Boston Celtics: 3 storylines to watch during 2018-19 season

1. Will the Celtics bench continue their remarkable success?

It was a pleasant surprise to some last season to see the growth of some of the Celtics role players. Terry Rozier and Marcus Morris were inserted into starting roles due to injuries, and by all accounts far exceeded expectations.

Rozier filled in for Kyrie Irving quite well and really established that he could be a starting point guard in the league. His elite quickness and improved jumper really work in Brad Stevens system, and his on-court emotion made him develop into a terrific leader.

There was heavily speculated rumors that Rozier would be dealt in the offseason, but Danny Ainge is quite confident in the roster.

This is a good move, as it allows the Celtics to have one of the most dynamic benches and basketball, and means the team will never have that weak of a lineup out on the floor on one time. That is the fun part of having a great squad, and Rozier is only the start of it.

With the return of Gordon Hayward, Marcus Morris becomes the odd man out and is sent to the bench. Morris played very well last year, averaging around 14 points a game as a fourth or fifth option, and showing when needed he can get the ball in the basket. He is one of the more underrated players on the Celtics roster and will be a vital bench asset.

Marcus Smart is healthy and has a new contract, and looks to have a breakout campaign. His tenacious defense is never understated and provides a massive spark.

Smart’s scoring needs to be more consistent, but all and all he is the unsung leader of the team. It is amazing to see a player of Smart’s caliber in a primary bench role, but that speaks to the greatness of the Celtics roster.

Semi Ojeleye and Daniel Theis who were great on-ball defenders last year are now healthy and look to be key factors in the second unit. Ojeleye has been working on his jumper, and if he can become a decent scorer his playing time should skyrocket.

Theis may not have the ceiling of Ojeleye, but is a solid bench player and could realistically start on some ball clubs.

Going through this you can see the depth the Boston Celtics really have when about 8 to 9 guys would be viable starters in the NBA. The bench is completely loaded and should be one of the best in basketball.