A two-big, Al Horford/Greg Monroe, frontcourt is worth a shot


In out Twitter poll, participants chose Greg Monroe over Thomas Robinson (59%-to-41%) to fill the Celtics final roster spot. Monroe is now on a 10-day contract with Boston. In his first stint with Boston in the 2017-18 season, Moose only saw limited action. That would change if Brad Stevens decides to experiment with an occasional two-big frontcourt of Al Horford and Greg.


Al is at his best at the power forward spot and Greg is an old fashion low-post center. Kendrick Perkins had a long career as a low-post guy - started 78 games in the Celtics 2007-08 Championship season - and averaged 24.5 MPG, 6.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.1 APG while shooting 62% on both field goals and free throws. Playing similar minutes (23.3 MPG) for Phoenix in the 2017-18 season, Moose averaged 11.3 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.5 APG, shooting 63% and 67% on field goals and free throws, respectively.


While not Kendrick's equal on the defensive end, overall Greg is the more-skilled player. Granted, Horford is not quite at the same talent level of Perkins front-court mate, Kevin Garnett, but Al's presence alongside Monroe might just work.


A Celtics-Pacers first-round matchup seems highly likely, and Boston meets Indiana twice prior to the post-season. There is little to lose during the remaining 8-game, regular season stretch. A starting lineup versus Indiana of Al, Greg, Gordon Hayward, Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart would be worth a shot.

Gordon is close to playoff-ready, and that unit encompasses great passing skills. I will be the first to admit it may not work - but it needs a chance. What do our readers think?

Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel and Facebook

Photo via Matt West/Boston Herald


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