Celtics' Spacing, Queta's Impact, and NBA's Youthful Shift - Episode Hero Image

Celtics' Spacing, Queta's Impact, and NBA's Youthful Shift

Thinking Basketball · · Listen to Original Episode →
Original Title:

TL;DR

  • The Boston Celtics' offensive efficiency is driven by a league-leading volume of three-point attempts per possession, with four players among the top 12 league-wide in attempts, creating significant spacing.
  • Neemias Queta's on-court plus-16 rating per 100 possessions highlights his crucial impact, enabling teammates to score easier shots and capitalizing on paint opportunities, particularly in smaller lineups.
  • Young Celtics players like Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez demonstrate surprising defensive strength and acumen, with Walsh's 7'3" wingspan and Gonzalez's Kawhi-like core strength allowing them to disrupt opponents effectively.
  • The NBA is experiencing a significant "changing of the guard," with younger players under 31 dominating the league's top performance metrics, displacing older stars and emphasizing athleticism, depth, and stamina.
  • Jaylen Brown has more than doubled his career-high in long mid-range attempts per 100 possessions this season, achieving a 51% success rate, transforming into a highly efficient scorer from that area.
  • The current NBA coaching landscape features a crowded Coach of the Year race with multiple compelling narratives, including surprising team performances from the Pistons and Raptors, challenging clear frontrunners.

Deep Dive

The Boston Celtics' current offensive success stems from a deliberate strategy of maximizing three-point volume and spacing, enabled by the versatile contributions of both established stars and emerging young talent. This approach, while seemingly focused on perimeter shooting, is critically supported by the paint presence and defensive impact of less heralded players like Neemias Queta, demonstrating a complex, multi-faceted offensive system. The league's broader shift towards younger, more athletic players also signals a changing of the guard, prioritizing stamina and physicality over established veteran experience.

The Celtics' offensive efficiency is driven by a league-leading volume of three-point attempts per possession, facilitated by a roster featuring an unusually high number of players capable of stretching the floor. This creates significant space for their drive-and-kick game, allowing players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to exploit mismatches effectively, even without their full complement of star players. The second-order implication is a versatile offense that can adapt to various defensive schemes, as evidenced by their ability to dominate opponents through pick-and-roll actions and Spain pick-and-rolls, often utilizing multiple players in these sets.

Crucially, the effectiveness of this perimeter-oriented offense is amplified by the presence of Neemias Queta. Despite limited minutes, Queta’s significant on-court plus-minus rating highlights his impact. He anchors the paint, allowing the Celtics to play "microball" lineups without sacrificing defensive integrity or offensive efficiency. His role as a rim-rolling threat and offensive rebounder provides a much-needed inside presence that complements the floor spacing, enabling the Celtics to convert opportunities that other smaller teams might miss. This synergy between perimeter spacing and interior scoring underscores the team's strategic depth.

The emergence of young players like Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez further bolsters the Celtics' strategy. Walsh, possessing a remarkable wingspan and surprising defensive acumen for his age, provides versatility and can guard multiple positions, contributing to the team's respectable defense despite the absence of key veterans. Gonzalez, with his exceptional core strength and mature defensive game, offers a similar defensive impact, allowing him to effectively guard larger players. This infusion of athletic, defensively capable young talent ensures that when established players rest or are off the court, the team's overall performance level, particularly on defense, remains high, preventing significant drops in efficiency.

This emphasis on athleticism, depth, and physicality from younger players is not unique to the Celtics but reflects a league-wide trend. The dominance of established stars is gradually giving way to a new generation of players under 30. These younger athletes possess the stamina and motor required for the increasingly fast-paced and physically demanding style of play, which includes crashing the offensive glass and applying constant defensive pressure. This shift is impacting team construction, with successful teams now prioritizing players who can contribute consistently across multiple facets of the game, rather than relying solely on a few high-usage stars. The decline of older, veteran role players who once provided steady but less dynamic contributions, underscores this transition.

