celtics depth chart 2023

2 min read 28-02-2025

The Boston Celtics enter the 2023-2024 season with high expectations. After a strong regular season and a deep playoff run, they're looking to build on their success. Let's analyze their depth chart, position by position, examining strengths and potential weaknesses.

Point Guard

Starter: Jayson Tatum
Backup: Jaylen Brown

This position is a strength, with a combination of scoring and playmaking. Tatum and Brown are elite players capable of carrying the offensive load. However, the lack of a dedicated backup point guard could be a concern if injuries occur.

Shooting Guard

Starter: Jaylen Brown
Backup: Grant Williams

Brown is a proven scorer and defender at this position. Williams offers versatility, capable of playing multiple positions, but he’s not a natural shooting guard. The Celtics could benefit from adding another reliable shooting guard to provide depth.

Small Forward

Starter: Jayson Tatum
Backup: Sam Hauser

Tatum anchors this position, one of the best small forwards in the league. Hauser provides solid three-point shooting off the bench. Depth behind Tatum is a potential weakness; however, other players can fill in.

Power Forward

Starter: Al Horford
Backup: Robert Williams III

Horford provides veteran leadership, floor spacing, and defensive versatility. Robert Williams III brings elite rim protection and athleticism. This is a strong position, offering a potent combination of skill and athleticism. The Celtics' success hinges partly on Williams' health.

Center

Starter: Robert Williams III
Backup: Al Horford

This is another strong area for the Celtics. The combination of Williams' athleticism and Horford's experience creates a formidable frontcourt. Their complementary skills allow for flexibility in matchups. However, both are injury prone, creating a need for careful management of minutes.

Bench

The Celtics' bench is a key component of their success. Beyond the players mentioned above, they have a mix of young, developing players and veterans. Their ability to contribute consistently will be critical in deep playoff runs. Key bench players include:

Grant Williams: Versatile forward who can shoot and defend.
Malcolm Brogdon: Experienced guard who can score and run the offense.
Mike Muscala: Veteran center providing floor spacing.

Potential Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement

While the Celtics boast a talented roster, several areas could use strengthening:

Point Guard Depth: The lack of a dedicated backup point guard is a concern. An injury to either Tatum or Brown would severely impact the team’s offensive flow.
Shooting Guard Depth: Beyond Brown, the shooting guard position lacks consistent scoring and defensive options. A reliable backup is needed.
Injury Prone Frontcourt: The dependence on Horford and Williams’ health is a significant risk. Finding players who can provide adequate minutes if injuries occur is crucial.

Conclusion: A Contender, But With Questions

The Boston Celtics have the talent to contend for a championship. Their starting lineup is among the league's best, and they possess a solid bench. However, addressing depth concerns at point guard and shooting guard, and mitigating the injury risk to their frontcourt, are crucial for maximizing their potential this season. Their success will depend heavily on health and the contributions from their role players. Only time will tell if the Celtics can overcome these potential weaknesses and achieve their ultimate goal.