Report: Celtics leaning toward starting Al Horford at center

Al Horford is the Celtics’ best center, and he’s best at center.

But that was also true last season, when Boston primarily started Amir Johnson at center.

Many – myself included – expected Aron Baynes to start at center this season with Johnson joining the 76ers. The burlier Baynes could battle opposing starting centers, allowing Horford to avoid wear and tear. Horford could still finish close games at center, play far more minutes than the start and play the position more in the playoffs, as he did last season.

Alas, the Celtics apparently have a different plan.

Zach Lowe of ESPN:

I do think they’re going to start Horford at center, which is interesting. I think, organizationally, that’s the way they’re leaning.

This is the Celtics’ ticket to starting with their best lineup on the floor. They can now start three, rather than two, of Gordon Hayward, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Marcus Morris between Horford and Kyrie Irving.

Why the change from last year’s approach?

Perhaps, Boston wants to give its new players – 11 of 15 – a better chance of jelling in their optimal lineup construction. Maybe the Celtics just want to acclimate Horford to center as much as possible before he plays the position nearly exclusively in the playoffs.

Or maybe they’re simply not overthinking it.

Though I am concerned about Horford handling that load all season, Boston is clearly best in the short term this way.