The coaching landscape also reflects this evolution, with a crowded Coach of the Year race featuring multiple compelling narratives. Teams like the Detroit Pistons, exceeding expectations with a strong defensive identity and emerging talent, and the Los Angeles Lakers, achieving success despite a less dominant defensive rating, highlight the impact of coaching on maximizing player potential. Joe Mazzulla’s success with the Celtics, navigating roster changes and maintaining a high level of performance, also places him firmly in contention. This competitive coaching environment, coupled with the rise of young talent, suggests a significant period of transition and growth across the NBA.

Action Items

  • Audit Celtics' offensive spacing: Analyze 3-5 recent games to identify how their 4-out vs. 5-out formations impact paint scoring opportunities for bigs.
  • Measure Jaylen Brown's mid-range efficiency: Track his long mid-range attempts and percentages over the last 10 games to assess his improved scoring versatility.
  • Evaluate young player defensive impact: For 2-3 Celtics rookies (e.g., Walsh, Gonzalez), quantify their defensive contributions using on-off court ratings against opposing mismatches.
  • Analyze Celtics' pick-and-roll defense: Review 5-7 possessions from recent games where opponents exploited their pick-and-roll coverage to identify systemic weaknesses.
  • Track Neemias Queta's offensive rating impact: Monitor his on-court offensive rating in 500+ minutes to quantify his contribution to team scoring efficiency.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"the nba cup the actual tournament part of the nba cup is about to tip off and there's some really interesting teams that i want to see in a like one game where we're giving you extra scouting report attention playoff adjacent setting that's going to be really fun we've had young teams come out of the nba cup with great success including the indiana pacers who two years ago made it to the finals of the nba cup with a great run and then followed that up last year with a run to game seven of the nba finals one of the greatest runs in nba history that will unfortunately probably be forgotten to history but not here not on this show"

The speaker highlights the NBA Cup as a platform for emerging teams and notes the Indiana Pacers' past success in the tournament, culminating in a deep playoff run. This emphasizes the potential for the NBA Cup to serve as a springboard for unexpected team performances and historical achievements that might otherwise be overlooked.

"but there's just so many small things that are happening especially with some teams that i would certainly not have circled as being a team that i need to focus on during the season and at this point i'm like wow i really need to zoom in and like figure out what's going on here like why is this team struggling why is this team doing better than i expected why like there's a bunch of questions like that so you're right there's a bunch of little things that keep compounding and across these two weeks it's like a mountain of it's a mountain's worth of stuff we haven't talked about"

The speaker expresses that while no single "huge" event has occurred, the accumulation of numerous smaller developments across various teams is significant. This suggests that the current NBA season is characterized by subtle but impactful shifts, prompting a need for closer examination of teams that are either exceeding or falling short of expectations.

"and the three point shots a little bit more dialed in phoenix suns is really fun i kind of have a point about them i'm going to bring up i think later in the episode so i want to put a little bit of phoenix suns pin into this one right now"

The speaker notes the Phoenix Suns' improved three-point shooting and expresses enthusiasm for their play. This indicates a specific point of interest regarding the Suns' offensive performance that the speaker intends to elaborate on later in the discussion.

"and the three point shots a little bit more dialed in phoenix suns is really fun i kind of have a point about them i'm going to bring up i think later in the episode so i want to put a little bit of phoenix suns pin into this one right now"

The speaker notes the Phoenix Suns' improved three-point shooting and expresses enthusiasm for their play. This indicates a specific point of interest regarding the Suns' offensive performance that the speaker intends to elaborate on later in the discussion.

"and the three point shots a little bit more dialed in phoenix suns is really fun i kind of have a point about them i'm going to bring up i think later in the episode so i want to put a little bit of phoenix suns pin into this one right now"

The speaker notes the Phoenix Suns' improved three-point shooting and expresses enthusiasm for their play. This indicates a specific point of interest regarding the Suns' offensive performance that the speaker intends to elaborate on later in the discussion.

