Will Bass be starting on October 30?
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| "Man, I'm not going to get into all that stuff about starting, not starting" -Brandon Bass |
This comes at a time where there is a very vocal segment of the Celtics fanbase that wants Jared Sullinger to take over the position of starting power forward. He talks about how Sullinger is a good player, but he needs to first gain the veteran's trust before being thrust into the starting lineup.
He also humorously says it would be "cruel" to have Sullinger, in his first ever NBA game, match-up against Lebron James (who now plays as a hybrid PF/SF). Blakely is also correct when he mentions how experience will be key in this matchup, due to how well these two teams know each other. Bass's defense is the most important thing that I read however.
Bass really took strides in becoming a better defender once he got to Boston, and statistically, he ranks very well (allowing a mere 0.673 points per play, which ranked in the 95th percentile among NBA players, according to Synergy Sports data). Sullinger has a lot of defensive question marks, and his rebounding won't be as important against a mediocre rebounding team like the Heat (21st in rebounds per game last year). Overall Blakely brings up good points as to why Bass should start on October 30th. Don't worry though Sullinger fans, this won't close the door on him starting (obviously). But to get a W on opening day, Bass as the man on the court during tip off would be best.
What do you guys think? Sound off in the comments.
