-way punch on the huge man spot.

12) Atlanta Hawks – Onyeka Okongwu, Kristaps Porzingis, Mouhamed Gueye

Celtics followers is perhaps acquainted with this subsequent sentence. If Kristaps Porzingis is wholesome, the Hawks can have the firepower and flexibility on the huge man spot to compete with anybody. Okongu gives a beautiful ground, even with KP’s well being issues

13) Miami Warmth – Bam Adebayo, Kel’el Ware, Nikola Jovic

Bam Adebayo continues to be one of many league’s greatest defenders, and Kel’el Ware had an electrical two-way rookie season. I nonetheless consider in Jovic.

14) Sacramento Kings – Damontis Sabonis, Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell

I’m not anticipating a lot from Raynaud and Cardwell, however Sabonis is a monster on the offensive finish. There are actually questions on protection right here, however he’s an All-NBA participant for a cause.

15) Philadelphia 76ers – Joel Embiid, Adem Bona, Johni Broome

The Sixers may find yourself with the final or the first-ranked centre spot, relying on Joel Embiid’s well being. So, I put them proper within the center. And don’t assume I haven’t observed Adem Bona has been cooking to begin summer season league.

Tier 3 – Beneath-average huge man rotations and why they nonetheless clear the Celtics group

16) Detroi Pistons – Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, Paul Reed

The Detroit Pistons are on the rise. Largely as a result of their burgeoning younger frontcourt pairing of Duren and Stewart. They aren’t excellent, however Duren continues to be so younger and was capable of maintain his personal in a fierce playoff collection towards the Knicks. Whereas Stewart got here on as a improbable rim protector. Plus, Paul Reed is a pleasant spark plug third huge. Reed is enjoying the function that Queta or Garza ought to be enjoying.

17) Orlando Magic – Wendell Carter, Goga Bitaze, Mo Wagner

This isn’t an inspiring group, however they get the job carried out and supply a wide range of seems to be. Wendell Carter is their swap possibility who can stretch the ground just a little bit, Goga is their rim-protecting lob risk, and Mo Wagner does just a little little bit of all the pieces whereas concurrently yelling at everybody.

18) Utah Jazz – Walker Kessler, Lauri Markkanen, Kyle Filipowski

Walker Kessler isn’t fairly nearly as good as some Celtics followers assume he’s. Nevertheless, he’s a improbable rim protector whereas additionally excelling at ending across the basket. One thing I can’t say concerning the Celtics huge males. Lauri, as a small ball 5, is an explosive look to have in your again pocket. I’m not promoting my Filipowski inventory.

19) Milwaukee Bucks – Myles Turner, Jericho Simms, Giannis Antetokounmpo/Bobby Portis/Kyle Kuzma

Earlier than the Myles Turner signing, the Bucks had a case for final on this checklist. Alas, we simply noticed Myles Turner begin at centre for a finals staff. Granted, if Turner had performed as much as expectations, the Pacers is perhaps holding the Larry O’B. The Bucks even have a Giannis on the 5 look that they need to lean on extra typically. Now, if we have been rating guard rotations, the Bucks may win the underside spot.

20) Toronto Raptors – Jakob Poeltl, Colin Castleton, Jonathan Mogbo

Celtics followers ought to know Jakob Poetl nonetheless has it. After he pummeled the Celtics to the tune of 35 factors and 12 rebounds final season. Poeltl is excellent.

21) New York Nets – Nic Claxton, Day’Ron Sharpe, Danny Wolfe

Claxton can’t make free throws, however he’s nonetheless an important rim protector, which is greater than we will say concerning the Celtics bigs. Sharpe is a pleasant backup with some upside, and Danny Wolfe tasks as a stable rotation huge within the NBA.

22) Portland Path Blazers – Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams, Yang Hansen, Duop Reath

Clingan is a beast across the rim on each ends. He has points guarding in area, however I anticipate him to have a superb second season. Rob Williams shall be superior within the 27 video games he performs. That’s all earlier than we get to Yang Hansen, the modern-day Invoice Walton. Folks neglect that we had the Nice Barrier Reath earlier than Dyson Daniels usurped the nickname.

