Boston Celtics: Final Preseason Grades
By Andrew Fine
Oct 19, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson (90) reacts after being called for a foul against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Evan Turner (B) 8.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.8 APG, 45.9 FG%
You know what you’re going to get with Evan Turner. He’s a stats stuffer who is an above-average passer and an effective consistent mid-range shooter. This preseason was no different. Turner, however, still cannot spread the floor (1/6 from three) and is an average defender. This season Turner will likely begin coming off the bench because of these limitations.
Kelly Olynyk (B) 7.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 46.2 FG%, 21.4 3PT%
Olynyk followed up his stellar performance as apart of Team Canada with a solid preseason for the Celtics. One of the main talking points this preseason about Olynyk is how he’s transformed himself as a player.
He’s made a conscious effort to improve his dribbling and to attack the basket more aggressively. He’s addressed his weaknesses in the offseason, but needs to increase his 3-point shooting percentage if he wants to join the ranks of the league’s elite shooting big men.
Amir Johnson (A-) 10.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 60.5 FG%
Amir Johnson has been one of Boston’s best pick-ups of the offseason. Johnson finished second on the team in scoring and led the team in field goal percentage (not including Levi Randolph’s perfect 100% on 1/1 shooting). His defense was great as anticipated (85.2 defensive rating) and he is one of the scrappiest players on the team. If the Celtics are lucky, Johnson will continue to stretch the floor with his famous “super-slow-mo” three-pointer.
Next: Most of the Starters