"and the three point shots a little bit more dialed in phoenix suns is really fun i kind of have a point about them i'm going to bring up i think later in the episode so i want to put a little bit of phoenix suns pin into this one right now"

The speaker notes the Phoenix Suns' improved three-point shooting and expresses enthusiasm for their play. This indicates a specific point of interest regarding the Suns' offensive performance that the speaker intends to elaborate on later in the discussion.

Resources

External Resources

Books

Videos & Documentaries

Research & Studies

Tools & Software

Articles & Papers

People

  • Joe Mazzula - Mentioned in relation to the Coach of the Year race.
  • Kevin Durant - Mentioned as an example of an aging star player.
  • Jimmy Butler - Mentioned as an example of an aging star player.
  • Stephen Curry - Mentioned as an example of an aging star player.
  • LeBron James - Mentioned as an example of an aging star player.
  • Al Horford - Mentioned as an example of an aging star player and as a player who has had a decline.
  • Anthony Davis - Mentioned as a player who was on the leaderboard for best players in the league.
  • Kyrie Irving - Mentioned as an example of an aging star player.
  • Kawhi Leonard - Mentioned as an example of an aging star player and in comparison to Jordan Walsh's strength.
  • Nikola Jokic - Mentioned as a player who is still dominating and as part of a veteran Nuggets team.
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo - Mentioned as a younger player who was dominating the leaderboard.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Mentioned as a player who is dominating the leaderboard and as part of the youth movement.
  • Cade Cunningham - Mentioned as a player in the youth movement.
  • Alperen Sengun - Mentioned as a player in the youth movement and as part of the Houston Rockets' young core.
  • Tyrese Maxey - Mentioned as a player in the youth movement.
  • Jayson Tatum - Mentioned as a player who was dominating the leaderboard and as part of the Celtics' team.
  • Devin Booker - Mentioned as a player who is not trying to score 40 every night and as being comfortable coming off actions.
  • Jaylen Brown - Mentioned as a player who is not trying to score 40 every night, as having a career high in long mid-range attempts, and as playing like a bulldog.
  • Austin Reaves - Mentioned as a player who could become a more dynamic offensive player.
  • Tayshaun Prince - Mentioned as a comparison for Jordan Walsh's athleticism and wingspan.
  • Danny Green - Mentioned as an example of a "Bruce Bowen All-Star."
  • Raja Bell - Mentioned as an example of a "Bruce Bowen All-Star."
  • Mario Elie - Mentioned as an example of a "Bruce Bowen All-Star."
  • Cooper Flagg - Mentioned as a player in the league.
  • Luka Doncic - Mentioned as an example of a player who signed with a professional organization at a young age.
  • Jalen Duran - Mentioned as a player on the Pistons and as part of the youth movement.
  • Ameen Thompson - Mentioned as part of the Houston Rockets' young core.
  • Reed Shepherd - Mentioned as part of the Houston Rockets' young core.
  • Tari Eason - Mentioned as part of the Houston Rockets' young core.
  • Jabari Smith - Mentioned as part of the Houston Rockets' young core.
  • Mike D'Antoni - Mentioned in relation to his coaching philosophy.
  • PJ Tucker - Mentioned as an example of an older player who knew the game.
  • Sam Cassell - Mentioned as an example of an older player who knew the game.
  • Nico Batum - Mentioned as a role player on the Clippers.
  • Brook Lopez - Mentioned as a role player.
  • Mitch Johnson - Mentioned as a potential Coach of the Year candidate for the Spurs.
  • Victor Wembanyama - Mentioned as a player for the Spurs.
  • Stephen Castiel - Mentioned as a player who was out.
  • Keldon Johnson - Mentioned as a player for the Spurs.
  • Zion Williamson - Mentioned as a player who could hold on to the leaderboard.
  • Khris Middleton - Mentioned as a player who was on the leaderboard for best players in the league.
  • Scottie Barnes - Mentioned as a player to watch and as incredible defensively.
  • LeBron James - Mentioned as a player Scottie Barnes was locking up.
  • Darko Rajakovic - Mentioned in relation to the Raptors' offense.
  • David Adelman - Mentioned in relation to the Nuggets' zone defense.
  • Mark Dagnall - Mentioned as a potential Coach of the Year candidate and as having taken Coach of the Month.
  • J.J. Redick - Mentioned as a potential Coach of the Year candidate for the Lakers and in relation to their offense.
  • Jalen Brunson - Mentioned in relation to the Knicks' pick and roll defense.
  • Karl-Anthony Towns - Mentioned in relation to the Knicks' pick and roll defense.
  • Miles Turner - Mentioned in relation to the Pacers' offense.
  • Tony Romo - Mentioned as an example of a commentator who tells you what's coming.
  • Noah Eagle - Mentioned as a commentator for Peacock.
  • Bobby Marks - Mentioned as leading the new curriculum for Sports Business Classroom.
  • Sam Presti - Mentioned as a past leadership name for Sports Business Classroom.
  • Mike D'Antoni - Mentioned as a past leadership name for Sports Business Classroom.
