Throughout the early season and when analyzing different rosters the Celtics floor spacing stands out. So far into the season, the Celtics floor spacing has worked wonders making Boston’s offense look unstoppable at certain points. The Celtics have the potential to be an all-time level three-point shooting team. Furthermore, the floor spacing and off-season acquisitions have benefited everyone on the Celtics.
The Celtics Historic Floor Spacing
Elite at Every Position
Since fully establishing this nucleus with the acquisitions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday Boston’s elite play at each position has stood out to me. The Celtics starting five of Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Porzingis offers unprecedented floor spacing and three-point shooting. Elite positional play makes the Celtics extremely well-rounded. The all-around ability makes the Celtics a formidable contender and benefits their overall shooting. This paired with the Celtics starting five allows them to frequently run five-out. Similarly, both Boston’s starting five and bench ensures five shooters on the court for the majority of the game.
The Best Shooting Team Ever?
So far the Celtics have the best offensive Rtg in the league with an absurd 123 Rtg. The Celtics are also 3rd in three-point attempts and 7th in three-point percentage. Over the past few years offense has been on the rise and the record of the best offense is frequently being broken. The Celtics are currently on pace to break the offensive Rtg record of 119 set by the Kings last season. Given the Celtics’ elite floor spacing, starting lineup, and offensive weapons on the bench it’s not far-fetched for Boston to continue at this rate. Furthermore, the Celtics’ slew of elite shooters especially in the starting lineup gives them a strong chance to establish themselves as one of the best shooting teams of all time.
Jayson Tatum’s Finishing
As a result of Boston’s increased floor spacing Tatum is having a career-best year. Through five games Tatum is averaging an efficient 30 points a game with 8 rebounds and 3 assists to boot. Tatum’s scoring and scoring efficiency are at an all-time high in part due to Boston’s incredible floor spacing. The biggest way this spacing benefits Tatum is his finishing abilities. Since he has more space to operate and drive Tatum is shooting a career-best 55% at the rim. Compared to a career and last season average of 46%. As a result, Tatum is at the center of the early season MVP race. Ultimately Tatum’s now elite-level fishing opens the game for the Celtics offense and gives them even more ways to score. This increased rim pressure paired with elite spacing has taken Boston’s offense to another level.
The Value of Kristaps Porzingis
Now that we’ve outlined why Boston’s spacing is so incredible. It’s important to acknowledge the main reason why the floor spacing works so well: Kristaps Porzingis. After a surprising off-season trade, Porzingis has fit like a glove on both sides. Specifically focusing on the offensive impact. Porzingis allows Boston to play with five floor-spacers at almost all times and increases lineup flexibility. Currently, Porzingis is averaging 19 points per game, shooting an impressive 42% from beyond the arc. Porzingis’ elite shooting ability raises the Celtics’ offensive production and upside. Furthermore, the pick-and-pop game has been an incredible source of offense for the Celtics. Ultimately, the presence of Porzingis has benefited the co-stars and makes the Celtics’ style work.
The Last Word
Ultimately the Celtics elite floor spacing and shooting gives them a clear identity. The Celtics have the perfect combination of star power, shooting, defense, and all-around excellence. This combination makes them a clear title contender. Furthermore, the increased floor spacing has benefited the Celtics stars.
