3 players who could break into Celtics starting lineup

No. 2 player who could break into Celtics starting five: Malcolm Brogdon

If the Celtics decide to pivot from two bigs to two guards, the more likely outcome is Malcolm Brogdon shedding his sixth man label and joining the primary unit. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year figures to play a prominent role in the Celtics’ offense either way, especially after the Smart trade.

There are lingering injury concerns with Brogdon, who the Celtics attempted to trade as part of the Porzingis deal before concerns over his medical information got in the way. The Celtics will need to insure Brogdon is healthy and consistently available before elevating him to a starting role, but Brogdon is basically the most overqualified reserve in the NBA.

Brogdon averaged 14.9 points and 3.7 assists on blistering .484/.444/.870 splits last season. He’s not the “traditional point guard” Boston fans clamor for, but he’s a highly competent ball-handler who doesn’t force the issue or rack up turnovers. He’s absolute money when surrounded by other playmakers, which allows him to set up shop behind the 3-point line and attack rotating defenses. Brogdon has one of the most bankable long-range shots in the NBA and a prolific floater game to counter overzealous closeouts.

Frankly, simple offensive and defensive balance favors Brogdon over Horford in the starting five. The Celtics have been fond of the two-big look in the past, but Porzingis is less switchable than Horford or Robert Williams. Plus, last season Derrick White spent ample time next to Smart in the backcourt to great effect.

Brogdon and White can handle enough of the table-setting duties to keep Tatum and Brown focused on their individual strengths. Plus, smaller lineups tend to lead to more favorable matchups for Boston’s star wings. The Celtics could struggle to find adequate minutes for Horford and Williams if both come off the bench, but that’s the sacrifice teams with absurd depth have to make.