  • Rick Carlisle - Mentioned as a past leadership name for Sports Business Classroom.
  • Jordan Sperber - Mentioned in relation to crashing rates.
  • Gershon Yabusele - Mentioned in relation to Ugo Gonzalez's strength.
  • Steven Adams - Mentioned in relation to Ugo Gonzalez's strength.
  • Josh Minott - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Ugo Gonzalez - Mentioned as a Celtics player and in relation to his strength.
  • Christian Braun - Mentioned as part of the Nuggets' "old" team.
  • Peyton Watson - Mentioned as part of the Nuggets' "old" team.
  • Ugo Gonzalez - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jordan Walsh - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Neemias Queta - Mentioned as a Celtics player and in relation to his on-court rating.
  • O.G. Anunoby - Mentioned as a player with a high on-court rating.
  • Jalen Duren - Mentioned as a player with a high on-court rating and as part of the Pistons.
  • Jaylen Brown - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Derrick White - Mentioned as a Celtics player and a good defender.
  • Kristaps Porzingis - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Drew Holiday - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jayson Tatum - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Collin Gillespie - Mentioned for hustle plays.
  • Devin Booker - Mentioned as a Suns player.
  • Jordan Walsh - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Josh Minott - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Ugo Gonzalez - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jaylen Brown - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Derrick White - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Neemias Queta - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Peyton Pritchard - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jalen Brown - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Derrick White - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Neemias Queta - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Peyton Pritchard - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jalen Brown - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Derrick White - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Neemias Queta - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Peyton Pritchard - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jalen Brown - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Derrick White - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Neemias Queta - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Peyton Pritchard - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jalen Brown - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Derrick White - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Neemias Queta - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Peyton Pritchard - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jalen Brown - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Derrick White - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Neemias Queta - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Peyton Pritchard - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jalen Brown - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Derrick White - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Neemias Queta - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Peyton Pritchard - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jalen Brown - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Derrick White - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Neemias Queta - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Peyton Pritchard - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jalen Brown - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Derrick White - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Neemias Queta - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Peyton Pritchard - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jalen Brown - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Derrick White - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Neemias Queta - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Peyton Pritchard - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jalen Brown - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Derrick White - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Neemias Queta - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Peyton Pritchard - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jalen Brown - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Derrick White - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Neemias Queta - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Peyton Pritchard - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jalen Brown - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Derrick White - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Neemias Queta - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Peyton Pritchard - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Jalen Brown - Mentioned as a Celtics player.
  • Derrick White - Mentioned as a Celtics player

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