Celtics Mailbag: Daniel Theis, buyout options, Jaylen Brown fit

The Celtics have won four games in a row in the midst of a four-game road trip away from Boston. Let’s jump into some big performances from players across the roster in this week’s mailbag along with some trade and buyout questions. If you have questions about the Celtics or NBA, free agency or more email brobb@masslive.com or tweet @briantrobb

Is the biggest concern for this team Jaylen Brown’s ability to successfully fit into a high level offense? Matt, Somerville

Jaylen hasn’t had the best start to the season while adapting to a new starting five but I think it’s overstating it just a bit by labeling his fit a concern into a high level offense. The Celtics have been elite for several years offensively with Brown playing a big role and while he does have his weaknesses (passing, ball handling), his efficiency has improved almost every season even as his role has grown.

I do think an area worth watching with him now is just how much he’s willing to be pickier about his shot selection and avoid the isolation game. His shots per game are only down by two compared to last year and that’s probably a number that should dip further to give Porzingis and Holiday more/better looks given their efficiency. The more he’s willing to do that, the more well-rounded Boston’s offense will become.

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In the playoffs, do u think Joe is gonna wanna close out with KP or Al(barring injuries)? Al is more proven but KP can blow away a mismatch. — Cus

I think Porzingis is going to be the default option but Mazzulla will likely need to have a quick hook depending on the situational matchup. There are certain opponents (76ers, Bucks) where Horford will be the clear cut better option. Otherwise, Porzingis’ impact on the offensive end should be enough to outweigh his defensive limitations. Boston may end up going offense/defense with the two of them in certain games but I think this will be a game-by-game situation as the postseason wears on. Mixing and matching is probably the best way to ensure they could sustain their health fo the long haul.

Who is a realistic buyout option for the Celtics now that Theis is seemingly going to the Clippers? — CJP

I certainly did not expect the Theis dream to die this quickly but it’s good to see the big man get a chance for serious minutes in an LA frontcourt who has no one with size right now beyond Ivaca Zubac. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Celtics made an inquiry on the big man for the veteran’s minimum but they do not have the minutes to offer right now like the Clippers do off the bench.

As far as buyout options go for this season, it’s hard to really gauge that at the point. There are some obvious lottery teams (Washington, Charlotte, Portland, San Antonio) that may have some veterans become available after the trade deadline but a lot of those guys could simply be dealt before then. Guys like Joe Harris, Monte Morris, Alec Burks, Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala are all on expiring deals. The latter two would not be eligible to sign with Boston though if they were bought out