Tier 4 – Neemias Queta or these guys

23) Phoenix Suns – Mark Williams, Khaman Maluach, Nick Richards, Bol Bol

On paper, I thought-about shifting the Suns as much as tier three. Nevertheless, the Hornets, who’ve their very own huge males issues, insisted on shifting off each Mark Williams and Nick Richards. Not precisely a ringing endorsement. Maluach is a rookie, so I’m not anticipating a lot from him this season, however I may see them shifting up a tier subsequent season as a result of his improvement. However on the finish of the day, Mark Williams and Maluach would in all probability begin for the Celtics this season.

24) LA Lakers – Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, Rui Hachimura

It’s arduous to know who would be the most pissed off with DeAndre Ayton subsequent season. JJ Reddick, Lebron James, and Luka Doncic are all good bets. My cash is on Reddick. Whereas Ayton is a maddening participant, who seemingly refuses to understand his full potential, he’s nonetheless able to supplying you with 15 factors and 10 rebounds an evening whereas offering a comparatively excessive ground on protection. Ayton would begin over Queta and Garza. Earlier than the Ayton signing, the Lakers would have been within the operating for the underside spot.

25) Indiana Pacers – Jay Huff, Isaiah Jackson, Tony Bradley

One other staff that will have been within the operating for final place earlier than their newest transaction. Jay Huff saved the Pacers from being in a hotly contested battle with the Celtics for final place. I really like Jay Huff. 80% of Myles Turner for 9% of the worth. Isaiah Jackson can also be a stable rotation huge who’s coming back from damage. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that Tony Bradley (my man, Tony B) had some playoff moments on the best way to the finals.

26) New Orleans Pelicans – Kevon Looney, Derik Queen, Yves Missi, Zion Williamson

Despite the fact that Kevon Looney performs like he’s 57, he’s nonetheless a participant who can get the soiled work carried out for you, he units glorious screens, and gobbles up rebounds for you. Sorry, Queta, Looney has you beat. To not point out the rebounding machine that’s Yves Missi. The Pelicans shouldn’t have traded an unprotected decide for Derik Queen, however he’ll in all probability be higher than all of our huge males by the tip of the season. Oh, and Zion may play 50 video games subsequent season.

27) Chicago Bulls – Nikola Vucevic, Zach Collins, Jalen Smith, Noa Essengue

Nikola Vucevic is previous his prime. Nevertheless, he did simply begin for a staff with half the expertise of the Boston Celtics and put up 19 factors and 10 rebounds on 61% true capturing. Plus, the Bulls simply drafted Noa Essengue with the twelfth decide within the draft. Essengue would have a case to begin for the Celtics.

28) Washington Wizards – Alex Sarr, Tristan Vukcevic

Even I, Alex Sarr’s primary detractor, can’t put him behind Neemias Queta. The defensive flashes have been there in his rookie season. The offensive was atrocious, he shot 39.4% from THE FIELD, however as we’ve coated, Queta’s offense is a piece in progress as effectively. Don’t neglect about previous buddy Kelly Olynyk, who nonetheless brings a uncommon ability set to the massive man spot.

29) Charlotte Hornets – Mason Plumlee, Moussa Diabate, Ryan Kalkbrenner

Plumlee stays a stable backup huge man and would match fairly properly into the short determination offense that the Celtics wish to function. Diabate confirmed some good flashes final season, and Ryan Kalkbrenner is billed as a high-floor centre prospect, whom the Celtics handed on.

30) Boston Celtics – Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, Xavier Tillman, Amari Williams

Want I say extra?

The Celtics have the worst huge man rotation within the NBA. Having such a obtrusive gap on the centre place may sink each the Celtics offense and protection. With out gamers to set efficient screens, stretch the ground, and make fast selections, the offense shall be caught within the mud. Defensively, Amari Williams, the forty sixth decide within the draft, is perhaps our greatest rim protector. Brad Stevens has constructed an inside-out Demise Star; as an alternative of the thermal exhaust port that’s hidden beneath the floor of the killing machine, which, if destroyed, triggers a sequence response that destroys your entire station. The exhaust port on the Boston Celtics is positioned in a really accessible spot with no pressure fields defending it. At first look, the Celtics roster seems to be able to competing for a playoff or Play-In spot in a weak Jap Convention. Then, you look just a little nearer and you’ll discover a obtrusive gap at an important place. Nevertheless, what seems to be a deadly roster flaw is perhaps the cleanest delicate reset the NBA has ever seen. Brad Stevens has carried out it once more.