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The Boston Celtics are reportedly leaning toward starting big man Al Horford, the lone remaining starter in the rotation, at the center spot, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe.
Horford, who signed with the Celtics in the offseason of 2016, has mainly played at his natural power forward spot as a stretch-four with a well-rounded post game.
“I do think they're going to start Horford at center, which is interesting,” Lowe said. “I think organizationally, that's the way they're leaning.”
The 31-year-old saw some time at center as part of coach Brad Stevens' small-ball lineup.
Now as a full-time center, Horford's ability to defend is expected to hold up at a beefy 6-foot-10 and 245 pounds, but his rebounding can likely take a hit with taller, lankier, more athletic competition at the position.
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His diverse scoring and elite-caliber playmaking at the position though, should give the Celtics a completely different and more dynamic look than last season.
Slotting Horford at center can likely mean that Marcus Morris — who came to Boston after defensive ace Avery Bradley was traded to the Detroit Pistons — giving Boston a reliable shooter at every position.
New arrivals Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward are expected to start at point guard and small forward, respectively — making the shooting guard the only starting job in question.
Both Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart have shown promise to fit the role, but are nowhere near the shooter that Bradley was for the team, making it an immediate issue to address during training camp and the preseason.
